All over the United States, summer is the season most associated with car shows and exotic vehicle touring. However, out west in California, the automotive culture kicks it up a gear from May to September.
Notably, the Golden State is home to some of the world’s most prestigious auto events: Concours d’Elegance, The Classic at Pismo Beach, Wekfest, Sacramento Autorama etc. Most recently, Monterey Car Week stole the spotlight by featuring one vehicle that so marvelously harmonizes the old, the new and you.
The Kalmar 9X9
Debuting at The Quail 2024 (one of MCW’s premier gatherings), Kalmar Automotive rolled out the Kalmar 9X9. The Danish auto company — headed by Jan Kalmar — may truly have created the most exhilarating driving experience with its recent model.
To those unfamiliar, Kalmar is mostly known for its restomodding (a method of automobile restoration that emphasizes on retaining original styling work) of classic Porsche roadsters. Simply, if you’ve ever wondered what a Porsche 964 would look like if you “hyperized” it, the Kalmar 9X9 has you covered.
Naturally, you’ll find conflicting arguments as to what constitutes a hypercar. Often, you simply know one when you see one.
Hypercars are vehicles typically constructed by high-end or exotic manufacturers while maintaining aggression, innovation and precision in two key areas: performance and design. Genuinely, the Kalmar 9X9 appeases both parameters fabulously.
Vehicle Specs
Like its 911 predecessor, think of the Kalmar 9X9 as “small, but mighty.”
Behind a 3.8L turbocharged engine, the 9X9 churns out a staggering 930 horsepower depending on trim package. Considering its lightweight frame (which straddles 3,000 lbs more or less), the acceleration and ensuing G-forces must be respected. The torque on this burner can reach up to 1,000 Nm.
To harness all that speed and power, the 9X9 is fitted with specialized ceramic discs and 3D-printed brake calipers. Still, the key element to any roadster is the presence of rear-wheel drive, to which Kalmar does not disappoint. Coupled into a seven-speed manual transmission, this car has the talent to straighten out even the sharpest hairpins.
Aesthetically, Kalmar 9X9 is a generational beauty.
It pays homage to one of mankind’s most popular designs for low drag and no downforce while adding a not-too-distant-future aura (with a perfect stance, of course). Simply, be prepared to evoke reactions.
It is the self-claimed “Retro Hypercar” — a peak of automotive haute couture.
Authentically One-of-One
To make the Kalmar 9X9 exponentially unique, this vehicle will be built-to-order for clients with customization at the forefront.
“From the exact powertrain, to careful packaging, weight distribution and tuned suspension, but still each car can be tailored to the owner preference,” Kalmar says on its official website. “992 engines, either naturally aspirated or forced induced. PDK or manual, AWD or RWD. Several adaptive components means it is possible to create the best of both worlds.”
The Kalmar 9X9 is an example of a brilliant idea clashing with the elegance of modern engineering under an iconic design. Interested parties can check out Kalmar Automotive’s official website, as the inaugural deliveries for this model will begin arriving in July 2025.