World's First Retro Hypercar: The Kalmar 9x9 Is A Feather-Weight 900+HP Homage To The 959

Kalmars Take On The World’s First Retro Hypercar

Now this isn’t the first time that a 959 has been reimagined as a modern supercar. Remember the Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien? However, where that car was more of an off-road-oriented variant, the 9x9 is designed for the pavement and the racetrack and has a considerably shorter wheelbase. Also, look closely and you’ll find a hint of the 992 generation 911 upfront, with the four-point LED headlights. The mirrors, the aero ducts in the hood, and the aggressive aero bits look like they’re straight out of a modern-day 911 GT3.

But believe it or not, there is a 993 in there somewhere according to founder Jan Kamar. The easiest giveaway is the tall windscreen and window line. Limited to just 27 examples, each creation is a bespoke Scandinavian masterpiece, tailored to the unique desires of its future owner. With the 9X9, Kalmar pushes this theory to the next level.

Underneath the stunning carbon fiber bodywork lies a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged engine from the current 911 Turbo with 930 horsepower on tap. For context, the stock 911 Turbo packs 572 horsepower. Mated to a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and a lightning-fast double-clutch transmission, every ounce of thrust translates into exhilarating forward motion.

But the 9X9 is so much more than just brute force, because Kalmar has also gone to great lengths to work on the weight distribution and handling. A state-of-the-art suspension system, co-developed with Danisi Engineering and incorporating components from Tractive, ensures the car remains planted and composed even under the most demanding conditions. 3D-printed titanium brake calipers from CarboBrake provide immense stopping power, confidently taming the 9X9’s performance. Extensive CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis has sculpted the car’s aerodynamic profile, generating substantial downforce without compromising overall efficiency. Simulations indicate that the 9x9 can get around the Nordschleife in seven minutes flat., putting it on par with some serious track-focused machines like the 911 GT3 MR.

Kalmar will offer a trio of distinct 9X9 variants, (nine of each for a total of 27) with each catering to individual driving preferences. Take your pick. The standard 9X9 is a grand tourer, prioritizing long-distance comfort while still delivering exhilarating performance. For purists, you have the 9X9 Sport, which offers a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, placing greater emphasis on driver involvement. Finally, the Leichtbau ("lightweight") variant is a hardcore track-focused machine, stripped down to the bare essentials and equipped with a naturally aspirated engine for the ultimate analog driving experience. It weighs 2,755 pounds. For context, the lightest 911 in the current range is the S/T, which weighs 3,042 pounds.

Stepping inside the cockpit, minimalism reigns supreme. The focus here is on the driver and the pure driving experience. High-quality materials and high-end craftsmanship create a luxurious yet purposeful environment, devoid of unnecessary distractions that might break your concentration. The Kalmar 9X9 shows us the enduring appeal of classic sports car design, reborn and reimagined for the 21st century. This is a car that pushes boundaries, a fusion of passion and engineering brilliance. Deliveries begin in July 2025.

Here is founder Jan Kalmar giving us an up-close look at his latest creation.