7-97 Classic

Underpinning the 7-97 Classic Range is the all-new, advanced aerodynamic overhaul introduced with the “silent facelift.” It allows the car to go faster and be more planted at speed, yet with added comfort over the original.

With the KALMAR ethos of only modernising the shape of the KALMAR 7-97 classic without radical design changes, the technical engineers faced the challenge of “making the car better but not changing the original design DNA.”

The engineers quickly realised that it had to be the sum of many more minor adjustments, each contributing to reduced lift and drag. The countless changes are so plentiful that KALMAR dares to call this a “facelift,” although a trained eye is needed to spot the changes. Utilising modern technologies available to the team now, which didn’t exist when the 911 was initially developed, KALMAR Automotive used a combination of advanced motorsport-grade simulation and production technologies. The subtle changes provide reduced wind resistance, simultaneously decrease lift, and improve aero balance to avoid changing the iconic weight distribution that the 911 is famed for. Today, the 7-97 Classic Range is not only faster but handles better, thanks to the tireless work of the engineering team.

For those looking at the geeky details, the aerodynamic changes, which have been CFD simulated (results at 130 km/h), are remarkable, especially when accumulated. The modern, glue-in glass alone reduced lift by 41 kg. Modified cooling on the underside of the car shifts aero balance toward the rear, together with the adapted ride height and rake of the 7-97 Classic Range. Results show that these changes create a 30 per cent increased downforce on the front axle and reduce rear-end lift by 20 per cent. When retaining the famous KALMAR Automotive F-series-inspired rear grille design, customers can also opt for a new ducktail spoiler, which decreases lift by a further 60 per cent on the rear to create true downforce!

The result for the driver is remarkable, as stability remains at all speeds to create predictable handling—a testimony to KALMAR Automotive’s uncompromising attitude.

With the bespoke nature of all KALMAR cars, the specifications are individual for all customers depending on their vision of the “perfect car”. The KALMAR 7-97 Classic line can be imagined with a race-like specification or as a grand tourer, all with high levels of comfort and usability.

The opportunities are endless when designing a KALMAR 7-97 Classic Coupé, Cabriolet or Targa, with options from KALMAR Automotive’s all-new engine pairing.

The “base” engine with true 3.8-litre displacement, single throttle body, double mass flywheel, and easy to maintain hydraulic lifters, all totaling to 355 hp and 410 Nm of torque. For those looking for more power and sound, the optional ‘Triple-4’ engine is built with individual throttle bodies, mechanical lifters, a single mass flywheel, double oil cooler all of which see the ‘Triple-4’ achieve 401 hp and 450 Nm of torque.

Each variant comes as standard with a drive-by Wire e-gas system, KALMAR intakes, a bespoke sports exhaust as well as the mission to use either new or reconditioned components for all moving parts within the engine

The unique KALMAR Automotive ECU with OBDII Engine Management System and remote access takes away most worries for the owner, as does the enlarged oil cooler set-up alongside the coil on plug ignition as they contribute towards further reliability, accommodating for high-speed running and increased horsepower.

Utilising only the best-of-the-best materials and suppliers for a ‘no-compromise’ approach to increasing the overall performance of the car, the all-new engines will be delivered through all 7-97 Classic models from 2023.

An entirely new adaptive active suspension features new ground-breaking design front dampers with an optional hydraulic lift function. At the same time, harder-than-OEM rubber bushes allow KALMAR Automotive to specify the optimum suspension type for the driver. The adaptive shocks constantly adjust to being a perfect mix of sport and comfort with several drive modes available. If more of a race feeling is requested, then optional rear rose jointed top mounts and full moonball suspension arms will finish the set-up perfectly for the close-to-race experience.

The 7-97 Classic comes standard with the bespoke lightweight KALMAR race-specified brake system. The non-assisted design ensures that the car is more reliable and responsive, retaining the classic driving feel without any brake fade. Optional carbon ceramic brakes are available to further enhance the unsprung mass and for better stopping capabilities.

The original steering feel is almost mystical, so advanced electrical adaptive power steering is included. It adds a bit more horsepower to the wheels when driving along the landscape when it’s fully turned off, so drivers are in perfect control of the 7-97 Classic without any interference.

Additional attention has been given to chassis stiffness to ensure a thrilling driving experience and a staggering top speed. The increase in the chassis’s torsional rigidity is made without compromising the car’s lightness, which is a component that all KALMAR projects are renowned for. The modification allows the suspension to work more efficiently, resulting in an increase in handling, responsiveness to driver input, and overall comfort quality.

The unique weight distribution is also crucial to the team, a feat accomplished during the development process, not least by including an electrical air-conditioning unit and electrical power steering, which also helps create a beautiful engine bay. All these intelligent elements come together, resulting in an ultra-low weight that produces super sharp, direct handling.

The list of included options is long on a KALMAR 7-97 Classic, but there are some possible options such as centre-lock wheels, front axle lift system and the optional “Triple-4” engine. There are also some further upgrade packages available.

– An additional carbon fibre package including doors, roof (only Coupé) and a
leather-covered rear roll cage
– A complete leather package where the backside of the front seats and whole rear
inserts are covered in leather
– Safety package with double airbag set up

All can be chosen and added depending on each customer’s desired end specification and usage of their 7-97 Classic.