Karma Automotive to unveil electric Super Coupe in hope to resurrect the brand

California's own Karma Automotive is making waves once more. Not long ago, the brand faced challenges that meant it virtually left the electric vehicle arena. Yet, with a change in leadership and a renewed focus, the Chinese-owned automaker is ready to reclaim its stake in the market.

Once upon a time, Karma was a renowned early EV maker, Fisker. Following Fisker's bankruptcy, Wanxiang Group of China procured its remnants in 2014. Thus, the Karma we know today was reborn from the Fisker model's ashes. Just two years later, they rolled out the Revero, a reincarnation of the Fisker Karma as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Ambitions ran high with plans for a Revero GT and a GS line, including the GS-6 PHEV and all-electric GS-e6. However, their dreams faltered as the GS-e6 never entered the production.

Fast forward a few years: amidst sporadic news, occasional tiffs with fellow startups, and a brief venture into the B2B market, Karma's promise of producing a battery electric vehicle (BEV) remained unrealized. Enter Marques McCammon, the company's new president as of this spring. He stepped in with an eagerness to shine the limelight back on Karma, and ambition to launch new models with flair.

McCammon, appreciating the genius behind the design of the 2017 Acura NSX supercar, wasted no time connecting with the artist responsible, Michelle Christensen. She recently joined Karma as the Vice President of Global Design. McCammon's directive was clear and challenging: recreate the magic she fashioned with the NSX and manifest it under the Karma brand - all within a daunting eight-month timeline.

Is Karma up to the challenge? Christensen remains optimistic, highlighting that designing exceptional, luxury vehicles typically spans years. However, the team's synergy and innovative approach with low-volume techniques have crafted a stellar representation of Karma's identity. She paints a picture of a flagship vehicle that is timeless, evoking visions of sleek, elongated, swift automobiles that can stand toe-to-toe with premier European brands.

Nicholas David, Senior Director of Design, chimed in with a teaser of his own. Historically, luxury vehicles tended to be somewhat restricted in space. But Karma's innovative designs have tackled this challenge, boasting interiors that are spacious and sophisticated, revealing intricate features only when necessary.

The official unveiling is slated for November 11 at the Wynn Concours in Las Vegas. The event promises insights into their lineup of BEVs, including a super coupe, and details on their aggressive roadmap for rolling out new vehicles from 2024 onward.

Although we only have one, fairly enigmatic picture for now - we can expect to see some form of the Karma SC2. This previously unveiled prototype was supposed to be powered by a 1,100 hp quad-motor powertrain. The SC2 was supposed to be capable of 0 to 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds and was to offer a rather decent 350 miles of range. It does sound a lot like a “Super Coupe” and it does look a lot like a “Super Coupe” - when it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck…

2024 won't just be significant for Karma because of their new releases. It marks their 10th anniversary. A decade in the industry will be commemorated with a year-long festivity, multiple vehicle debuts, and a rejuvenated brand campaign focused on promoting a greener future.

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