Rare $185K Karma Invictus Performance PHEV Prototype
A very rare white Karma Invictus prototype arriving at Exotics & Espresso Orange County. Introduced in November 2024, the Invictus is a performance-oriented version of the Revero and features an upgraded suspension with Ohlins coil-overs and Swift springs, 21-inch forged aluminum wheels, and revised bodywork with hood, roof, trunk, and other components made of carbon fiber. It utilizes the Revero's hybrid powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and two electric motors producing a combined 536 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque with an electric range of 80 miles. Production of the Invictus will be limited to 30 examples with a starting price (MSRP) of $185,000.
To be honest, I didn't know the Invictus existed until I did some research after unexpectedly stumbling upon this prototype. And even after doing my research, I still can't quite wrap my head around why it exists. It's essentially a Karma Revero, which is largely based on the Fisker Karma that was launched way back in 2011. I've always liked the car's unusually low and sleek design for a sedan, but its drawbacks are a low sports car-like seating position and shockingly limited rear passenger space despite its large footprint. The original mustache-like front grille of the Fisker and early Karma cars was controversial, and Karma gave the design a facelift which retains the signature sleek and sporty profile. The new front grille isn't particularly pretty, though, and while the overall package isn't ugly, it simply lacks the edgy and clearly defined personality of the original. And that personality is much more important now than it was over a decade ago thanks to the increasingly competitive luxury EV market. Tesla's Model S was launched around the same time as the Fisker Karma. Now it's nearly impossible to spend 15 seconds on the freeway and not see a Tesla. But I can't remember the last time I'd seen a Karma...
And that brings me to the problem with this new special edition. 30 units of what is essentially a slightly beefed-up version of an existing model that's already struggling for relevancy isn't going to help the company get the exposure it needs. It doesn't help that the Karma's competitors include the Tesla Model S, Lucid Air, and Porsche Taycan, each of which have established its own base of loyal and discerning owners. Many people probably don't realize that Karma even still exists, and most people wouldn't trade one of the aforementioned cars for something that's been on the market for so long yet still struggles to gain momentum. To sum it up, you're either interested in a Karma or you're not, and the fact that the Invictus is a limited edition with cool carbon bodywork and sportier suspension is probably not going to make you change your mind.
Karma has come up with several new and original models over the years, but they all either remained as concepts or are still in the prototype stage. The company has several brand-new products listed on its website, including a crossover SUV and a super sports coupe. Let's hope it stays afloat long enough so that those cars have a chance to see the light of day!
Would you choose a Karma Invictus over a Tesla Model S, Lucid Air, or Porsche Taycan? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!