KALMAR Automotive Unveils 7-97 Classic 911 Restomod

A lot to the dismay of a number of the staunch purists that comprise a portion of the general Porsche group, 911 restomods have grown extremely fashionable in recent times, and it’s not unusual to see builds from elite tuners and outlets like Singer and Gunther Werx fetch seven-figure sums at public sale. And although they had been solely based just a few years in the past, KALMAR Automotive has shortly made a reputation for itself on the energy of its meticulously-crafted 993 and 964-gen 911 restomods. 

Now, after repeated requests from clients, the corporate has lastly opened up store on U.S. shores, and has kicked issues off on America soil by rolling out a surprising bespoke-built venture co-developed by one in all America’s most elite Porsche tuners. 

The Inspiration 

First established in 2017, KALMAR Automotive was based by Danish racer, adventurer, and entrepreneur Jan Kalmar. Referred to as the 7-97, KALMAR’s inaugural construct was a one-off venture that will finally morph right into a restricted construct collection achieved on a bespoke, built-to-order foundation. Constructed over the course of three years, the store’s first construct took inspiration from Porsche’s (unique) ‘70s period 911 ST, whereas additionally taking ample affect from the Joest Racing crew’s 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning Porsche WSC95 open-top prototype (which apparently virtually wasn’t entered into the 24-hour endurance occasion in any respect, although that’s a narrative for one more day). 

The Collaboration

Although the store already produces world-class restomods, KALMAR needed to do one thing significantly particular for its inaugural entry into the American market. So, Jan Kalmar opted to hyperlink up with motorsport legend, retired racer, and Porsche tuner Bruce Canepa. Collectively, the 2 developed and constructed what’s virtually actually KALMAR’s best venture so far, which has been christened the KALMAR 7-97 C1, with the “C” being for “Canepa.” 

The Automobile

Tipping the scales at slightly below 2675lbs, the KALMAR Canepa 7-97 C1 is a 993-gen-based one-off that most likely has extra in widespread together with your common OEM supercar than it does a modified and restored traditional. Just about your entire automobile has been fully redeveloped from the bottom up with a view to optimize each potential space, from its aerodynamics to its powertrain to its componentry to its framework to its inside. Virtually no stone was left unturned anyway, and each minute element was painstakingly thought-about in an effort to modernize the automobile’s efficiency whereas retaining the character and DNA of Porsche’s air-cooled icon. 

The Engine

Whereas the traditional 7-97’s 313-hp engine is nothing to scoff at, KALMAR and Canepa nonetheless opted to step issues up when choosing an influence plant for the C1-spec. Calling in knowledgeable assist from exhaust specialist, Celeritech and engine builder, Lorrtec, this multi-way engine collaboration has in the end resulted in a hand-built 4.0-liter flat-six often called the “Triple 4.” Good for 400hp and 295ft-lbs of torque — all of which is shipped to the bottom through a complicated all-wheel drive system — the “Triple 4” advantages from upgraded pistons, a brand new camshaft, an equal-length exhaust and consumption manifolds, a dual-mass flywheel, hydraulic lifters, twin oil coolers, and drive-by-wire particular person throttle our bodies — with the entire thing now being regulated through a brand new MOTEC ECU. The brand new engine additionally comes bolted to a six-speed gearbox. 

The {Hardware}

KALMAR went to nice lengths to make sure the 7-97 C1 would function fashionable dealing with, braking, and cornering capabilities. Paired with a redesigned chassis, the 7-97 C1 boasts an adaptive energetic suspension system, and an equally top-shelf set of carbon ceramic brakes in any respect 4 corners. What’s extra, not solely has KALMAR’s traction management system, Bi-LED headlights, and a entrance axle elevate system been put in, however the C1-spec 7-97 has additionally been gifted a customized set of black-finished 17” three-piece cut up wheels. 

The Bespoke Bodywork

One of many coolest elements of your entire automotive is the 7-97 C1’s bodywork. Although it seems remarkably just like a standard RSR-style 911, it’s really a highly-modified suite of panels that collectively ship a markedly higher drag coefficient, extra downforce, and higher stability. This was achieved by making an enormous variety of minor tweaks everywhere in the 911’s physique, with a view to enhance aerodynamics with out massively altering the automotive’s traditional look. Moreover, a redesigned spoiler has been slapped onto the automotive’s tail, and now, all instructed, the automobile is now 4.3” wider, too. After all of the superior simulations and laptop testing was full, the crew took their modified bodywork design in CAD, and had it rigorously dropped at life, crafting your entire factor from carbon fiber. 

The Inside

Like the outside of the automotive, the inside of the 7-97 C1 is a totally reworked piece of automotive artwork. Spartan and minimalistic but decidedly luxurious on the identical time, the cabin has been trimmed in barely muted forest inexperienced leather-based upholstery and now incorporates a set of Recaro sport seats, a picket shift knob, and an identical inexperienced leather-based steering wheel with an Alcantara-wrapped rim set in entrance of a reskinned traditional F-model dashboard. The within of the restomod additionally will get fashionable sound-deadening insulation all through, customized home windows to suit the doorways of the brand new bespoke carbon bodywork, an electrical air-conditioning unit, customized machined, knurled aluminum knobs set on backlit panels, twin airbags, distant central locking, wi-fi charging, leather-based door sill inserts embossed with KALMAR’s 911 silhouette emblem, and a Bluetooth audio system full with hidden audio system and an energetic sub. 

What Makes It So Particular 

Whereas there’s no scarcity of high-end 911 restomods being constructed, KALMAR and Canepa’s 7-97 C1 arguably does a greater job of modernizing a traditional 911 whereas sustaining its unique look, character, DNA, and analog driving expertise than anything on the market proper now. What’s extra, it additionally does an distinctive job of staying visually true to the ‘70s period automotive that impressed it (the 911 ST), by hiding an incredible lots of its up to date parts, whether or not that be any fashionable of its inside’s out-of-sight fashionable gadgets like its hidden audio system, twin airbags, or distant central locking, or the total suite of customized carbon fiber bodywork that’s hid beneath the automotive’s customized paint job. Outlets like Singer and Gunther Werx actually have set an virtually impossibly excessive bar within the Porsche tuning area, although I’d be mendacity if I stated KALMAR’s new 7-97 C1 didn’t give these elite shops’ restomods a great run for his or her cash. 

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability 

Out there for buy in America solely by way of Canepa’s Scotts Valley headquarters, the KALMAR 7-97 C1 can now be ordered by US-based clients, although manufacturing is restricted to solely 12 models per 12 months. Whereas there’s no phrase on the C1-spec’s pricing, we think about it will likely be a bit over the “common” 7-97’s €450,000 (~ $490,000) beginning value. 

KALMAR Automotive 7-97 C1

KALMAR Automotive joins forces with Porsche legend Bruce Canepa to develop the 9-97 C1 — a 400-hp 993-based widebody 911 restomod with adaptive suspension, a bespoke inside, and a customized suite of carbon fiber bodywork.