Held during Monterey Car Week, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, has become one the world’s most prestigious automobile events. No less than 21 debuts occurred this year, many of which were from Porsche 911-inspired manufacturers (e.g. Singer, Gunther Werks, RUF and Tuthill). If you think there isn’t more room in this space, think again, as KALMAR Automotive has been taking the industry by storm since its inception four years ago. Before getting into the mind-bending specifications of its 9X9 Supercar, Stuttcar was honored to speak one-on-one with company founder Jan Kalmar.
Jan Kalmar Interview
Stuttcars: What goals do you strive for in your builds?
I really strive for a clean look. If you look at our model 7-97, you won’t see any rain gutters and we extended the front windshield to hide the A-pillars. I also like moving the gas filler cap to under the hood. Looking in the engine bay, my OCD is clearly on display!
Stuttcars: Tell me a little about the origins of the 9X9. Obviously, it’s inspired by the 959, a car you refer to the greatest road-going Porsche of all time.
A few years ago at Goodwood, I overheard someone mistake our car for a Singer. While this was a compliment, it happened several times, and I realized I needed to do something that set us apart. The 9×9 is all about how far you can take something with the latest technology. It’s not a resto-mod by any means, but instead, and ground-up design.
Stuttcars: When you started your business four years ago, did you ever wonder if you were too late to the “boutique” 911 space?
Without question, we would not be here today if it wasn’t for Singer opening the world’s eyes to this genre. However, what we build is unique, as punctuated by the fully electric, plant-based carbon-fiber 7-97 we recently showed at Goodwood.
In this relatively small space, we want to be the “nerds.” I’m horrible at sales, but I know technology, and I’m very lucky to say we have developed some technology resources typically available only to large manufacturers, including individuals with F1 backgrounds.
Stuttcars: What are you current production numbers?
Currently, we are building one 7-97 per month, even though the demand has largely outgrown that number. We are also scheduled to build 27 units of the 9X9 over three to four years. Regardless of demand, those are our numbers.
Stuttcars: To what extent are your cars customized according to your customer’s wishes?
Each one is unique, and that is guaranteed. For example, I ask the customer what sort of driving they will be doing, and we can match the cam profiles accordingly to yield the best engine response for their situation. While the big OEMs tell the customer, “This is what you like.” I ask the customer, what do you like, and make that happen. That is the path we will always take.
World Introduction of 9X9 Supercar
At this year’s Quail, modern-day coachbuilder KALMAR Automotive presented the global debut of the KALMAR 9X9, daring to call it the “world’s first retro hypercar”. The 959 inspired supercar was on full display alongside the Nordic company’s U.S. introduction of the KALMAR 7-97 “C1”, which is KALMAR Automotive’s pioneering project. The 9X9 and 7-97 wowed many enthusiasts impressed by the mix of cutting-edge technology blended with classic, iconic styling.
Staggering Numbers
Featuring technologies usually only present in large OEM auto manufacturers, the KALMAR Automotive 9X9 shown in Monterey features a well-proven 3.8L turbo engine producing 930 horsepower paired with an industry-best double-clutch transmission linked together by a sophisticated, active all-wheel drive system transferring power to the ground via the adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering. Active engine mounts control the 3.8L turbo engine’s power, while optimized intake and cooling systems and ceramic bearings demonstrate KALMAR Automotive’s commitment to innovation. A lightweight Inconel exhaust system is also on board to provide a remarkable engine note.
With all of the power under the foot of the driver, significant downforce was demanded throughout the more than 3-year development period. The end result is 1450 kg at peak and current full-size simulations indicate a Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes flat.
“The 9X9 is KALMAR Automotive’s tribute to one of the greatest road-going sports cars of the millennia, enhanced to the highest possible degree that technology today allows. The result is our creation of a brand-new class of vehicle, the retro hypercar,” comments Danish Jan Kalmar, Founder of KALMAR Automotive. “We quietly teased the 9X9 on competing 24 Hour of Le Mans cars for the last two years with our 9X9 logo on the rear spoiler. Succinctly put, we are not posh, our tradition is in engineering and technology excellence. It is a privilege and an honor to bring the 9X9 as an automotive dream to life. Those who understand will surely appreciate the 9X9.”
Suspension & Brakes
A fully bespoke double-wishbone pushrod front-axle suspension designed by Danisi Engineering in Italy allows for both rear and all-wheel-drive 9X9 setups. Shock absorbers from Tractive with adaptive valving, variable length and speed-dependent 3rd shock absorber unit are all designed to precisely manage the contact between car and road, putting power down through superlight magnesium rims and Michelin tires.
