Karma Unveils Eximius 1, a 1,200 hp Track One-Off

Karma Automotive has shown the first of nine planned one-off cars, and it is no mild special. The Eximius 1 pairs a V8 with electric motors for a claimed output of about 1,200 hp.

2027 delivery, no price yet

The Eximius 1 is due to be delivered in 2027. Karma says it will not be built again. The company has not disclosed what it costs.

Where the 1,200 hp comes from

A 6.2-liter V8 is the heart of a series plug-in hybrid system. The engine contributes 550 hp and the electric motors 650 hp, which adds up to around 1,200 hp.

Karma claims the four-seater needs 2.7 seconds to reach 60 mph and can go beyond 200 mph.

The Gyesera, the road car this one is built from, recently switched from pure electric drive to a range extender and makes a combined 566 hp. The Eximius 1 more than doubles that figure.

Chassis and brakes

The car presumably sits on the aluminum spaceframe chassis that goes back to the Fisker days. Karma changed the handling hardware: Öhlins semi-active suspension, wider tracks, and carbon-ceramic brakes with two-piece slotted rotors.

The brakes sit behind 21-inch magnesium wheels.

Bodywork and cabin

The Gyesera replaced the Revero, which was itself a development of the 2011 Fisker Karma. Its greenhouse, roofline, lights and doors survive on the Eximius 1. The rest of the body is new.

Both bumpers are redesigned, with intakes and outlets and diagonal daytime running lights beside them. The hood is vented, the fenders are extended in carbon fiber and the side skirts are wider with fins. A diffuser works with a fixed spoiler at the back. Borealis Blue paint is combined with white graphics and bare carbon.

Four Recaro bucket seats are trimmed in Alcantara, in Borealis Blue and Moondust. The center console carries an emergency kill switch of the kind seen in motorsport, and a custom carbon racing helmet is fixed between the rear seats.

A program for nine clients

Karma describes the scheme as an ultra-exclusive bespoke program. Nine clients can each order a car with unique styling and mechanical changes.

CEO Marques McCammon said the Eximius 1 "began as a conversation with an elite client who loves their Karma Revero".

Our view

The program is a test of how much demand exists for hand-built, extreme versions of a small-volume car. The answer depends on what the next eight clients ask for and on what Karma charges, which is unknown for the first car. The unusual part is the powertrain: a series hybrid with a V8 is a far bigger step from the Gyesera's 566 hp than a trim package would be. Delivery in 2027 will show whether the claimed figures hold up.

Source: CarScoops