650hp Kalmar 7-97 'Turbo Edition' celebrates 930
Kalmar makes its 911 projects tougher than most; now it makes them more powerful than most, too
You might remember the name Kalmar from previous Porsche-shaped projects; the Danish company is renowned for its off-road adventure expertise, which it then uses to build spectacular one-off commissions. So, yes, they’re more modified old Porsches, but with a little more grit and purpose than the usual ducktail and detailing rework. Have a look at their 996-based RS-6 for proof - not many people make ‘em like Kalmar.
The same appears to be true for this, the 7-97 Turbo Edition. The 7-97 is Kalmar’s core model, with a model range that comprises Classic, Cabriolet, Evo and even E-Volt. Now there’s a Turbo, a car that ‘takes the philosophy of the 930 and invites it into the 21st century’. Which sounds like a pretty cool idea. Though it’s another 993-based, retro-inspired build (the supply will surely run out soon!) Kalmar suggests that this Turbo Edition will offer ‘modern drivability, stability, and comfort while preserving the emotional intensity that made the original Turbo an icon.’
Certainly 650hp should offer up some emotional intensity, particularly with just 1,200kg of carbon-clad Porsche to shift. Interestingly, Kalmar makes a 3.2-litre version of the Mezger flat-six for this 7-97, where a standard 993 Turbo used a 3.6. The idea being that smaller pistons can be reinforced and still allow space for stronger cylinder walls, those in place to protect against the boost modern turbos can conjure up. The head gaskets are made from copper beryllium, the cams are unique and the intake is said to be inspired by a 962. This isn’t your average baby blue 993 backdate.
It says a lot about the crazy world of classic Porsche modification that upgrades like TracTive adaptive dampers, magnesium wheels and ceramic brakes no longer raise an eyebrow. Good job, then, that Kalmar goes further still, with the chassis fully seam-welded and carbon used for the roof and the doors. There’s traction control and four-wheel drive as well, to help contain that prodigious power (and keep the CFD-honed bodywork intact).
No reimagined Porsche would be complete without a lavishly appointed interior of some kind, and there the 7-97 Turbo Edition doesn’t disappoint. Kalmar suggests interior speccing for the 11 customers will be ‘much like a bespoke tailored suit’, offering every possible theme from road racer to grand tourer. This one appears to align more closely with the latter vibe, complete with tan leather throughout and smart contrast stitching, but if you want to go full RS then that’s also possible. Every Turbo Edition is underpinned by a new electrical system, the first Kalmar creation to receive it, which means functions like a rear-view camera, displays of vital temperatures and phone mirroring can be included.
So it’s going to cost, obviously. This much engineering, this much carbon and this much power will never come cheap, even with a front-axle lift and variable traction control included. The asking price for a Kalmar 7-97 Turbo Edition is 745,000 euros, or £650,000, excluding the cost of a donor car. Which, in 2026, is from £40k for a Tiptronic Targa with 150,000 miles. Probably doesn’t matter if the whole thing is being restored. But if you want Kalmar to begin with a manual Coupe, think more like £60k. Not as much as a Singer, at least…
Although, some of my imaginary Euromillions mega jackpot would be going to Ruf (RCT Evo widebody and an SCR), https://www.rufautomobile.co.uk/
However, I would choose this 356 outlaw (https://www.emorymotorsports.com/#jp-carousel-228) over the article car, but each to their own choices.
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