Karma Automotive begins prototype testing for supercar-capable E-Flex platform

A combination of attributes including 10,500 lb-ft (14,000 Nm) wheel torque, electronic torque vectoring and front and rear mounted dual electric motors will generate superior power and handling for the test vehicle.

Shortly after the announcement of Karma Automotive's all-electric high-performance E-Flex platform with supercar-capable architecture last month, Karma engineers have now begun testing the platform in an all-wheel drive (AWD) performance EV prototype vehicle.

Equipped with Karma's racing-inspired E-Flex platform suitable for both road and track day applications, the AWD performance prototype aims to achieve 1,100 HP, the company said in a release.

A combination of attributes including 10,500 lb-ft (14,000 Nm) wheel torque, electronic torque vectoring and front and rear mounted dual electric motors will generate superior power and handling for the test vehicle.

Front and rear dual electric motors and a flat-floor 120 kWh battery provide the prototype with optimal near 50/50 weight distribution and up to 400 miles of all-electric range. The AWD performance prototype's electric motors already have over a million miles of testing in Karma's current product, the award-winning luxury electric 2020 Revero GT.

Dynamic and static testing are part of Karma's comprehensive validation process to ensure the car will meet customer and partner expectations and demands in global markets. Karma engineers recently conducted dynamic testing at California's exclusive Thermal Club race track, among other performance circuits and conditions.

"Physical prototype testing is an important landmark for Karma, and an exciting milestone for all involved," commented Kevin Zhang, Chief Technology Officer, Karma Automotive. "We aim to make sure the platform is capable of achieving leading standards in the supercar sector and is superior in every sense."

The prototype demonstrates Karma's vision for future products, in addition to showcasing mobility solutions available to other OEMs, startups and automakers who wish to develop their own all-electric high-performance vehicles.

Michael Jones, Karma's Sr. Director of Body & Chassis Engineering, who has begun the task of fine-tuning the new prototype, along with Karma's engineering team at the Thermal Club, stated, "The first time this prototype was on the track was a special moment. We've followed the development phase from ideation to creation of our E-Flex platform to testing in our prototype."

Karma's platform can be applied to both track day and street car iterations, while providing the instant torque, handling and sustainability of an all-electric vehicle. It can be retrofitted to existing products and developed for new electric supercar applications; both for Karma and prospective partners.