KALMAR 7-97 Classic “C2” arrives in USA

While the “usual suspects” in the boutique 911 world continue to add more bling and optimistic horsepower ratings, ex-Porsche engineer Jan KALMAR continues to humbly develop what many agree to be the most modern, functional, and clean-aesthetic air-cooled 911 anywhere. If that sounds too optimistic, then consider what Bruce Canepa, world-renowned Porsche racer and builder, calls the latest KALMAR to land at his dealership: “The most ultimate back-date 911 ever built.”

Product Highlights

Collaboration between KALMAR Automotive and Canepa
993 based chassis
Limited production – only 12 examples per year
Sunoco Blue over Canepa Charcoal Grey leather interior
Blue deviated stitching with Sunoco Blue Alcantara accents
4.0L air-cooled flat six engine with 401HP, 431nm of torque
6-speed manual transmission
Advanced electrical power steering assist and air conditioning
Bespoke carbon fiber body panels
Extremely lightweight – Less than 2,600lbs, rear-wheel drive
Tractive adaptive shock absorber system
PCCB brake system (Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes)

About KALMAR 7-97 Classic “C2”

KALMAR Automotive, owned and founded by Jan Kalmar, started with humble beginnings. A former Porsche engineer who was key in developing the Porsche 918 Spyder and the 991 generation of the 911, Jan had retained a strong engineering background that would eventually lead to the fruition of his custom commissions. With a life based around cars and the only things he’s ever done involved with cars, his sense of passion for restoration was supercharged. Not wanting to restore vehicles back to the way they originally were, but instead bringing them up to the modern era in a way that was both tasteful and useful so that you could drive the car every day if you wanted to. With his company based in Estonia inside an FIA-grade racetrack, relentlessly testing to perfect the ultimate backdate became second nature.

The name “7-97 Classic” was derived as a tribute to the WSC95 race car, numbered 7, that race car driver Tom Kristensen drove to victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1997. At an event, Kristensen spoke with Jan KALMAR about building a special vehicle for himself to commemorate his first Le Mans win in a Porsche, seeing that he had other cars from other manufacturers to celebrate his past wins. Shortly after, Jan began conceptualizing what that special vehicle would be. It had to be cool and aggressive but subtle, pulling visual inspiration from the Porsche 911 ST, and employing numerous technologies throughout the car to cater to modern amenities. After that day, KALMAR Automotive was born.

This KALMAR – Canepa #02 is a multi-year collaboration between KALMAR and Bruce Canepa, creating a unique and perfected driving car tailored to Canepa’s exacting standards. All KALMAR 7-97 Classic vehicles start with the much-improved 993 chassis, with better handling and suspension components and a more compliant ride compared to the very popular 964 generation. Engineers at KALMAR do everything possible to enhance performance and comfort wherever possible, tailoring each car to the owner’s specific preferences and customizations. From there, KALMAR introduces a host of fantastic design and performance upgrades that turn a regular 993 into an unforgettable experience.

Founder’s Thoughts

While you have already read our coverage of KALMAR at this year’s Quail, it was great catching up with Jan a few days ago to hear his latest thoughts regarding his “modern” version on the original Porsche 911 S/T.

Jan admitted he once created a 10-year plan for his company’s product line, yet quickly realized both the marketplace and available technology were moving much too fast. To succeed, his company would have to be agile, or “organic,” as he put it. What has remained the same, though, throughout Jan’s lifetime, is his view of the Porsche 911. As he told me in his own words, “The 911 has always been my dream.”

With this deep-rooted passion, Jan steers KALMAR Automotive through the challenges of integrating the latest technology to what “appears” to be a simple back-dated 911. Listening to Jan discuss the car from bumper to bumper, I assure you the truth couldn’t be further. The KALMAR 7-97 Classic “C2” is an engineering marvel that yields the most advanced, yet sedate, classic 911 worldwide.

