2026 KALMAR 7-97 Turbo Edition

• Limited to 11 bespoke examples, split between Coupe and Cabriolet.

• Carbon-bodied 993-based build with a heavily reworked air-cooled Mezger engine.

• Modern suspension, traction control, and electronics aim to civilize extreme performance.

A Modern Reinterpretation of the Turbo Archetype

The 2026 KALMAR 7-97 Turbo Edition arrives as a focused tribute to the original turbocharged 911s that once defined excess and intimidation in equal measure. KALMAR Automotive positions the car as a modern grand tourer rather than a raw homage, drawing directly from the Porsche 930’s legacy while addressing the dynamic shortcomings that made those early cars infamous. Production is capped at 11 cars, each built to individual specification, reinforcing the project’s coachbuilt nature rather than mass-produced intent.

Familiar Proportions, Sharpened Surfaces

At a glance, the silhouette is instantly recognizable. The roofline, rear haunches, and whale-tail spoiler speak clearly to air-cooled heritage. Look closer and the surfaces are far more deliberate. Every exterior panel is carbon fibre, refined using CFD to manage lift and cooling without disturbing the classic outline. The front end blends short- and long-nose cues, while subtle details like rain gutter deletion and bonded rear glass address high-speed stability issues inherent to the 911 platform. The result feels respectful, not nostalgic.

Air-Cooled Power, Reengineered

Power comes from a 3.2-litre air-cooled Mezger-based engine developed with technical partner Lorrtec. Downsizing from the original 993 Turbo displacement allows for stronger cylinder walls and lighter internals, enabling higher boost from modern turbochargers. Output exceeds 650 horsepower and 670 Nm of torque, delivered with a sharper throttle response than period cars ever managed. Modern traction control and selectable engine maps are integral to the package, deliberately reframing the Turbo from “widow maker” to usable performance machine.

Chassis and Electronics Built for Real Roads

Underneath, the 7-97 Turbo Edition departs further from its donor. A fully seam-welded chassis, adaptive dampers from TracTive, and four-wheel drive work together to manage power delivery. Carbon ceramic brakes sit behind 18-inch magnesium center-lock wheels, emphasizing weight control alongside outright stopping power. Inside, a new electrical architecture introduces an active secondary dial displaying boost, suspension, and engine settings, alongside modern features such as Apple CarPlay and a rear-view camera, integrated without overwhelming the classic cockpit atmosphere.

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