If this new premium hybrid car -- the Karma Revero -- looks familiar, that's because technically speaking, this isn't the first time the car has been launched.
Originally designed by Henrik Fisker, the man responsible for the aesthetics of some of the most stunning cars of this millennium like the Aston Martin DB9 and the BMW Z8, the Fisker Karma, as it was called back in 2008, was meant be the first in a line of ecologically-focused dream cars.
However, luck wasn't on Fisker's side and the company he'd founded only managed to sell roughly 3000 cars before it went under in 2013.
Three years later the company has been resurrected with a new management team and a new name -- Karma. "Karma is based on the principle of cause and effect, where your actions create your future. This awareness of what we are doing and why we are doing it-which we characterize as acting with intention-is what we stand for, it's authentic," said James Taylor, Karma's Chief Marketing Officer.
However, what hasn't really changed is the car. In 2008 the Fisker Karma was attractive and technologically innovative in equal measure. In 2016, while the car's exterior is still as good-looking as that of any current road-going vehicle, the hybrid technology powering it isn't.
Karma says that the car's inner workings have been upgraded (but hasn't yet provided any figures) and also claims that it's the first car ever to go on sale in the US with a solar cell roof capable of powering the vehicle. Be that as it may, every major automaker now has a plug-in hybrid car in their range.
And even though the Revero is aimed at the highest end of the market where want trumps need, the reborn car is expected to cost at least $100,000. It could well struggle to stand out against other hybrids such as the Honda Acura NSX or BMW i8.
"Serving a mass market is not, and never will be, our purpose," said Taylor. "The Revero is for a discerning group of individuals who desire beautiful, clean vehicles and a memorable ownership experience. We are thrilled to start this journey."
The Karma Revero will be available to order from September 8.
