Karma utilized the setting of this month’s 2024 Monterey Car Week to unveil the Ivara, a concept that highlights the brand’s first SUV.
This concept also represents a shift in approach whereby Karma will provide both electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
Karma characterizes the Ivara as a “grand touring utility vehicle,” and its design clearly indicates a vehicle better suited for highways than rugged terrains. The company stated this concept previews the fresh design ethos for the brand, especially at the front, which incorporates hidden headlights and lacks a traditional grille.
The planned production model is set for release by late 2027, and may initially be available as a plug-in hybrid, with an electric variant introduced later, based on the development of the EV market. The plug-in hybrid will employ a series hybrid configuration akin to what Karma presents in the Revero sedan.
Unlike a standard plug-in hybrid or a parallel plug-in hybrid, a series plug-in hybrid relies on its gasoline engine exclusively as a generator to recharge the battery when its capacity is low. The benefit lies in the ability to use a smaller battery while extending range through refueling.
Karma Ivara concept
Karma is a California-based firm that emerged from the remnants of the original Fisker Automotive. The company’s first model was the 2017 Revero, which was a significantly revamped iteration of the previous Fisker Karma series plug-in hybrid. Karma is now working on a third-generation Revero which is set to go on sale later this year, limited to 150 units, with an entry price below $150,000.
The third-generation Revero is equipped with dual electric motors at the rear axle producing a total of 536 hp, alongside a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-3 engine sourced from BMW positioned at the front, solely functioning as a generator for the battery. Karma estimates an electric range of 80 miles solely on battery power, and over 360 miles with the gasoline engine engaged.
Karma Gyesera
Karma is also gearing up for high-performance electric vehicles, including the Gyesera sedan and Kaveya sports car. The stylish sedan was unveiled in March during the 2024 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and was initially scheduled for this year. However, during an interview with Automotive News (subscription required) at the Ivara reveal, Karma chief Marques McCammon suggested modifications might be made to the Gyesera to align with the company’s series plug-in hybrid powertrain.
“We’ve paid attention to the market and are utilizing our adaptability,” he stated. “You’ll observe some adjustments in the Gyesera platform that will likely be positively received by the market.”
The Kaveya is slated for introduction in 2026 and is expected to deliver up to 1,000 hp from its electric drivetrain, according to Karma. The anticipated pricing will hover around $300,000.
During Monterey Car Week, Karma presented the Kaveya featuring its production-ready interior. The company also noted that the Kaveya will function as a software-defined vehicle (SDV), employing technology developed in collaboration with Intel. An SDV is essentially a vehicle designed to aid software and hardware updates via the cloud throughout its operational life.
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