Kalmar Reveals 9X9 at The Quail, Monterey Car Week

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA (August 16, 2024) – Inspired by creating tributes to the greatest cars the world has ever seen, modern-day coachbuilder Kalmar Automotive presents the global debut of the Kalmar 9X9, daring to call it the “world’s first retro hypercar”. Kalmar Automotive calls their approach “Automotive haute couture”, which will be on full display with the world premiere of the Kalmar 9X9 alongside the Nordic company’s U.S. introduction of the Kalmar 7-97 “C1”, Kalmar’s pioneering project. Both the 9X9 and 7-97 will introduce many enthusiasts to how Kalmar Automotive delivers tip of the spear innovation and performance joined with classic styling. Kalmar Automotive’s 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 and 7-97 premiere on Friday, August 16th at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering and will be hosted by company Founder Jan Kalmar and exclusive U.S. dealer Bruce Canepa of the Canepa Group, Inc. With vehicles demanding to be seen by the naked eye in order to fully understand the exacting level of detail and quality, Kalmar Automotive creates one-of-a-kind conversions made to be driven and enjoyed for decades to come with the best of the analog past made reality by the digital present. 

Featuring technologies usually only present in large OEM auto manufacturers, the Kalmar Automotive 9X9 shown in Monterey features a well-proven 3.8L 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 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 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 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.”

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 for drag and downforce optimization including internal and external flow maps prior to the creation of the final full carbon fiber body. The entire 9X9 bodywork weighs less than 100 kg and consists of over 100 parts. 

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. With the goal of being a high-performance road car, the Kalmar 9X9 features a hidden roll cage acting as a full space frame concept and implemented for added safety and stiffness.

The Kalmar 9X9 will be introduced in 3 versions, all ready for sale: 9X9, 9X9 Sport, and 9X9 Leichtbau. 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 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. 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 Kalmar. “Many automotive firsts and innovations are realized in our commitment to lightweight engineering. The 9X9 is over engineered to an obsessive degree. The car enthusiast will appreciate the 9X9 even more when they realize how much they can influence their own version. We bring automotive dreams to life.”

Each Kalmar Automotive conversion is made to customer specifications. No two vehicles ever will have the same design or exact same driving characteristics. First unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, during Monterey Car Week 2024, Kalmar Automotive is set to deliver their 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.

Full EU compliant homologation is prepared for the Kalmar 9X9 series. For more information on Kalmar Automotive, please visit www.kalmarautomotive.com or email sales@kalmarautomotive.com.