Exterior

Beginning with the 993 chassis, the Porsche body is stripped down to bare metal in anticipation of modification and a complete color change per the owner’s specifications. Each 7-97 Classic uses bespoke carbon fiber bodywork, widening the car by 4.3 inches for increasing handling and aesthetic improvements. The coupe is the stiffest of all KALMAR 7-97 variants, lending to the fantastic driving experience. The 993 chassis allows for a much more modern driving experience, with a contemporary multi-link rear axle and 6-speed transmission, along with some bespoke upgrades from KALMAR. A Tractive adaptive shock absorber system allows drivers to switch between comfort, sporty, and race handling and comfort. An endless number of colors are available, with the KALMAR – Canepa #02 sporting a stunning Sunoco Blue exterior.

Rain gutters are removed for better aerodynamics, and using lightweight components such as a lithium-ion battery while removing unnecessary components helps yield a car weighing in at less than 2,600 lbs. Two deck lid options are available: a traditional sloped model with a mechanically-raising grille and a duck tail, adding a racing pedigree look with increased aerodynamic benefits. Modern glue-in glass, of KALMAR design, increases the total window area, reduces aerodynamic drag, and reduces wind noise. Modern bi-LED headlights illuminate the roads ahead while the lightweight 3-piece wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires keep you planted to the ground.

Cockpit

Where most owners will spend most of their time, the interior of the KALMAR – Canepa #02 is a modern cocoon of excellence with a high degree of customization. A spartan-like interior where nothing is out of place is finished with custom-dyed Charcoal Grey leather per Canepa’s specifications, wrapping every surface; comfortable and contemporary Recaro Specialist seats keep you comfortable and secured during long and spirited driving, with the overall focus being capable GT car or a thrilling day-to-day car. Blue deviated stitching pairs perfectly with the Sunoco Blue Alcantara accents. Remote central locking, a hidden Bluetooth system, rain sensors, and a customized 4-speaker sound system with subwoofer elevate the technology underpinnings from 90s to modern 21st-century levels. Amenities such as modern air conditioning and advanced power assisted steering keep the driver comfortable and able to enjoy the KALMAR – Canepa #02 to the fullest without dealing with the ramifications of triple-digit weather or tight traffic situations.

Aero

KALMAR’s engineers were tasked with increasing the aerodynamic effects of the KALMAR – Canepa #02 without changing its original DNA, no small tasks. Despite this, the engineering team came up with a combination of many small adjustments that yielded large results and a trained eye is needed to spot the differences. Using motorsport-grade simulation and production technologies, reduced wind resistance and decreased lift were found along with improved aero balance that aids in the driving of the KALMAR – Canepa #02. Custom glue-in glass reduced the car’s weight by 41kg and reduced wind resistance and noise, and modified cooling underneath continued to shift the aero balance to the rear along with ride height and rake. Yielding a 30% increase in downforce on the front axle with reduced rear lift by 20%, these changes allow for increased stability at all speeds.

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Technical

A coach-built masterpiece would be nothing without a memorable engine, and the KALMAR does not disappoint. Optioned with a 4.0-liter air-cooled flat six engine producing 401hp, this “Triple 4” engine includes individual throttle bodies, mechanical lifters, a double oil cooler and dual-mass flywheel for comfortable driving. KALMAR-custom intakes, a bespoke exhaust system, coil-on-plug ignition, and a drive-by-wire e-gas system are also included. A custom KALMAR engine management system with OBDII compatibility and remote access aid in simplifying diagnostics and data logging.

With an advanced suspension system with multiple levels of variance, KALMAR cars include Tractive adaptable shock absorber systems for different comfort levels. Harder-than-OEM bushings allow KALMAR to specify the exact driving comfort and requirements of each owner to their specifications. A non-assisted race-specified braking system yields a more reliable and responsive feel without brake fade, paired with carbon ceramic disc brakes for ultimate stopping power. Electric air conditioning and power steering yield a beautiful, simple, elegant engine bay without the mess of belts and wires.

The KALMAR – Canepa #2

When you’re driving the KALMAR – Canepa #02, you’re overcome with a sense of enjoyment that feeling of excitement you can’t find in any other back-date. With countless design touches throughout, immense attention to detail and quality, razor-sharp handling due to the adjustable suspension, featherweight chassis and responsive 4.0L engine, the KALMAR is in a league of its own. With only 12 examples slated for production each year, being lonely at the top doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

Special thanks to Jan Kalmar and Jana Lewandowska for facilitating this article.