BMW to supply resurrected Karma Automotive with powertrains

Jason · 11-12-2015, 07:16 PM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

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Karma Automotive Signs Supply Agreement With BMW

COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Karma Automotive announced today that BMW has agreed to be a supplier in ensuring their vehicles are built with the highest quality automotive parts. BMW will supply Karma Automotive with their latest powertrain components, including high voltage battery charging systems and a wide range of hybrid and EV systems.

Throughout automotive history, BMW has been globally recognized for engineering and manufacturing world-class products. They are a proven technology leader and renowned for conceiving and delivering groundbreaking innovations.

Karma Automotive will integrate the first BMW components into its plug-in hybrid flagship vehicle, which will re-launch in 2016. The next generation of vehicles already in development will utilize more of BMW's powertrain technology.

"The Wanxiang Group is giving Karma Automotive the opportunity to bring a stunning car back to the market, and the partnership with BMW and their outstanding track record is a great fit for the future," said Karma's CEO Tom Corcoran. "We will continue to develop beautiful cars with the latest cutting edge hybrid and EV technology."

Co-founder Bernhard Koehler said; "I'm personally excited and incredibly proud we will be integrating the sophistication, integrity and character of the BMW powertrain into our own. Karma Automotive products and ultimately our customers will be the greatest benefactors of this fantastic relationship."

ABOUT KARMA AUTOMOTIVE, LLC.

Karma Automotive is a California based car company of luxury hybrid plug-in vehicles. Karma Automotive was established in 2014 by the Wanxiang Group, which purchased the assets of Fisker Automotive Inc., founded in 2007.

FilipMPower · 11-13-2015, 10:04 AM

I'm sure the company will go bankrupt again. In an Era of hundreds of miles ranged electric vehicles, one can't simply release a plug in flagship. Completely nonsensical power and drive train, what are they thinking?

1230vani · 11-13-2015, 11:03 AM

I love the design of Fisker Karma

Vanmarsenille · 11-13-2015, 11:48 AM

How disappointing! I thought you were going to say S65 V8s...

3M TAPE · 11-13-2015, 11:49 AM

I guess they are going back to this route again..

eMvy · 11-13-2015, 11:50 AM

Agreed. If only the car was as good as it looks.

JNoSol · 11-13-2015, 12:16 PM

This is good. Love their design, much better looking than Tesla.

FilipMPower · 11-13-2015, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNoSol

This is good. Love their design, much better looking than Tesla.

I think the design itself is great, I don't like some aspects. In side profile the front is weird, as it swings down, up and then down again. The body panel splits, or lines, are too numerous close to the rear, looks weird to me. I still like it more than Tesla.

TheBry · 11-13-2015, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNoSol

This is good. Love their design, much better looking than Tesla.

Totally! The design beats the "flying raindrop" look of the Tesla hands down. Shame they couldn't make the biz work.

Bosozoku · 11-13-2015, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eMvy

Agreed. If only the car was as good as it looks. ...

Yup. I saw one on the commute today (driving past Oakland Coliseum).
Have also seen a few here and there at various Monterey Historic races etc.
Great looking car, but they went too far with the grille.
Reminds me of the mask in "V for Vendetta."

raysspl · 11-13-2015, 04:18 PM

The BMW drivetrain is a huge step in the right direction. Their chances of success just increased marginally. I would still rather buy a Tesla but this is good to see.

JRobUSC · 11-13-2015, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FilipMPower

I'm sure the company will go bankrupt again. In an Era of hundreds of miles ranged electric vehicles, one can't simply release a plug in flagship. Completely nonsensical power and drive train, what are they thinking?

I don't see where they announced any specifics about the power or drivetrain?

ShocknAwe · 11-13-2015, 05:21 PM

Hugely happy to see them back, especially with BMW hybrid drivetrains. Competition for tesla is good.

MalibuBimmer · 11-13-2015, 05:24 PM

Fisker failed at everything he did after leaving Aston Martin. Except raising money for new failed projects.

The Karma was an ecological disaster, weighing more than an SUV.

