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November 18, 2024
Inspired by the greatest cars the world has ever seen, modern-day coachbuilder KALMAR Automotive presents the global debut of the 9X9 Retro Hypercar.
KALMAR Automotive call their approach “Automotive-haute-couture”, and the 9X9 will for the first time introduce many enthusiasts to how they deliver truly tip-of-the-spear innovation and performance joined with classic, iconic styling. Their take on modern coachbuilding means each conversion is completely unique to the client who will be involved throughout the entire design process.
A company founded by true car lovers with racing heritage driven by their Nordic traditions, the KALMAR Automotive 9X9 will be hosted on Friday 16th August at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering by company Founder Jan Kalmar and exclusive US dealer Bruce Canepa of The Canepa Group, Inc.
Whilst it is claimed the vehicle demands to be seen by the naked eye in order to fully understand the exacting level of detail and quality, KALMAR Automotive prides that their one-of-a-kind conversions are made to be driven and enjoyed for decades to come with the best of the analogue past combined with the digital present.
Featuring technologies usually only present in large OEM auto manufacturers, the KALMAR Automotive 9X9 shown in Monterey features a well-proven 3.8-litre 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 3.8-litre turbo engine’s power, while optimised intake and cooling systems and the use of 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 three-year development period. The end result is 1,450 kg at peak and current full-size simulations indicate a Nürburgring lap time of seven 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, retro-hyper-car", comments Danish Jan Kalmar, Founder of KALMAR Automotive. "We quietly teased the 9X9 on competing Le Mans 24h 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 technological excellence. It is a privilege and an honour to bring the 9X9 as an automotive dream to life. Those who understand will surely appreciate the 9X9”.
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 third shock absorber unit are all designed to precisely manage the contact between car and road, putting power down through superlight magnesium rims and Michelin tyres.
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 optimisation including internal and external flow maps prior to the creation of the final full carbon fibre body. The entire 9X9 bodywork weighs less than 100 kg and consists of over 100 parts.
For each new 9X9 build, KALMAR Automotive emphasises a minimalist interior package with the joy of driving always present in mind. The 9X9 seamlessly mixes the traditional analogue 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. With the goal of being 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.
The KALMAR 9X9 will be introduced in three versions, offering distinct driving experiences: 9X9, 9X9 Sport, and 9X9 Leichtbau.
The 9X9 model emphasises 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 3.0-litre 650 horsepower turbocharged engine, and introduces a seven-speed manual transmission also linked to a variable all-wheel drive system. More direct suspension components and lighter weight add to the more driver-focused driving experience.
The 9X9 Leichtbau (Lightweight) version implements a naturally-aspirated, high-revving 4.0-litre engine with a six-speed manual gearbox powering only the rear wheels. Built with automotive purists in mind, all comfort equipment has been removed to reach a weight of only 1,250 kg. The 9X9 Leichtbau offers the ultimate driver experience far beyond any current 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. Realising our passion for this car is no small feat. 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 realised in our commitment to lightweight engineering. The 9X9 is over-engineered to an obsessive degree that only a few will realise 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 realise how much they can influence their own version. They shall feel that we bring their automotive dreams to life”.
KALMAR Automotive has a global presence with a network of exclusive dealerships strategically located in key regions across the world offering these automotive creations. Each dealership representing KALMAR Automotive has been hand-picked, selected for their respective pedigree and reputation within the collectible, bespoke, and high-performance automotive categories. All sales inquiries are directed to each respective regional dealer, ensuring KALMAR Automotive customers receive specialised attention and service. DK Engineering have been chosen to represent KALMAR in Great Britain.
Each KALMAR Automotive conversion is made to customer specifications. No two vehicles will ever have the same design or exact same driving characteristics. First unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, during Monterey Car Week 2024, KALMAR Automotive 9X9 conversion is now available to order, and the first customised 9X9 is set to be delivered to customers by July 2025.
For more information on KALMAR Automotive, please visit www.kalmarautomotive.com or email sales@kalmarautomotive.com.
