Kalmar Automotive Debuts the 9X9, the Retro Hypercar With a Mind-Blowing 930 Horsepower
The Kalmar 9X9 is here and its creator, Kalmar Automotive, calls it “the world’s first retro hypercar.” The Porsche-based machinery comes with a mind-blowing 930 horsepower and out-of-this-world specs.
The Kalmar 7-97 “C1” will join the 9X9 retro hypercar. Both of them will be there to prove that each conversion is unique as it is built according to the customer’s specifications. They will be involved through the entire design and build process.
The 9X9 stands as a time capsule, a vehicle capable of withstanding the passage of time. The restomodded Porsche received technologies that only big OEM auto manufacturers have on tap, bringing the analog past into the digital present.
The Kalmar 9X9 on display in Monterey is powered by a 3.8-liter turbo engine, which pumps out an incredible 930 horsepower, transferred to all four corners with the help of a dual-clutch transmission. However, the model can get several other configurations.
Photo: Kalmar Automotive
The car is equipped with an adaptive suspension. There is a bespoke double-wishbone pushrod front-axle suspension, designed by DAnisi Engineering in Italy, withstanding both rear- and all-wheel drive setups.
The 9X9 got rear-wheel steering and comes with optimized intake and cooling systems, plus ceramic bearings. The 3.8-liter churns out a matching soundtrack through the Inconel exhaust system.
Kalmar Automotive put the car through a diet during the three-year development, as it now tips the scales at 3,197 pounds (1,450 kilograms). The entire bodywork of the model weighs less than 220 pounds (100 kilograms) and consists of over 100 parts. The manufacturer simulated a Nurburgring lap and achieved a time of 7 minutes flat.
3D-printed lightweight titanium brake calipers and ceramic brake discs provide the necessary stopping power.
Jan Kalmar says the 9X9 is a tribute to one of the greatest road-going sports cars of the millennia, enhanced to the highest possible degree that technology today allows. This is how the brand ended up creating a new class of vehicle, the retro hypercar.
Photo: Kalmar Automotive
Kalmar Automotive put the 9X9 through CFD testing with the help of Aerotak for drag and downforce optimization.
The brand went for a minimalist layout on board. There is the analog rev counter in the company of LCD screens that provide relevant information. The 9X9 has no navigation system or radio, but sports Bluetooth connectivity. However, Kalmar came up with a roll cage acting as a full space frame concept for added safety and stiffness.
The car will be available in three variants: 9X9, 9X9 Sport, and 9X9 Leichtbau, each offering a distinct driving experience. The entry-level version has a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine and 650 horsepower, managed by a six-speed roam-your-own box.
The 9X9 Leichtbau (Lightweight) rocks a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. With all the comfort equipment removed, this version only weighs 2,756 pounds (1,250 kilograms).
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