Karma Ivara crossover previews expansion into new segment

Karma Automotive's product expansion could grow to include a utility vehicle that could be either an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid.

Karma describes the Ivara design study as a grand touring utility vehicle, or GT-UV. It would mark a significant addition to the brand's future lineup, which is to be comprised of the Revero plug-in hybrid sedan and two EVs: the Gyesera sedan and Kaveya coupe.

Karma President Marques McCammon in a statement said the Ivara is being developed as an EV or a plug-in hybrid, which the brand calls an energy-range extended vehicle.

"Karma Automotive can adapt its powertrains quickly and nimbly in response to the shifting demands of our clients and the marketplace, further ensuring our longevity and success," McCammon said in the statement.

The four-seat Ivara, part of the brand's Monterey Car Week showcase, shares design similarities to both the Kaveya and the Gyesera but in a higher riding and crossover-coupe like footprint.

In a nod to Karma's off-pavement intentions for the Ivara, the brand said the concept has a protective matte undertray with self-healing paint.

Karma didn't specify when the Ivara would launch, nor did it indicate what the vehicle's dimensions or range, in either powertrain, would be.

On Aug. 14, Karma said it was partnering with Intel to develop a software-defined vehicle architecture for future models including the Kaveya. Karma said if the Ivara goes into production that it would also use the software-defined vehicle architecture developed with Intel.

Karma confirmed that the updated Revero will go on sale in the fourth quarter with a production run of 150 vehicles. Revero pricing will be below $150,000, Karma said.