The Shanghai motor show saw US-based electric carmaker Karma Automotive reveal a new version of its Europe-bound Karma GT designed by Pininfarina hybrid sedan, along with a coupé version of the same, developed in conjunction with Italian design house Pininfarina.
The Chinese-backed Karma has also displayed a bold SC1 Vision Concept at the show. The SC1 is part of its three-car ‘new dawn’ product showcase which will launch the brand into the Chinese market and highlight its bold expansion plans.
The original Revero GT was so far only sold in the US. The model was launched in 2016 and was a heavily reworked version of the Fisker Karma. The new model is due to go into production later this year.
While the current version of the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid rival uses a 264hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder General Motors-developed engine, with twin electric motors, the new model is equipped with a BMW-developed unit, alongside a claimed ‘world-class electric drive system’.
Karma claims the new system produces a total output of around 535hp, with a 0-100kph time of 4.5sec. The unit will feature a 28kWh battery, which should allow for around 129km of electric-only range.
The new Karma GT designed by Pininfarina two-door coupé sits on the same platform as the new Revero, and will use the same powertrain, but features an extensively reworked body and interior developed in conjunction with Italian design house Pininfarina.
Karma noted that the new model marks the first time that Pininfarina has allowed its GT (Gran Turismo) designation to be used on a collaborative project. While the Revero GT and Karma Pininfarina GT are both near-production models, the SC1 Vision Concept unveiled at Shanghai is designed to showcase the firm’s future ambitions for a full-electric model.
The firm says the model is a full battery-electric vehicle that highlights Karma’s future design direction and a number of customisation options. It also features 5G connectivity and other ‘cutting-edge’ technology, including a new communication system that responds to touch, voice and eye commands.
Mahindra-owned Automobili Pininfarina took the wraps off its 1,926hp electric hypercar called the Batista just before the 2019 Geneva motor show. The model will be built in strictly limited numbers, and is expected to be followed a number of high-performance cars including performance SUVs.
Pininfarina has also styled the 1,926hp Battista electric hypercar for the Automobili Pininfarina manufacturer, which is also owned by Mahindra but runs as a separate concern.
Shanghai auto show 2019 image gallery