Karma Unleashes A One Off V8 Hybrid

A Radical Mechanical Departure

Karma Automotive has introduced a new bespoke vehicle program called Eximius, designed to accommodate clients who want far more than standard paint or interior trim. The first fruit of this initiative is the Eximius 1, a track focused machine that drops the usual turbocharged three-cylinder generator in favor of a massive 6.2-liter V8 engine. Paired with a plug-in series hybrid architecture, the combustion motor acts purely as a generator alongside a heavy battery pack. According to the company, the combined setup generates nearly 1,200 horsepower, split roughly between 550 horses from the V8 and over 600 from the electrical side.

Exotic Hardware and Track Focus

Performance figures released by the automaker sound like a dedicated supercar rather than a four-seat saloon. The machine relies on 21-inch magnesium center-lock wheels wrapped in carbon-ceramic brakes with slotted rotors, while handling duties fall to Öhlins semi-active suspension. The exterior is wrapped entirely in pre-impregnated carbon fiber panels, expanding the body width by nearly two inches to clear wider tracks, all finished in a striking Borealis Blue paint. Inside, occupants find four Recaro carbon-fiber bucket seats, a motorsport safety shutoff switch placed on the central tunnel, and a custom racing helmet fitted neatly between the rear seats.

Ownership and Scarcity Realities

With an estimated sprint from zero to sixty mph in 2.7 seconds and a top speed surpassing 200 mph, the Eximius 1 pushes the boundaries of what a custom build can achieve. Karma has not disclosed any pricing details for this initial creation, but the car will go directly to an unnamed commissioner when delivery takes place in 2027. Marques McCammon noted the scope of the project, stating that it deletes the word no from what is possible. While this machine remains a solitary statement, it arrives as the brand prepares to roll out broader series production models like the Gyesera and Amaris GT over the coming years.

The Bottom Line

For anyone watching the upper tier of custom manufacturing, this project shows how niche brands can leverage bespoke engineering for extreme performance outputs. Buyers looking at regular production models will find more standard hybrid layouts coming to dealerships soon, but the Eximius program proves that extreme mechanical overhauls remain an option for the deeply affluent.