The countdown to the Shanghai Auto Show continues as
Karma Automotive has released new details about the 2020 Revero. Set to be
unveiled later this month, the significantly revised model will have a
completely redesigned electric powertrain which includes a more powerful
lithium-ion battery pack and a new “twin-motor rear drive module.” The company
declined to say how much power the electric motors produce, but said the car
will be able to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 4.5 seconds. This is
nearly a full second faster than its predecessor.
The electric powertrain isn’t the only thing that is
new as the 2020 Revero will also come equipped with a BMW-sourced TwinPower
Turbo three-cylinder engine that acts as a generator. Karma was coy on
specifics, but confirmed they have been working with BMW since 2015.
Little is known about the Karma’s engine, but the
BMW i8 has a 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder that produces 228 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It helps to give the model a
combined output of 369 hp and 568 Nm of torque.
Regardless of how much power the engine develops,
Karma Chief Technology Officer Bob Kruse said “BMW AG is a natural fit for
Karma’s luxury-tech focus because it is a proven technology leader renowned for
conceiving and delivering ground-breaking innovations.” The company also said
the partnership showcases how they embrace relationships with “like-minded
technology leaders to help spur innovation and speed-up product development.”
Besides the new powertrain, the 2020 Revero will
have an updated design with new fascias and restyled lighting units. The cabin
could also see some updates, but nothing is official as of yet. The Revero will be unveiled alongside
two different concepts and go on sale in the second half of the year.
