Experience-driven mobility
Karma Group not only creates soul-stirring luxury electric vehicles, but is a high-tech incubator for emerging technologies. Founded in 2014, Karma is reinventing the traditional retail-based automotive business model to create non-traditional value by opening its engineering, design, customization and manufacturing resources to other companies looking to speed product development, access new technology or make their products more luxurious. All of this here in Southern California.
At the recent Automobility Show in LA, the company unveiled two new products: the 2020 Revero GTS, a performance version of its current 2020 Revero GT; and the SC2, a new concept car and evolution of the dramatic SC1 Vision Concept unveiled earlier this year.
The new 2020 Revero GTS has a completely reengineered all-electric powertrain and a more refined, more efficient three-cylinder range extender from a BMW-sourced turbocharged three-cylinder engine. The engine acts as a generator providing electricity for two rear-mounted electric motors. The two electric motors generate 536 HP and 560 ft-lbs. of torque. Electronic torque vectoring uses the GTS’ traction motors to provide improved performance, grip, handling and stability, and delivers industry-leading wheel torque. The GTS does zero to 60 seconds in 3.9 seconds compared to the 4.5 seconds of its predecessor GT. Top speed is electronically limited to 125 mph. The price of the new GTS Revero starts at $149,950 and has been handcrafted at the $100-million-dollar Innovation & Customization Center located in Moreno Valley, Calif.
Not all the changes are related to performance. The GTS also gets a steering wheel with haptic controls and a 570-watt Solo scope audio system developed in-house by Karma. On the outside, the GTS is differentiated from the GT by carbon fiber trim.
Andreas Thurner, former Rolls-Royce lead designer and recently appointed VP, Global Design and Architecture, introduced the Karma of tomorrow, the new SC2. A futuristic vision of driving for Southern California, the SC2 is a perfect harmony of design and functionality. The SC1 and the SC2 have been fundamentally conceptualized in the aerodynamics of the H1 Racer. It has a very low hood and a great overview. The SC2 is a coupe with scissor-style doors. It is a follow-on to the SC1 Roadster; which was designed by Italian design house Pininfarina.
The SC2 has a well-balanced center of gravity and is all about driving and performance. A hyper car designed in-house, it offers 1,100 hp and 0 to 60 seconds in 1.9 seconds. The front and rear mounted twin electric motors deliver 800 kW peak power, with 10,500 ft-lbs. of wheel torque. SC2 is equipped with 350 miles of pure electric range, carbon ceramic brakes, push rod operated racing suspension and a Karma torque vectoring gearbox. In addition, an ultrasonic dynamic regenerative panel gives SC2 high performance handling and hand braking. The result is a vehicle as adept at navigating the tight curves and adrenaline-inducing straights of California’s mountain, canyon and coastal regions as it is suited to stun Hollywood’s elite along Los Angeles’s famed Rodeo Drive.
Furthermore, Karma’s Drive and Play® Technology Integrates racing simulation and gaming experience into the SC2. Gaming enthusiasts can re-live their previous drives through simulated driving experiences in their own vehicles. A triple high definition camera under the windshield and frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar sensors, provide 360-degree capture of the car in motion, within a 3D environment. Simultaneously, SC2’s intelligent technology captures the entire driving experience in real-time: turns, braking, acceleration, light simulations, sounds, air temperature and audio playlist. After the drive, SC2’s adaptive laser projector replays the journey while the vehicle is parked, while a mounted smartphone acts as the cabin’s rear-view mirror; transforming SC2 into a driving simulator where the user can re-experience their drive and fine-tune their skills. Drivers can then share their Drive and Play® experience with others and stream drivers’ routes from around the world within their own vehicles, experiencing driving simulations at world-famous roads and racetracks.
“SC2 presents an optimistic and bold message about Karma’s future as we enthusiastically accept the challenge of elevating experience-driven mobility,” says Thurner. “In creating SC2, we have enhanced the thrill of the open road through connected, interactive patented technology, beyond that of a traditional high-performance luxury vehicle.”
Beyond its growing technology story, Karma’s current momentum is driven by the introduction of its 2020 Revero GT luxury electric vehicle. That will be followed by the new Karma global platform in 2021. Drivers of both vehicles will be supported by a rapidly increasing retail footprint.