Kalmar 9X9: A 911 Masterpiece Reimagined for the Road and Track

Danish coachbuilder Kalmar Automotive has unveiled its latest creation, the Kalmar 9X9, a stunning reimagining of the iconic Porsche 911 that encapsulates four decades of design evolution. The 9X9 takes inspiration from various 911 generations, from the legendary 959 to the modern 911 Turbo and GT3, resulting in a bespoke performance machine that pushes the boundaries of both road and track capability.

The foundation of the 9X9 is a stripped-down 993-series 911 chassis, reinforced with a hidden roll cage and clad in CFD-optimised carbon fibre bodywork. This sculpted exterior, drawing heavily on the 959's design language, generates an impressive 3,263 pounds of downforce, exceeding the heaviest stock 911 coupe by a significant margin.

Three distinct variants of the 9X9 cater to different driver preferences:

9X9: This flagship model embodies the ultimate grand tourer experience. Power comes from a 3.8-litre flat-six engine, sourced from the current 911 Turbo S, but tuned to unleash a staggering 930 horsepower. Power is delivered to all four wheels through Porsche's seven-speed double-clutch transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard.

9X9 Sport: The Sport variant focuses on raw performance and driver engagement. It features a turbocharged 3.0-litre flat-six engine, borrowed from the 911 GTS, delivering 650 horsepower – a substantial increase over the stock GTS. A seven-speed manual gearbox is standard, with the PDK available as an option. Rear-wheel steering is also included, further enhancing agility. Lighter weight, minimal sound insulation, and a more direct suspension setup contribute to a heightened sense of intensity and driver involvement.

9X9 Leichtbau (Lightweight): For purists seeking the ultimate driving experience, the Leichtbau model embraces a minimalist approach. It's powered by the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre engine from the GT3, producing 530 horsepower. This variant is rear-wheel drive only, paired with a seven-speed manual gearbox, delivering a pure and unfiltered connection between driver and machine. The Leichtbau model boasts an exceptionally low kerb weight of 2,811 pounds, further amplifying its performance potential.

Across all variants, the engines have been meticulously upgraded with enhancements such as a new intake system, increased cooling capacity, ceramic-bearing turbos, and an Inconel exhaust system. Active engine mounts ensure optimal engine response and handling precision. The sophisticated suspension system features custom double wishbones and pushrod-style Tractive dampers at the front, developed in collaboration with Italy's Danisi Engineering. Lightweight magnesium wheels wrapped in Michelin tyres hide massive carbon ceramic brakes, clamped by CarboBrake's 3D-printed titanium calipers.

Inside, the focus on weight reduction is evident with the absence of a radio and central infotainment screen. A centrally positioned analogue tachometer dominates the instrument cluster, flanked by two smaller screens for Bluetooth device connectivity.

All three versions of the Kalmar 9X9 are available for purchase through Canepa Group, the US distributor, with first deliveries scheduled for July 2025. While pricing details were not disclosed, the exclusivity of the model and its debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, hint at its intended target audience. The Kalmar 9X9 represents a pinnacle of engineering and design, offering a unique and exhilarating driving experience for those seeking the ultimate expression of the iconic Porsche 911.