We’ve been hearing a lot about Karma Automotive the past few weeks. The company recently announced the Karma SC1 Vision Concept is debuting at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The SC1 Vision Concept is riding on a pure electric platform and signifies the future direction of Karma Automotive in design, engineering, and technology.
“Designed and engineered in less than 12 months, SC1 is a full battery electric vehicle that explores the brand’s striking design language and the innovative technology integration possible through our collaborative Open Platform strategy,” says Dr. Lance Zhou, Karma CEO. “The SC1 is a signpost to Karma’s future.”
The Karma SC1 Vision Concept is an elegant open-top grand tourer
Unlike conventional production models, concept cars are supposed to be ridiculous, futuristic, and striking to the eye. In that regard, the Karma SC1 Vision Concept ticks all the right boxes. The bold and sculpted body is further emphasized by size and length.
According to Karma, the SC1 Vision Concept draws inspiration from an H-1 aircraft. There’s a whole lot of length stretching from the front axle to the windscreen. It all looks crazy but strangely desirable. “The SC1 is thought-provoking — it conjures a new definition of luxury and style with distinct Karma DNA,” said Andreas Thurner, VP of Global Design and Architecture at Karma. “The SC1 Vision draws its inspiration from Karma’s pioneering spirit.”
It has winged doors
What’s a surefire way to make a concept car stand out? Why, give it some winged doors, of course! The Karma SC1 Vision Concept has a pair of large and striking doors that gently rise up and forward over the front wheels. Having humongous articulating hinged doors is not the cheapest and most practical way to build a new car, but it sure looks awesome.
The Karma SC1 Vision Concept is an autonomous vehicle
Karma says the Vision SC1 Concept makes good use of six Lidar sensors, eight radars, and six external cameras to deliver fully autonomous driving capabilities. The system utilizes a new infotainment architecture boasting 5G connectivity and what Karma calls a humanized communications system with touch, voice, eye, and graphical interfaces.
Artificial Intelligence is standard
Karma says the SC1 Vision Concept is equipped with advanced artificial intelligence that understands conventional language and commands. The system utilizes a camera-based eye-tracking system that automatically recognizes both driver and passenger via biometric identification. The A.I. also comes with an eye-tracking system to constantly monitor the driver’s eyes during travel – including the irises, eyelids, and eye gaze.
Once the system detects the driver is tired or distracted, the A.I. has the option to take control of the driving duties. Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the future! The company also says the interior has the ability to display points of interests and cityscape locations in augmented reality for a more immersive experience.
It’s an orange car
What is it with orange cars nowadays? It seems every automaker is riding the orange bandwagon including the Karma SC1 Vision Concept. Actually, the SC1 is wearing a one-off fluorescent orange paint scheme infused with minuscule flakes of violet mica to mimic the color of sunset.
If the exterior is all crazy and eye-searing, the opposite holds true for the interior. The Karma SC1 Vision Concept’s cabin design is surprisingly restrained, and that’s the whole point of autonomy – keep everything simple and clean while minimizing distractions. Darker pallets of black and deep indigo dominate every nook and cranny of the car while the stratified design of the dashboard and center console offers a multi-dimensional in-cabin experience, says Karma.
The Karma SC1 Vision Concept is on full display on the Concept Lawn at Pebble Beach. The company will also showcase the Karma GT by Pininfarina starting August 15. Meanwhile, interested buyers and guests will have the chance to test drive the much-anticipated Karma Revero GT at the event.