Karma Automotive and Intel to partner on software-defined vehicle architecture development

Karma Automotive, amidst an ambitious product rollout, is partnering with Intel to develop software-defined vehicle architecture for future cars including the Kaveya electric super coupe.

Karma, which dates to 2014 when Chinese auto parts maker Wanxiang Group acquired some assets of bankrupt Fisker Automotive, said it also plans to offer business-to-business software-defined vehicle architecture solutions to other automakers and suppliers.

The phrase software-defined vehicle describes a car with easily updatable computer programs underlying its capabilities, meaning new and improved functions can be delivered to occupants almost instantly.

Karma is led by Marques McCammon, who joined the automaker as president in April 2023. McCammon once worked at software firm Wind River, which at one point was owned by Intel. McCammon and Jack Weast, Intel Automotive vice president, were colleagues at Wind River, Karma said in a release.

"Together, through this collaboration with Karma Automotive, we're in a position to prepare the industry for the leap forward to [software-defined vehicle architecture] without leaving anyone behind," Weast said in a statement.

In January at CES, Intel unveiled a new chip, its first designed specifically for software-defined vehicles. Intel at the time said its new platform allows automakers to run complex vehicle operations across a single architecture.

The Kaveya is set to arrive in 2026.

Karma said all future models following the Kaveya will use the software-defined vehicle architecture developed with Intel. Karma plans to show a design study of what it is calling a GT-UV on Aug. 16 as part of Monterey Car Week in California.

Karma unveiled the Kaveya in November. The low-slung car has sleek angles, butterfly doors and a 250-plus mile range. Karma said it will be available in two variants — a rear-wheel-drive version with 536 hp and an all-wheel-drive model with more than 1,000 hp. Pricing for the Kaveya will start around $300,000.

The automaker showed the Kaveya's interior on Aug. 14. Photos indicate the cabin features soft-touch materials, minimal screens, a rotary gear selector and what appear to be touch-sensitive controls on its rectangular steering wheel.