MalibuBimmer · 11-13-2015, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBry

. . . The design beats the "flying raindrop" look of the Tesla hands down. . . .

I would call the Tesla look something closer to a half-dissolved suppository.

omegaSMP300 · 11-13-2015, 06:22 PM

Best of luck to them (no sarcasm present). I am not a fan of the design but looks are subjective. Competition is always good. Hope they bring out something good.

FilipMPower · 11-14-2015, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRobUSC

I don't see where they announced any specifics about the power or drivetrain?

"Karma Automotive will integrate the first BMW components into its plug-in hybrid flagship vehicle, which will re-launch in 2016."

Why launch it as a hybrid??

MalibuBimmer · 11-14-2015, 01:54 PM

Vecause it weighs 5300 pounds (right now) and having the ICE pump electrons to the batteries is incredibly inefficient.

Fisker started out with a pure battery car but couldn't get it to work. Like all of his projects after he left Aston Martin, he failed.

His name shouldn't be Fisker. It should be Failure.

adc · 11-15-2015, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

Vecause it weighs 5300 pounds (right now) and having the ICE pump electrons to the batteries is incredibly inefficient.

Fisker started out with a pure battery car but couldn't get it to work. Like all of his projects after he left Aston Martin, he failed.

His name shouldn't be Fisker. It should be Failure.

Well good thing you're much more successful than him, then.

BTW in case you didn't notice, Fisker is no longer involved in Karma automobiles. So maybe there's some good karma going round this time...

1230vani · 11-15-2015, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adc

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

Vecause it weighs 5300 pounds (right now) and having the ICE pump electrons to the batteries is incredibly inefficient.

Fisker started out with a pure battery car but couldn't get it to work. Like all of his projects after he left Aston Martin, he failed.

His name shouldn't be Fisker. It should be Failure.

Well good thing you're much more successful than him, then.

BTW in case you didn't notice, Fisker is no longer involved in Karma automobiles. So maybe there's some good karma going round this time...

Efthreeoh · 11-15-2015, 09:49 AM

I know I do this all the time... and I currently own 3 BMWs (4 total life time) and been around BMW cars for nearly 35 years, but I find this quote quite interesting when it comes to hybrids:

"Throughout automotive history, BMW has been globally recognized for engineering and manufacturing world-class products. They are a proven technology leader and renowned for conceiving and delivering groundbreaking innovations."

Any of the hybrid driveline parts BMW may supply under this agreement are far from world class and technology-leading. Despite what BMW may want you to think, BMW is so far from any leadership position regarding hybrid technology it is laughable. While GM, Honda, Toyota were developing hybrid driveline technology (Toyota's basically derived from 1970's TRW-Automotive technology) 15 - 20 years ago, BMW was the industry leader in paying the highest fines to the EPA for not meeting CAFE regulations. If you want to really find an innovative hybrid drivetrain go look that the Chevy Volt I and now Gen II drivetrain; both recognized by the Society of Automotive engineers as one the most complex drivetrain used in a production vehicle.

To wit just a few innovations: the electric starter, fuel injection, HID head lamps, air bags, ABS, direct fuel injection, Atkinson Cycle, VTEC (VANOS), blah blah blah, none developed nor introduced into production vehicles by BMW.

MalibuBimmer · 11-15-2015, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adc

Well good thing you're much more successful than him, then.

BTW in case you didn't notice, Fisker is no longer involved in Karma automobiles. So maybe there's some good karma going round this time...

I am. I'm a lawyer. I've never gone bankrupt, never lost money of investors, never had my firm acquired at bargain basement prices by the Chinese.

But this thread wasn't about me, it was about Fisker and Karma, Henrik.

