Thanks to modern computer controls, it’s possible to change the behavior and functionality of a car without ever turning a wrench.
Software modifications can help owners alter their cars’ performance in ways the manufacturers never intended.
Recently, it came to light that BMW i3 REx owners were “coding” their cars, adding features not available from the factory.
DON’T MISS: BMW i3 REx Electric Car: ‘Coding’ Unlocks Features Owners Want (And May Void Warranty)
Now it seems that Fisker Karma owners can do something similar with their cars.
A prototype aftermarket control module includes the capability to add driving modes to the Karma, according to posts on the Fisker Buzz forum.
As configured by Fisker back in 2012, the Karma included efficiency-focused “stealth” and performance-oriented “sport modes,” plus a “hill” feature that dials up regenerative braking, to take advantage of steep descents.
2012 Fisker Karma + Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainer, Hollister Municipal Airport, CA [by Refael Azi]However, the modified version has four distinct driving modes.
These include “EV” mode, which depletes the battery, “stealth,” which now holds the battery at a preset state of charge, and “ER” mode, which uses the internal-combustion engine to recharge the battery to 90-percent capacity.
There’s also a reprogrammed “sport” mode, which draws the battery down to 60 percent capacity. The poster said more aggressive tuning–allowing battery capacity to drop to 15 percent–is also possible.
ALSO SEE: New Fisker Targets Mid-2016 For U.S. Production Of Luxury Plug-In Hybrid
This alteration does not appear to be endorsed by Fisker, and apparently requires professional installation of some physical hardware components.
Another modification detailed on Fisker Buzz removes restrictions on the way the internal-combustion engine is used to charge the battery pack.
This allows a car to regain significant amounts of range while idling or on the move, the modification’s creator claims.
2012 Fisker Karma + Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainer, Hollister Municipal Airport, CA [by Refael Azi]According to the poster, the main benefits of this would stem from keeping the battery at a higher state of charge more of the time.
This is supposed to allow drivers to access greater performance, or to use the all-electric mode more strategically by, for example, saving battery power for stop-and-go city traffic.
All of these tweaks are intended to be applied to existing Karmas, built during the initial production run.
But as Fisker looks to relaunch this luxury sedan, it will likely make some tweaks of its own.
Fisker owner Wanxiang previously said that it had identified about 250 “bugs” that needed to be addressed before production could resume.
That is expected to begin next year at a new plant in Moreno Valley, California, although Fisker has been light on other details.
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