Corvette Fans Will ‘Feel Right at Home’ in the Karma GS-6, but SUV Drivers Will Hate It

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Some automakers aren’t as well known as giants like Chevrolet and Toyota. Karma Automotive is one of them. Yet some of its vehicles, including the GS-6, should be on your wishlist. There’s only one problem: Rumors swirled last year that Karma was headed for bankruptcy.

So, did Karma Automotive go belly-up?

2021 Karma GS-6 | Karma Automotive

Karma Automotive is the now-defunct Fisker Motors. It all began with Henrik Fisker, who designed the Fisker Karma. Believe it or not, Car and Driver reported the Fisker Karma was one of the first hybrids to hit the market, and Fisker produced 2,000 units before folding.

After that, the Chinese auto-parts supplier Wanxiang took over the company and changed the name to Karma Automotive in 2017. Fisker made a comeback and is now a separate company.

Despite the new name and new owners, no changes were made to the Fisker Karma, renamed the Karma Revero. Sticker prices were still too high and the interiors so small that even sports car lovers didn’t want to ride inside. Oh, and the electric car’s range was lackluster at best.

In fact, Car and Driver was less than pleased with the new Revero, stating, “We couldn’t get more than 24 to 28 miles of electric driving from its battery before its 260-hp turbocharged four-banger kicked on to extend the range, bleating like an angry goat while sucking down fuel like a mid-size SUV.”

Over the years, Karma slowly changed things, yet the Revero still hadn’t gained traction. The introduction of the GS-6, a luxury hybrid sedan heavily based on the Revero but with a much lower price, helped breathe new life into Karma.

But that wasn’t enough, and Karma was on the brink of bankruptcy in 2020.

However, the automaker’s fortunes changed when an undisclosed source forked over some much-needed funds, The Verge reported. And now Karma is back and coming out swinging with the 2021 Karma GS-6. 

The Karma GS-6 might feel familiar to Corvette fans

Sports cars aren’t for everyone. And they’re especially not for anyone who has grown accustomed to a higher driving position.

“The inches-off-the-ground seating position feels lower than ever, which may turn off folks who may have become acclimated to driving trucks and crossovers,” Car and Driver says of the Karma GS-6. “Once you’re in, the seating position and the view out the windshield will make owners of a C6 or C7 Corvette feel right at home.”

The GS-6 could be great for a weekend driver. But it could also be a daily driver, thanks to its four doors and low fuel costs. Either way, drivers used to riding up high might cringe at the thought of cowering to taller vehicles.

The 2021 Karma GS-6’s power, acceleration, and range

Though you might not have heard of it, the Karma GS-6 packs plenty of power. This plug-in hybrid can produce 536 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. Its Standard and Luxury models can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. But the GS-6 Sport gets a nearly 2.5-second speed boost for a 3.9-second split. 

Plus, it boasts excellent fuel economy and a fast-charging battery.

According to MotorTrend, the GS-6’s real-world range is closer to 80 miles, which is decent for a PHEV. It can’t compare to the Tesla Model 3’s 300-mile range, but PHEVs aren’t designed to go as far as EVs. The battery can fully charge in a mere four hours when hooked up to a standard Level 2 charger. If you use a DC fast charger, that time is sliced to 90 percent in 34 minutes. 

Given that the Karma GS-6 charges so fast, it’s perfect for anyone who isn’t sure they’re ready to go all-electric until more rural areas get charging stations. The GS-6 starts at $85,700. That’s still expensive, but this sports sedan is an attractive choice for those who can afford it.

RELATED: Fuel-Saver Flashback: Fisker Karma

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RV Recall Alert: Your Thor RV Might Lose Its Windows

by Gabrielle DeSantis

RV models have provided family fun and adventure for decades. But sometimes things can go wrong. It’s important to stay on top of any issues your RV model may potentially deal with. Right now, there’s an RV recall for Thor models that might lose their windows. 