KALMAR Automotive’s brake partner CarboBrake has developed 3D-printed lightweight titanium brake calipers to provide the required stopping power while simultaneously creating an extremely low unsprung mass. These calipers are paired with ceramic brake discs, while driving systems such as stability management, traction control, and ABS are all retained for modern, reliable on-road performance.
While many vintage road-going sports cars featured low drag and no downforce aiming for high-speed capabilities only, KALMAR had other plans for the 9X9. All bodywork on the KALMAR 9X9 was extensively CFD tested by Aerotak in Denmark for drag and downforce optimization, including internal and external flow maps, before the final full carbon fiber body was created. The entire 9X9 bodywork weighs less than 100 kg and consists of over 100 parts.
Interior
For each new 9X9 build, KALMAR Automotive emphasizes a minimalist interior package with the joy of driving always present in mind. The 9X9 seamlessly mixes the traditional analog rev counter with LCD screens to provide all necessary information. No navigation system or radio have found their way into the cabin, as Bluetooth capabilities allow either driver or passenger to discreetly connect from any modern device. Precisely built with a maximum of two individuals in mind, each lightweight seat is personalized to ensure both driver and passenger are one with their KALMAR 9X9. To be a high-performance road car, the KALMAR 9X9 features a hidden roll cage acting as a full spaceframe concept and implemented for added safety and stiffness.
Three flavors
The 3 offered KALMAR 9X9 configurations yield distinct driving experiences. The 9X9 model emphasizes road-going power with a super powerful but still GT-oriented driving experience made with lengthy excursions and grand touring in mind. This is mainly due to the double clutch transmission and all-wheel drive system, transferring more than 900 horsepower safely to the ground.
The 9X9 “Sport” version offers more driver involvement with a 3.0L 650-horsepower turbocharged engine and introducing a 7-speed manual transmission also linked to a variable all-wheel drive system. More direct suspension components and lighter weight adds to the more driver focused driving experience.
The KALMAR 9X9 Leichtbau (Lightweight) version implements a naturally aspirated high-revving 4.0L engine with a six-speed manual gearbox powering only the rear wheels. Built with automotive purists in mind so all comfort equipment has been removed to reach a weight of only 1250 kg. The 9X9 Leichtbau offers the ultimate driver experience far beyond any comparable car on the market.
“KALMAR Automotive created the 9X9 to invite a car that we all admired in the past into the present by creating an absolutely peerless road car. The 9X9 features countless bespoke parts that we and our partners created and manufactured, we went to extremes in terms of weight reduction and weight distribution and proudly can state numbers far below industry standards,” continues Jan Kalmar. “Many automotive firsts and innovations are realized in our commitment to lightweight engineering. The 9X9 is over-engineered to an obsessive degree that only few will realize until they drive the car. In fact, we are confident based on our experiences from our KALMAR 7-97 conversions only to present a creation that is ready for sale and not as a concept car in need of years of development. The car enthusiast will appreciate the 9X9 even more when they realize how much they can influence their own version. They shall feel that we bring their automotive dreams to life.”
Viking Spirit Within
KALMAR Automotive proudly showcases the company’s brand DNA in a five-piece crest that serves as the company logo. Capturing the Danish Viking spirit, where independent thought, teamwork, and design are paramount, the KALMAR Automotive crest incorporates “Dannebrog,” the world’s oldest country flag in the red-striped and white field of Denmark. A checkered flag refers to the company’s racing pedigree. The track included in the crest is where the KALMAR Automotive headquarters are located to ensure the perfect test ground for each new creation. A winding trail visual that makes up the fourth section of the crest exemplifies KALMAR Automotive’s sister company, Beyond Adventure, where guests are invited to join on driving experiences far beyond today’s boundaries in the automotive event industry. Finally, the center of the crest showcases a traditional Viking knot dating back more than 1,100 years ago, the Nordic symbol of technology and innovation.
Available through Canepa Group Inc.
Each KALMAR Automotive conversion is made to customer specifications. No two vehicles will ever have the same design or the exact same driving characteristics. First unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, during Monterey Car Week 2024, KALMAR Automotive is set to deliver its first customized 9X9 to customers by July 2025. KALMAR Automotive 9X9 and 7-97’s are now available to order in the U.S. through Canepa Group, Inc.
For more information on KALMAR Automotive, please visit www.kalmarautomotive.com or email [email protected].
Stuttcars thanks Jan Kalmar and IBP Media for the above interview.
Above content © 2024 KALMAR Automotive, reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee
