Karma Automotive Showcases 3 Exciting Models at the 2019 Auto Shanghai

author: Manish Kharinta   

The Karma Pininfarina GT coupe

California-based electric car startup Karma Automotive is showcasing three electrified models this week at the 2019 Auto Shanghai, one of China's biggest auto shows. The company believes that these new concept models represent what Karma is working to achieve in the future, as well as what the company is capable of building right now.

The three models include two futuristic concepts and one production car.

"This is the first major auto presence for Karma in China, and marks a significant moment by ushering in a new era for the company," said Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou. "Today, Karma is ready to move forward with bold steps, a chapter we call our New Dawn."

The production vehicle is the 2020 Karma Revero GT, which features a 1.5-liter 3 cylinder BMW sourced engine that powers the onboard electric generator to produce 535 HP and 550 ft lbs of torque. The Revero can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds.

Karma Automotive, which is owned by Chinese automotive supply company Wanxiang Group, is also working on a performance version of the Revero called the GTS, which will be added to the model's lineup at a later stage. The more powerful GTS can go from 0 to 60 mph is 3.9 seconds.

The electric automaker also revealed two concept cars, both of which were designed in collaboration with Italian design house Pininfarina.

First up we have the Pininfarina GT which is a two-door concept based on the Revero GT. Even with similar dimensions, this concept coupe distinguishes itself from the Revero with it's sporty your design, which features a long hood and a shorter rear overhang.

The Karma Revero

Pininfarina has put together a brand new design which now gets two small aerodynamic openings at the front, instead of the single large unit we find in the Revero PHEV. Even the headlamps get a new sleeker shape and are positioned much lower than the ones found on the plug-in hybrid.

Karma prides itself on the fact that this is the first time that Pininfarina has undertaken a collaborative project with the GT (Gran Turismo) designation, which is traditionally reserved for Pininfarina's most celebrated in-house creations.

The SC1 Vision concept concept depicts the company's future design language and previews "soon to come" customization options, which will be offered for the company's mass products. The concept features a seamless,  aerodynamic and sleek design that draws inspiration from the 1935 H-1 Racer aircraft and what the company calls "the geometry of the natural world."

The SC1 Vision concept

The concept car gets features like 5G connectivity for the new infotainment system, biometric identification and facial recognition system. 

Karma has not disclosed if the hybrid powertrain found in the Revero GT or an all-electric unit will propel these concept cars, but either should do justice to the beautiful Pinninfarina design.

This year's Auto Shanghai runs until April 25.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.