Skip advert
Advertisement

New Karma GT designed by Pininfarina revealed at Shanghai

The Pininfarina-penned Karma GT was joined by the Revero saloon and SC1 Vision concept on the brand's Shanghai stand

Karma Automotive teamed up with the Italian design house Pininfarina for this year’s Shanghai Auto Show, unleashing three new models which preview the brands’ short, mid, and long-term ambitions. The pair’s show stand features a low-slug two-door coupe, a next-generation Karma Revero saloon and a concept supercar called the Karma SC1 Vision.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Karma GT designed by Pininfarina previews Karma’s mid-term goals. Essentially, it’s a reworked version of the Karma Revero saloon, with fresh styling penned by the Italian styling house Pininfarina.

• Best electric cars to buy in 2019

The exterior has undergone a drastic design rethink with a more aggressive front bumper, restyled LED headlights, a pinched waistline, two fewer doors and a redesigned rear end.

Inside, the GT gets an updated, three-pronged steering wheel and re-trimmed, quilted upholstery, finished in white leather and burgundy piping. The dashboard is near identical to the Revero saloon, sharing the same mid-mounted infotainment screen and digital instrument binnacle.

No official details on the GT’s drivetrain have been announced but, seeing as the concept is based on the Karma Revero, we expect it will be powered by the same pair of rear-mounted electric motors, fed by a petrol range-extender. In the Revero, this system produces 398bhp and 1,330Nm of torque, allowing total maximum range of 300 miles.

Karma’s short-term ambitions were previewed by a refreshed version of the Revero saloon to Shanghai. The updated model claims a broader range of interior and exterior customisation options, as well as improved performance, courtesy of a new, BMW-sourced turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine.

The California-based firm’s stand was completed by the new Karma SC1 Vision Concept. This all-electric roadster prototype previews Karma’s long-term goals, providing a snapshot of its future design language and eventual move away from range-extender powertrains. A stand-out feature of the concept is its next-generation infotainment system, with support for 5G connectivity.

The Karma brand has already established itself in the US market, with plans to expand into Europe and the Middle East next year. Following that, the firm will branch out into the Chinese market by 2021.

Karma Automotive’s CEO, Dr. Lance Zhou commented: “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. Karma is ready to move forward with bold steps, a chapter we call our New Dawn.”

What are your thoughts on Karma and Pininfarina’s new GT car? Let us know in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

MG Cyber X could go on sale within two years as spiritual successor to Suzuki Jimny
MG Cyber X - front 3/4 Goodwood

MG Cyber X could go on sale within two years as spiritual successor to Suzuki Jimny

The chunky SUV could bring people to the brand who would otherwise never buy an MG, according to the UK planning boss
News
10 Jul 2025
Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
Leapmotor T03 set for radical redesign sooner than expected
Leapmotor T03 being driven in the UK - front tracking

Leapmotor T03 set for radical redesign sooner than expected

City car has only been on sale a matter of weeks, but plans are afoot to bring the design in line with rest of the range
News
25 Apr 2025
New Honda GT cars are the ultimate screenfest
Honda GT cars - front

New Honda GT cars are the ultimate screenfest

We counted no fewer than six screens on the dashboard of Honda’s new electric four-door
News
24 Apr 2025

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025