KALMAR Automotive has officially unveiled its latest creation, the Kalmar 9x9, a car that marks the dawn of what they are calling the "world's first retro hypercar." Presented at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering during Monterey Car Week 2024, the Kalmar 9x9 is a tribute to classic sports cars, reimagined with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled performance. This vehicle is not just a nod to the past but a bold statement of what the future of automotive craftsmanship can look like when innovation meets tradition.

Kalmar Automotive, known for its bespoke approach to car manufacturing, refers to its craft as "Automotive haute couture." The Kalmar 9x9 is a prime example of this philosophy, where each vehicle is a unique creation tailored to the individual preferences of its owner. From the initial design stages to the final assembly, clients are involved in every step of the process, ensuring that their Kalmar 9x9 is as personalized as it is powerful.

The Kalmar 9x9 will be available in three distinct versions, each offering a unique driving experience:

Kalmar 9x9: This base model is a grand tourer at heart, equipped with a formidable 3.8L turbo engine producing 930 horsepower. It features a double-clutch transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, making it ideal for long-distance drives with a focus on comfort and power.

Kalmar 9x9 Sport: For those who crave a more visceral driving experience, the Sport version offers a 650-horsepower 3.0L turbocharged engine paired with a seven-speed manual transmission. The vehicle's lighter weight and more responsive suspension deliver a more engaging and dynamic performance on the road.

Kalmar 9x9 Leichtbau (Lightweight): The ultimate expression of driving purity, the Leichtbau version strips away all non-essential comforts to create a 1,250 kg machine powered by a high-revving 4.0L naturally aspirated engine. With only rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, this version is designed for the automotive purist who values connection with the road above all else.

At the heart of the Kalmar 9x9 is a commitment to engineering excellence. The vehicle is built on a platform that combines advanced materials and technology with traditional design cues. The full carbon fiber body, developed in collaboration with Aerotak in Denmark, is both lightweight and aerodynamically optimized, weighing less than 100 kg. This bodywork, composed of over 100 individual parts, reflects a meticulous attention to detail that is rarely seen in the automotive world.

The Kalmar 9x9’s 3.8L turbo engine is paired with a sophisticated active all-wheel drive system, adaptive suspension, and rear-wheel steering, ensuring that the vehicle's immense power is harnessed efficiently and safely. The use of cutting-edge components like ceramic bearings, a lightweight inconel exhaust, and 3D-printed titanium brake calipers from CarboBrake further demonstrate Kalmar’s dedication to innovation and performance.

Inside, the Kalmar 9x9 continues the theme of blending the old with the new. The minimalist interior combines traditional analog instruments with modern LCD screens, providing the driver with all the necessary information without unnecessary distractions. Bluetooth connectivity replaces traditional navigation and radio systems, allowing for a more streamlined and focused driving experience.

Each 9x9 is built with a maximum of two occupants in mind, with seats that are custom-made to fit the driver and passenger perfectly. The interior reflects Kalmar’s focus on the joy of driving, with every element designed to enhance the connection between car and driver.

Founded by Jan Kalmar, a passionate car enthusiast with deep roots in racing, Kalmar Automotive has always prioritized engineering and technology. The company’s Nordic heritage is reflected in its logo, which incorporates elements such as the Danish flag and a Viking knot symbolizing innovation. The addition of professional British racing driver James Rossiter as Kalmar’s official test driver and brand ambassador further solidifies the brand’s commitment to performance.

Kalmar Automotive's dedication to lightweight engineering, meticulous craftsmanship, and bespoke design is evident in every aspect of the 9x9. This vehicle is not just a car; it’s a statement, a celebration of what’s possible when the best of the past and present are combined to create something entirely new.

The Kalmar 9x9 is more than just a hypercar; it’s a new class of vehicle that redefines what a modern sports car can be. With its global debut, Kalmar Automotive has set a new benchmark for the industry, offering a car that is as unique as its owner and as exhilarating as it is beautiful. As the first deliveries are set for July 2025, the world waits in anticipation to see how this retro hypercar will leave its mark on automotive history.