At the recent Las Vegas Concours, Karma Automotive offered a closer look at its approach to ultra-luxury automobiles, where individual expression, craftsmanship. and performance come together. Building vehicles in the hundreds rather than the thousands, the American manufacturer has carved out a position for clients looking for something beyond the familiar luxury formula.
Karma is now taking personalization a step further with Eximius, a new program that allows clients to rethink more than just the details. From changes to the car’s bodywork to its performance and powertrain, each project is developed in collaboration with Karma’s design team, resulting in a car that reflects the individual behind it.
The first is Eximius 1, a four-seat performance car developed specifically for the track. Currently in development with its commissioning client, whose identity has not been disclosed, the car is scheduled for delivery next year. Its plug-in series hybrid powertrain combines a 6.2-liter V8 with electric propulsion for a projected output of nearly 1,200 horsepower, comprising 550 horsepower from the combustion engine and 645 horsepower from the battery-powered electric system. Karma estimates a 0–60 mph time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed exceeding 200 mph. The mechanical package includes carbon-ceramic brakes with two-piece slotted rotors and Öhlins semi-active suspension.
The exterior is defined by its muscular proportions and extensive use of carbon fiber. Every panel, with the exception of the outer body surface, is constructed from prepreg carbon fiber, while extended wheel arches add 50 millimeters to the car’s overall width. The hood and front doors feature a technical fade, moving from glossy exposed carbon fiber into Karma’s Borealis Blue paint.
At the front, a carbon-fiber splitter sits below large side air intakes incorporating Karma’s Target Acquisition Lighting. Rotated 45 degrees, the lighting elements create a
distinctive “><” daytime running light graphic. The hood carries another defining detail: the Comet Line, inspired by Halley’s Comet as it crosses the evening sky. Its sweeping form widens toward the base of the windshield, while vents above the front fenders help release air pressure from the wheel housings.
Along the sides, Karma’s signature Backslash appears behind the front wheels, incorporating the number 5, a personal reference for the commissioning client. Satin-black 21-inch magnesium center-lock wheels reduce rotating and unsprung mass, while twin exhaust outlets behind the driver’s-side front wheel provide a glimpse of the powertrain beneath.
Inside, the carbon-fiber construction continues, balanced by blue Alcantara and Italian leather. Blue-tinted carbon fiber appears across the seats, flat-bottom steering wheel and doors, with all four doors finished in exposed carbon fiber and fitted with a single arm pad. The front Recaro carbon-fiber bucket seats combine blue Alcantara and blue Italian leather with Moondust Alcantara upper sections. Billet-machined aluminum pedals complete the driver’s area, reflecting the car’s track-focused intent.
The instrument panel is finished in glossy carbon fiber, with anodized billet-aluminum HVAC vents. The center console follows the same restrained approach, housing only the essentials: the PRND gear selector, window switches, key fob holder, and emergency kill switch. Extending into the rear compartment, it also provides a dedicated space for the client’s custom-fitted carbon-fiber racing helmet, secured by a center-latched strap matching the blue seat belts.
With Eximius 1, Karma is exploring a different interpretation of bespoke, one that extends well beyond the usual choices of materials, colors, and finishes. The result is a car shaped around the individual who commissioned it, with little likelihood of seeing another quite like it.
Let’s Build One.
