Karma Eximius 1 swaps three cylinders for V8 hybrid power
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Karma Automotive has revealed a bespoke four-seat track car with a 6.2-litre V8 range extender and a claimed system output approaching 900kW.
Called the Eximius 1, the blue-and-white sedan made its debut at the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. It launches Karma’s new Eximius commissioning programme, which lets customers work directly with its designers and engineers on changes to bodywork, performance and powertrains.
This particular commission remains under development, with delivery to its unnamed owner planned for 2027.
The biggest change sits beneath the familiar four-door shape. In place of Karma’s usual three-cylinder range extender is a 6.2-litre V8, although the car retains a plug-in series-hybrid layout.
Karma says the Eximius 1 brings together the character of a performance-tuned V8 with the immediate response of electric propulsion. Its Plug-in Series Hybrid architecture combines an axial-flux generator and a high-output battery. That means the V8 helps generates electricity rather than driving the wheels mechanically. Karma quotes the overall system as producing nearly 900kW.
Claimed performance includes 0–97km/h in 2.7 seconds and an estimated top speed above 320km/h. Carbon-ceramic brakes and semi-active Öhlins suspension are intended to keep the performance manageable on a circuit.
The bodywork makes an equally emphatic statement. Wheelarch extensions add 50mm to the car’s width, while a substantial front splitter, large intakes, rear wing and diffuser dominate the exterior.
Exposed carbon fibre fades into Borealis Blue paint across the bonnet and front doors. White accents emphasise the aerodynamic additions, while 21-inch centre-lock magnesium wheels reduce unsprung and rotating mass. Twin exhaust outlets emerge behind the front wheel on the driver’s side.
Inside, the blue theme continues through Alcantara, Italian leather and tinted carbon fibre. Carbon-fibre Recaro bucket seats occupy the front, while the simplified centre console retains essential controls and an emergency kill switch.
The console extends between the rear occupants, where a custom-fitted carbon-fibre racing helmet is strapped into its own mount.
Personal touches include the number five displayed on the bodywork, which Karma says has particular significance to the commissioning customer.
Karma hasn’t disclosed the price or the owner’s identity. This exact specification will remain a one-off, although the Eximius programme opens the door to further individually commissioned cars with similarly extensive modifications.