2021 Thor Motor Coach Aria Interior | TMC

Are the windows falling out of your Thor RV?

According to RV Travel, Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is currently recalling certain models with potential problems with the window adhesive. Apparently, some 2019-2021 Aria, Challenger, Miramar, Outlaw, Palazzo, Tuscany, and Venetian RVs are equipped with Hehr 6400-series windows. 

In fact, there are reports that the adhesive that bonds the vented portion of the window may fail. If this happens, the windows can fall out or pop loose. According to Thor Motor Coach, this could result in injury or death and must be dealt with promptly. 

While this issue may not affect every Thor RV model, the risk is there. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises all owners to check up on their specific model to be sure that they have taken any necessary steps toward rectifying potential RV recall issues. However, the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline can also be reached at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) for more information. 

Here’s what Thor plans to do about the faulty window adhesive

If your Thor RV model is affected by this RV recall, then calling the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline is a great place to start. It’s also a good idea to contact your RV dealer to see if they have any information on the RV recall and whether or not you need to worry about your specific model. 

When you take your RV into the dealer because of problems with the window adhesive, the dealer will inspect the windows. If the vent needs to be replaced, those repairs should be done free of charge under the recall. If the windows look fine, then your dealer may ask you to keep an eye on the area after showing you what to look for.

Call your dealer if at any point you suspect that the adhesive of your Thor RV model vent windows is rendered ineffective. While this may seem like a small problem, the NHTSA has deemed it unsafe. 

When will Thor notify owners if their RV model has problems? 

Thor Challenger advertisement photo exterior view
Thor Challenger Motorhome Exterior | TMC

According to RV Travel, owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on September 8, 2021. If you own a Thor RV model, you can contact TMC by calling their customer service number 1-877-855-2867. 

Additionally, any RV owners that would like more information, the TMC’s recall number for this recall is RC000232. Using this number, owners can research the RV recall and its specifics.

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Exactly How Much Does It Cost to Wrap Your Car?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Your car’s paint is an expensive thing. Arguably, it’s one of the more expensive parts of your car to maintain. It’s also the most prone to damage. That’s exactly why some choose to wrap their car. If the word “wrap” conjures images of wrapped sandwiches and candy (or Tupac) you’re close. That’s effectively what a wrap does for your car. Just like that sandwich, it protects the goodies inside.

Your car’s size can affect cost

Even the pros use wraps | Jerry Markland via Getty Images

Now, estimating the cost of these isn’t an exact science. After all, I did just use the word “exact”. Even auto shops that do this kind of thing aren’t specific on their pricing. Frankly, it’s all about material use. The colorful protective shield that will eventually go over your car or truck costs money. Generally, the more of that material needed to cover your vehicle, the more things will cost. In essence, a Fiat 500 is going to be cheaper to wrap than a Cadillac Escalade.

Of course, there’s also the quality of materials to consider when wrapping your ride. You can go out and buy cheap carbon fiber-look vinyl decals and try yourself, but odds are that vinyl won’t hold up in the sun. That kind of defeats the purpose of protecting your paint doesn’t it? Overall, expect a clear wrap, or paint protection film as they’re often called, to cost less than the highest quality colored wrap designed to look just like paint.

Paint condition can hurt a car wrap

A man applies a pink vinyl wrap to a car
Some shops will disassemble a car to make the wrap fit better | Deposit Photos

Now that you’ve decided to wrap your car, there’s also the quality of the canvas you’ll be having “painted”. If your paint is fading, oxidized, or otherwise generally gross, odds are a wrap won’t stick very well. Think of it like this. If you peel a sticker off its backing and try and put it on your sock, how long will it be there for? Not very long. If you try the same thing on a window, it’ll be there till the death of our sun.