11-12-2015, 07:16 PM	#1
Jason Administrator 43720 Rep 21,325 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	BMW to supply resurrected Karma Automotive with powertrains BIMMERPOST NEWS BMW to supply resurrected Karma Automotive with powertrains 43 COMMENTS Tweet Karma Automotive Signs Supply Agreement With BMW COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Karma Automotive announced today that BMW has agreed to be a supplier in ensuring their vehicles are built with the highest quality automotive parts. BMW will supply Karma Automotive with their latest powertrain components, including high voltage battery charging systems and a wide range of hybrid and EV systems. Throughout automotive history, BMW has been globally recognized for engineering and manufacturing world-class products. They are a proven technology leader and renowned for conceiving and delivering groundbreaking innovations. Karma Automotive will integrate the first BMW components into its plug-in hybrid flagship vehicle, which will re-launch in 2016. The next generation of vehicles already in development will utilize more of BMW's powertrain technology. "The Wanxiang Group is giving Karma Automotive the opportunity to bring a stunning car back to the market, and the partnership with BMW and their outstanding track record is a great fit for the future," said Karma's CEO Tom Corcoran. "We will continue to develop beautiful cars with the latest cutting edge hybrid and EV technology." Co-founder Bernhard Koehler said; "I'm personally excited and incredibly proud we will be integrating the sophistication, integrity and character of the BMW powertrain into our own. Karma Automotive products and ultimately our customers will be the greatest benefactors of this fantastic relationship." ABOUT KARMA AUTOMOTIVE, LLC. Karma Automotive is a California based car company of luxury hybrid plug-in vehicles. Karma Automotive was established in 2014 by the Wanxiang Group, which purchased the assets of Fisker Automotive Inc., founded in 2007.
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11-13-2015, 10:04 AM	#2
FilipMPower Second Lieutenant 103 Rep 252 Posts Drives: Anything with a locking diff Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Europe, mainly Germany iTrader: (0)	I'm sure the company will go bankrupt again. In an Era of hundreds of miles ranged electric vehicles, one can't simply release a plug in flagship. Completely nonsensical power and drive train, what are they thinking?
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11-13-2015, 11:03 AM	#3
1230vani Colonel 715 Rep 2,788 Posts Drives: G05 40i LCI Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: N/A iTrader: (0)	I love the design of Fisker Karma
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11-13-2015, 11:48 AM	#4
Vanmarsenille In On The Kill Taker 93 Rep 344 Posts Drives: 2018 MB GLS550; 2016 RR HSE Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	How disappointing! I thought you were going to say S65 V8s... __________________ (2013 e93 M3 - retired) Jesus Saves.
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11-13-2015, 11:49 AM	#5
3M TAPE Banned 350 Rep 1,225 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: States iTrader: (0)	I guess they are going back to this route again..
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11-13-2015, 11:50 AM	#6
eMvy First Lieutenant 131 Rep 371 Posts Drives: Bimmers Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: 37°14'5.62"N 115°48'38.95"W iTrader: (0)	Agreed. If only the car was as good as it looks.
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11-13-2015, 12:16 PM	#7
JNoSol Brigadier General 1398 Rep 3,834 Posts Drives: 750 MSPORT & E90M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (0)	This is good. Love their design, much better looking than Tesla. __________________ Daily: G12 750 MSPORT Weekend Car: E90 M3
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11-13-2015, 04:18 PM	#11
raysspl Brigadier General 992 Rep 3,000 Posts Drives: walking, bicycle, & bus Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	The BMW drivetrain is a huge step in the right direction. Their chances of success just increased marginally. I would still rather buy a Tesla but this is good to see. __________________ re
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11-13-2015, 05:21 PM	#13
ShocknAwe 1Addict 3594 Rep 8,144 Posts Drives: E82, E70, 991.1 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston iTrader: (22)	Hugely happy to see them back, especially with BMW hybrid drivetrains. Competition for tesla is good. __________________ Build: 1er Project8 Hauler: M57 Truck Daily: 991.1 GTS
