In the world of high-end automotive customization, creativity and engineering prowess have reached new heights. Today’s custom car builders are no longer satisfied with simple modifications or subtle tweaks to existing models. Instead, they are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, crafting entirely new vehicles that blend cutting-edge technology with classic design elements. These bespoke creations are more than just cars; they are works of art that command attention and inspire awe. Each one tells a story of innovation, passion, and meticulous craftsmanship, offering discerning buyers a chance to own a piece of automotive history reimagined for the modern era.
In the past, Porsche enthusiasts and specialists were often content with making relatively minor modifications to 1980s 911 models, such as adding a ducktail spoiler and extending the hood, before slapping a $50,000 price tag on the car and waiting for orders to come in. However, the world of Porsche customization has evolved dramatically. Today’s specialists are much more ambitious, dreaming up creations that Porsche’s headquarters in Stuttgart never conceived but could have in some alternate reality. These new interpretations of classic Porsches are no longer just mild modifications; they are reimagined masterpieces, often fetching prices in the millions.
Recently, two such extraordinary vehicles made their global debut at the prestigious Monterey Car Week. Among them was the Kalmar 9X9, a car that, despite sharing its debut day with the more sensational Tuthill GT One, still managed to capture significant attention and admiration for its impressive engineering.
Kalmar, a Danish company, offers the 9X9 in three distinct variants, each with its own unique characteristics and performance capabilities. The most powerful of these is simply called the 9X9. This version is equipped with all-wheel drive, a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, and a 3.8-liter flat-six engine borrowed from the 992 Turbo S. However, Kalmar’s version significantly boosts the output, delivering a staggering 917 horsepower, a far cry from the 641 horsepower of the stock Turbo S. This immense power allows the 9X9 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just two seconds, making it a true powerhouse on wheels.
The second variant, known as the 9X9 Sport, offers a slightly less extreme experience, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine from the 992 GTS that produces 641 horsepower. This version, while still incredibly fast with a 0-62 mph time of 3.7 seconds, is also lighter, weighing in at 1,300 kg compared to the 1,375 kg of the more powerful 9X9. Additionally, buyers have the option of choosing between a seven-speed manual transmission or the PDK dual-clutch system.
The third and final variant is the 9X9 Leichtbau, which could be likened to a retro-styled GT3. It features a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine from the 992 GT3, delivering 523 horsepower to the rear wheels. This version comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, though a PDK option is available. The Leichtbau is the lightest of the three, tipping the scales at just 1,250 kg, and it can sprint to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds.
The 9X9, like the Tuthill GT One, is loosely based on the mid-1990s 993-generation 911, but it receives a completely new carbon-fiber bodyshell. However, while the GT One draws inspiration from Porsche’s 1998 Le Mans-winning 911 GT1, the Kalmar 9X9 pays homage to the legendary Porsche 959 of the previous decade. Almost nothing remains of the original 993 donor car, as the 9X9 features advanced engineering such as double-wishbone pushrod front suspension, optional rear-axle steering, adaptive dampers, titanium brake calipers, and carbon-fiber rotors. The engine and transmission are state-of-the-art, sourced from the 992 generation, but significantly enhanced in terms of horsepower.
One of the standout features of the Kalmar 9X9 is its incredible downforce, with a peak figure of 1,480 kg, although Kalmar has not disclosed the speed required to achieve this. For comparison, a stock 992 GT3 RS generates 860 kg of downforce at 296 km/h.
Kalmar has announced that only nine examples of each 9X9 variant will be produced. Buyers lucky enough to acquire one of these exclusive machines can expect to pay at least $2.1 million for the privilege.