This principle applies to your paint. Rock chips, scuffs, dents, and scratches can all play a role in how well a wrap adheres to your ride. Often, a shop will fully detail your car before application. Honestly, if they don’t, you probably shouldn’t be letting them wrap your car. Speaking of shops, that brings me nicely to my final point.

You get what you pay for

A yellow-wrapped BMW coupe
Why wrap your car in a factory color? | Altan Gocher via Getty Images

The old adage “you get what you pay for” is absolutely true here. Both the quality of the wrap and the skill of the technician can affect the longevity of your wrap. In ideal circumstances, expect a wrap to last for three to five years. That’s assuming a clean car, no harsh winters, and a covered parking spot. As for pricing, it truly can vary. On average, you can expect to pay right around $3,000 for a solid wrap in your choice of color. A good wrap will help protect your paint, and won’t void any warranties. Just make sure you’re sure about the color first.

RELATED: These Are the Best Car Waxes to Make Your Paint Shine

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The 2021 Polaris Slingshot R Is a 3-Wheeled Jet Ski for the Road

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Whether they’re in cars or on the sidewalk, passers-by ask similar questions about the 2021 Polaris Slingshot R. “What is that?”; “how much does it cost?”; “do you need a motorcycle license to drive it?” That last inquiry is the key to understanding the Slingshot R’s appeal, but not necessarily in the way you might think. Because as it turns out, calling the Polaris Slingshot a three-wheeled motorcycle isn’t quite accurate. What it really is, is a wheeled version of a Jet Ski.

What’s the difference between the 2021 Polaris Slingshot R and the other Slingshots?

2021 Polaris Slingshot R side 3/4 | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

For 2021, the Polaris Slingshot R serves as the three-wheeler’s range-topping model. There’s a 2021-only R Limited Edition, too, but it’s mechanically identical to the ‘regular’ R. The only differences are some unique graphics, blacked-out badges, and lightweight aluminum wheels.

Besides its paint scheme, the biggest difference between the 2021 Polaris Slingshot R and the lower S and SL trims is under the hood. In 2020, the Slingshot ditched its GM-derived drivetrain for one designed in-house by Polaris. All Slingshots now have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but the R’s version is more powerful. Instead of 178 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque, the Slingshot R makes 203 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. That goes to the belt-driven rear wheel via either a five-speed manual or a five-speed ‘AutoDrive’ single-clutch automated manual transmission. And yes, it does have reverse.

The black cockpit of a blue-and-orange 2021 Polaris Slingshot R
2021 Polaris Slingshot R cockpit | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

That automated manual transmission, like the engine, is a Polaris design. And while it debuted in 2020, for 2021 it gets some software tweaks and paddle shifters, MotorTrend reports. The shifters are optional on the S and SL, but they’re standard on the Slingshot R.

Those shifters are just one of the otherwise optional features the 2021 Polaris Slingshot R gets as standard. Like the SL, it has a 7” center touchscreen, backup camera, Rockford Fosgate audio system, keyless start, and Bluetooth. However, the R also has turn-by-turn navigation, Apple CarPlay, and additional LED accent lighting.

All 2021 Polaris Slingshot models, though, have ABS, traction control, cruise control, stability control, LED lighting, hill-hold assist, and multiple driving modes as standard. Plus, multiple 12V and USB outlets. And for 2021, heated and ventilated seats are a stand-alone option. They, like the rest of the ‘interior,’ are weather-resistant, The Drive notes.

The 2021 Polaris Slingshot R isn’t a motorcycle or a car

Let’s get this out of the way ASAP: the 2021 Polaris Slingshot R doesn’t behave like a motorcycle.

For one, it’s wider than you think—the front’s “as wide as a sedan or SUV,” MT says. And while not enclosed by any means, the steel tubes, hood, seats, and body panels leave you feeling distinctly more secure and shrouded than on a bike. Plus, unlike on a motorcycle, I don’t have to wear earplugs when I’m going over 40 mph. Also, the Slingshot has a steering wheel, not handlebars.