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11-13-2015, 05:24 PM	#14
MalibuBimmer Founder, Knights of the Roundel website 966 Rep 1,723 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 and 2018 AMG GT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The Santa Monica Mountains, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 Mercedes AMG GT [0.00] 2018 Audi Q3 [0.00] 2015 BMW M4 [10.00]	Fisker failed at everything he did after leaving Aston Martin. Except raising money for new failed projects. The Karma was an ecological disaster, weighing more than an SUV. __________________ Previously: 2014 i8; 2013 650i convertible; 2013 650i Gran Coupe; 2013 X1; 2010 550i GT; 2010 535 GT; 2010 Z4 3.5; 2008 535ixt; 2007 M6 convertible; 2006 650i convertible; 1996 Z3; 1980 633CSi; 1978 630CS; 1972 3.0CS; 1971 Bavaria. (1971; 1979-2005 & 2017 - ? -- the Mercedes years.)
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11-13-2015, 06:22 PM	#16
omegaSMP300 Lieutenant 66 Rep 520 Posts Drives: Macan S, Boxster GTS, R8 V10+ Join Date: May 2012 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Best of luck to them (no sarcasm present). I am not a fan of the design but looks are subjective. Competition is always good. Hope they bring out something good. __________________ 2017 R8 V10 Plus, 2016 Boxster GTS, 2015 Macan S, 2015 V12 Vantage S - Pending Sale, 2013 911 C4S - Sold, 2012 V8 Vantage S - Sold, 2013 DB9 - Sold, 2011 997.2 Targa 4s - Sold, 2011 E90 335i M-Sport - Sold, 2013 981 Boxster S - Sold, 2006 E46 M3 - Sold, 2010 E60 M5 - Sold, 2006 E46 M3 - Sold, 2011.5 E90 M3 - Sold, 2006 325i - Sold, 2004 Mazda6 - Sold
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11-14-2015, 01:54 PM	#18
MalibuBimmer Founder, Knights of the Roundel website 966 Rep 1,723 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 and 2018 AMG GT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The Santa Monica Mountains, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 Mercedes AMG GT [0.00] 2018 Audi Q3 [0.00] 2015 BMW M4 [10.00]	Vecause it weighs 5300 pounds (right now) and having the ICE pump electrons to the batteries is incredibly inefficient. Fisker started out with a pure battery car but couldn't get it to work. Like all of his projects after he left Aston Martin, he failed. His name shouldn't be Fisker. It should be Failure. __________________ Previously: 2014 i8; 2013 650i convertible; 2013 650i Gran Coupe; 2013 X1; 2010 550i GT; 2010 535 GT; 2010 Z4 3.5; 2008 535ixt; 2007 M6 convertible; 2006 650i convertible; 1996 Z3; 1980 633CSi; 1978 630CS; 1972 3.0CS; 1971 Bavaria. (1971; 1979-2005 & 2017 - ? -- the Mercedes years.)
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11-15-2015, 09:49 AM	#21
Efthreeoh General 19252 Rep 19,747 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I know I do this all the time... and I currently own 3 BMWs (4 total life time) and been around BMW cars for nearly 35 years, but I find this quote quite interesting when it comes to hybrids: "Throughout automotive history, BMW has been globally recognized for engineering and manufacturing world-class products. They are a proven technology leader and renowned for conceiving and delivering groundbreaking innovations." Any of the hybrid driveline parts BMW may supply under this agreement are far from world class and technology-leading. Despite what BMW may want you to think, BMW is so far from any leadership position regarding hybrid technology it is laughable. While GM, Honda, Toyota were developing hybrid driveline technology (Toyota's basically derived from 1970's TRW-Automotive technology) 15 - 20 years ago, BMW was the industry leader in paying the highest fines to the EPA for not meeting CAFE regulations. If you want to really find an innovative hybrid drivetrain go look that the Chevy Volt I and now Gen II drivetrain; both recognized by the Society of Automotive engineers as one the most complex drivetrain used in a production vehicle. To wit just a few innovations: the electric starter, fuel injection, HID head lamps, air bags, ABS, direct fuel injection, Atkinson Cycle, VTEC (VANOS), blah blah blah, none developed nor introduced into production vehicles by BMW. __________________ A manual transmission can be set to "comfort", "sport", and "track" modes simply by the technique and speed at which you shift it; it doesn't need "modes", modes are for manumatics that try to behave like a real 3-pedal manual transmission. If you can money-shift it, it's a manual transmission. "Yeah, but NO ONE puts an automatic trans shift knob on a manual transmission."
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