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The All-New 2016 X-Model Karma (aka “KARMAX”)
As far as I know, there are no plans for a Model-X Karma. But just for grins, I was thinking about the only new car that would get me to trade in my cherished 2012, even if I had pay substantially more than its trade-in value a few years from now. In order of importance, here are the features I’d be looking for in the X-Model Karma:
1. A newly-designed serial powertrain that adds the electric battery to the ICE for a total output of 625 HP. This technology is available in other hybrid sports cars such as the McLaren P1, and upcoming Super Hybrids from Ferrari, Jaguar and Porsche. With lighter and more efficient batteries, 0-60 in under 5 seconds should be possible. I realize that the electronics, RDM, traction motors, etc., would have to be redesigned and ruggedized, but this is a marketing exercise and not an engineering exercise. (See below.)
2. With new battery technology coming online, an EV range of 100 miles and a charging time of 1-2 hours should be possible. Achieving 80% battery range in less an hour would be desirable. The Tesla and the Leaf both have similar quick charge capabilities, and the technology is only going to get better.
3. An upgraded center console with improved functionality, reliability, speech recognition, smartphone interfaces, and a front-facing camera.
4. A linear regen paddle switch that turns on the brake lights and causes the car to decelerate smoothly as long as the paddle is held down. When the switch is released, the brake lights go off and the car maintains its speed at that release point until either the brakes or accelerator are actuated. The Karma actually does some of this now if you use Hill mode and then cruise control (or vice versa), but it’s not intuitive. However, it does currently function down to 10 mph.
5. Rear seats that individually fold down to provide additional cargo space. The back of the rear seats would have a trunk-like lining and straps to secure luggage.
6. Some minor trim changes to distinguish the model year. A new grill, wheel options, additional interior/exterior colors, lighted steering wheel controls and perhaps a bit more wood trim are a few of the things that come to mind. However, if there were any major styling changes to the body like Jaguar has done to the original XK8, I would probably pass on the car and keep my classic Karma.
7. HOV eligibility in most states. This requires modifying or changing the ICE as the Volt has done.
8. A solar roof that at least operates the climate control system.
To get me to trade in my 2012, the 2016 Karma would not have to include all of the above – or even implemented as described – but I was thinking about mass market appeal. If this car were to make it into production, demand would first have to be demonstrated. Too many investors have lost too much money on the current Karma and they’re not going make the same mistake based on finger-in-the-wind market guestimates. I don’t know anything about car design or the 700 pages of government regulations that Henrik and his team had to follow to get the 2012 into production, but I do know something about Venture Capital investment. The current VC mantra is “Show me the market and then show me the idea.”
Someone else please chime in, but my gut says that if the 2016 Karma were able to attract at least 10,000 buyers annually, and if the base price were around $125K, it would be a serious and viable competitor to other luxury or sport hybrids. With minimum tooling changes to the existing profile, the Karmax could truly have it all: Styling, supercar performance, extra luggage room when needed, terrific economy, improved functionality and no range anxiety.
Would you trade in your 2012 for the Karmax? That would be an interesting data point for this marketing exercise.
As far as I know, there are no plans for a Model-X Karma. But just for grins, I was thinking about the only new car that would get me to trade in my cherished 2012, even if I had pay substantially more than its trade-in value a few years from now. In order of importance, here are the features I’d be looking for in the X-Model Karma:
1. A newly-designed serial powertrain that adds the electric battery to the ICE for a total output of 625 HP. This technology is available in other hybrid sports cars such as the McLaren P1, and upcoming Super Hybrids from Ferrari, Jaguar and Porsche. With lighter and more efficient batteries, 0-60 in under 5 seconds should be possible. I realize that the electronics, RDM, traction motors, etc., would have to be redesigned and ruggedized, but this is a marketing exercise and not an engineering exercise. (See below.)
2. With new battery technology coming online, an EV range of 100 miles and a charging time of 1-2 hours should be possible. Achieving 80% battery range in less an hour would be desirable. The Tesla and the Leaf both have similar quick charge capabilities, and the technology is only going to get better.
3. An upgraded center console with improved functionality, reliability, speech recognition, smartphone interfaces, and a front-facing camera.
4. A linear regen paddle switch that turns on the brake lights and causes the car to decelerate smoothly as long as the paddle is held down. When the switch is released, the brake lights go off and the car maintains its speed at that release point until either the brakes or accelerator are actuated. The Karma actually does some of this now if you use Hill mode and then cruise control (or vice versa), but it’s not intuitive. However, it does currently function down to 10 mph.
5. Rear seats that individually fold down to provide additional cargo space. The back of the rear seats would have a trunk-like lining and straps to secure luggage.
6. Some minor trim changes to distinguish the model year. A new grill, wheel options, additional interior/exterior colors, lighted steering wheel controls and perhaps a bit more wood trim are a few of the things that come to mind. However, if there were any major styling changes to the body like Jaguar has done to the original XK8, I would probably pass on the car and keep my classic Karma.
7. HOV eligibility in most states. This requires modifying or changing the ICE as the Volt has done.
8. A solar roof that at least operates the climate control system.
To get me to trade in my 2012, the 2016 Karma would not have to include all of the above – or even implemented as described – but I was thinking about mass market appeal. If this car were to make it into production, demand would first have to be demonstrated. Too many investors have lost too much money on the current Karma and they’re not going make the same mistake based on finger-in-the-wind market guestimates. I don’t know anything about car design or the 700 pages of government regulations that Henrik and his team had to follow to get the 2012 into production, but I do know something about Venture Capital investment. The current VC mantra is “Show me the market and then show me the idea.”
Someone else please chime in, but my gut says that if the 2016 Karma were able to attract at least 10,000 buyers annually, and if the base price were around $125K, it would be a serious and viable competitor to other luxury or sport hybrids. With minimum tooling changes to the existing profile, the Karmax could truly have it all: Styling, supercar performance, extra luggage room when needed, terrific economy, improved functionality and no range anxiety.
Would you trade in your 2012 for the Karmax? That would be an interesting data point for this marketing exercise.
i think it uses a very similar battery pack that is installed in our karma.
