Kalmar 9X9 is the “world’s first retro hypercar”
Unveiling at Monterey Car Week
Danish-based coachbuilding brand, Kalmar Automotive chose the US introduction of its 7-97 at The Quail during Monterey Car Week to unveil its latest creation, the 9X9.
Retro Design with Modern Performance
Immediately tagging it as the “world’s first retro hypercar”, it’s difficult to miss where Kalmar has sourced its inspiration for the 9X9, with an obvious nod in styling to the Porsche 959 (despite no mention of the German brand in the press release). The 9X9 shares the same sloping roof and rear spoiler that made the Porsche 959 so distinctive. Can it match it in performance? The 959 once held the enviable accolade of ‘world’s fastest street legal production car’ back in 1986, no less.
The 9X9 displayed in Monterey is powered by a 3.8-litre turbo engine that produces 930hp. This is paired with a double-clutch transmission and linked together by an active all-wheel drive system which transfers power to all four wheels. The engine, along with a lightweight exhaust system, contributes to an overall weight of 1450kg and Kalmar reckons (based on simulations) the 9X9 can achieve a seven minute flat lap time at the Nürburgring.
Available Variants: Sport and Leichtbau
Two other options are available to choose from: 9X9 Sport and 9X9 Leichtbau.
The 9X9 Sport has a smaller 3.0 litre 650 hp engine with a 7-speed manual transmission also linked to a variable all-wheel drive system. The lighter engine is designed to make it a more driver focussed car.
The 9x9 Leichtbau (Lightweight) version has a naturally aspirated 4.0 litre engine with a six speed manual gearbox sending power to the rear wheels only. At only 1250kg, this is one that Kalmar says is for ‘automotive purists’.
Cutting-Edge Engineering and Customisation
All 9X9 versions come with the same carbon fibre body and Danisi Engineering-designed double wishbone pushrod suspension. Kalmar has used 3D printing to manufacture titanium brake callipers with ceramic discs, which sit behind superlight magnesium rims and Michelin tyres.
In terms of interior, it is an intentionally minimal offering with Kalmar keen for the driver to enjoy the experience of driving to its fullest. A traditional analog rev counter is mixed with LCD screens and Bluetooth connectivity is relied upon to provide things like sat nav and music. Lightweight seats can be tailored to the specific buyer, while a hidden roll cage adds safety and stiffness for those inevitable track days.
A Vision for Automotive Purists
Jan Kalmar: “Many automotive firsts and innovations are realised in our commitment to lightweight engineering. The 9X9 is over engineered to an obsessive degree. The car enthusiast will appreciate the 9X9 even more when they realise how much they can influence their own version. We bring automotive dreams to life.”
Kalmar insists that ‘no two vehicles will ever have the same design or exact same driving characteristics’, giving potential customers the chance to own something truly unique.
Orders are open now, and although there is no word on pricing so far, Kalmar hopes to start deliveries in July 2025.
Read John Marcar’s feature interview with Jan Kalmar of KALMAR Automotive.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: KALMAR