But then, the Polaris Slingshot R also isn’t a car. Firstly, there’s no standard roof, nor A/C or heating. Secondly, “there’s no proper trunk,” The Drive points out. True, the lockable glovebox is somewhat spacious, and there are lockable storage bins behind the seats. But the bins are only big enough for a helmet or a backpack, not both. And even with traction control enabled, that rear tire can break traction easier than you might think. Ask me how I know.

But it’s grin-inducing fun

However, you don’t buy a Polaris Slingshot R, or any Slingshot or other three-wheeled vehicle, for practical reasons. Much like Jet Skis, people buy them because they’re fun. You can’t judge the Slingshot by the same standards as a car or a bike but on its own merits. Then, once you stop thinking about what the Slingshot R isn’t, you realize what it truly is. And what it is, The Drive says, is “a riot.”

While the 2021 Polaris Slingshot R is somewhat firm, “it’s surprisingly plush,” The Drive notes. And the payback is little to no body roll and sharp handling. It’s not a track car, but it makes for a fun canyon-carver “without the nervousness you might expect from a trike,” Roadshow reports. Taking it up and down a curving road will put a smile on your face.

In Comfort Mode, the steering is accurate and quick but a bit too light, which robs you of some confidence. It still delivers appreciable road feedback, though. The sportier Slingshot Mode, however, rectifies the weight issue completely. Like MT, I pretty much left the 2021 Polaris Slingshot R in Slingshot Mode all the time.

As I haven’t driven a pre-2020 Slingshot, I can’t say what the software tweaks changed to the automatic transmission. But while it’s not perfect, MT says it’s “among the best automated manuals on the market.” Upshifts are on the slow side, especially in Comfort Mode, which prioritizes smoothness over speed. Switching to Slingshot Mode solved this somewhat, but there was still a noticeable delay with the 1-2 upshift. It improved but didn’t disappear after about 10-15 minutes of driving, though, perhaps once the transmission warmed up. However, downshifts are always crisp, regardless of the driving mode. And I agree with The Drive and MT that using the metal paddles is both more fun and faster.

Should you buy a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R?

The rear 3/4 view of a blue-and-orange 2021 Polaris Slingshot R in a parking lot
2021 Polaris Slingshot R rear 3/4 | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

Being the range-topping model, the 2021 Polaris Slingshot R isn’t exactly cheap. A base manual S starts at $19,995; an R with Autodrive, meanwhile, starts at $33,299 before options. And most of its features are available as options on the SL. So, if you don’t want the extra horsepower, it’s not strictly necessary. But after driving for two weeks through a Chicagoland heatwave, I would recommend paying the extra $1200 for the heated and cooled seats.

To be sure, there are more practical sports cars, such as the Miata and the GR 86/BRZ. And if you want a three-wheeled motorcycle, there are Harley-Davidson trikes, Can-Am Spyders, and sidecar-equipped Urals. However, none of these behave quite like the Slingshot. And you can’t reach out and touch the pavement rushing past from a Miata’s seat.

‘Normal’ cars and bikes also don’t have the Slingshot’s street presence. I’ve never had a vehicle that attracted so much attention as the Slingshot R. People leaned out of cars and approached me in parking lots to ask me about it. One couple even snapped photos of it while it was parked in my driveway.

And while it’s not a great grocery-getter, the Slingshot is daily-drivable. The audio system is audible even at speed and the steering wheel controls are easy to use. And even if you’re not using the turn-by-turn feature, the navigation screen displays upcoming street names. Plus, shortly after I returned my press loaner, I encountered a Polaris Slingshot going down the highway during a thunderstorm with both occupants in full rain gear.

Buying a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R, then, isn’t a question of practicality. And if you were hoping to get a motorcycle-like experience, it’s not quite that, either. But then, people who buy Jet Skis don’t buy them because they’re like boats: they buy them because they’re Jet Skis.

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