Time and time again, the Porsche 911 has become the subject of a restomod or reimagination project, sometimes focusing on ridiculous output like the Gunther Werks Project Tornado, other times focusing on a lightweight naturally aspirated experience like in the Tuthill Porsche 911K, and on still more occasions, becoming a classically styled EV. The latest creation from Kalmar Automotive falls into the latter category, but before you click away because you think EVs always ruin the experience, just know that this so-called electromod based on the 964 has the same weight as the most powerful 911 of the time, the Turbo S, and even more power. It’s also cleverly balanced to keep the handling sprightly, and its lightweight body has been aerodynamically optimized. Meet the 7-97 E-Volt.
Upcycling, Repurposing, And Innovating
Kalmar notes that the donor car was “an abandoned Porsche 964 with no engine,” so this project helps keep a classic on the road, not rob it of one. Notably, the company recast aluminum from the original chassis and reformed glass from the original windows to keep waste to a minimum, but then it went a step further with the exterior and interior body panels. Carbon fiber is common in the automotive space, but Kalmar opted for a composite made with flax fibers “because the plant-based material has already absorbed carbon dioxide during its growth cycle” and therefore reduces CO2 emissions by up to 78% versus carbon fiber. Interestingly, Porsche has been innovating with similar materials for years, and several other major OEMs are following suit. Thanks to this technology, the 7-97 E-Volt weighs just 3,029 lbs.
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Kalmar took the opportunity to hone the body with “improved aero balance” and a bonded glass design that “was developed to increase efficiency by reducing drag while reducing wind noise and aerodynamic lift.” The company also notes a reprofiled front intake design with inspiration from the super-rare 1967 Porsche 911 R. To keep things as well-balanced as possible at all speeds, the electric motor sits on the rear axle while the 63 kWh battery pack sits over the front. With no combustion engine on board, an electric vacuum pump was fitted for the brake booster, electric power steering, and air-conditioning systems. As for performance, a Tesla Model S sacrificed its powertrain to make this 964 live, resulting in 450 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque.
Kalmar Automotive 7-97 E-Volt Key Specs
- 450 hp, 486 lb-ft of torque
- Sub-4-second 0-62 mph sprint
- 3.029-lb curb weight
- 180-mile range
- 0-80% State of Charge in 1 hour (optional CCS fast charger)
It’s VERY Expensive
The restomod features an unnamed adaptive suspension system and comes with either steel or optional carbon-ceramic brakes, so it should be more than capable of handling some twisting turns. The charger port for this EV is neatly integrated beneath the license plate holder, and with classic Fuchs-style wheels, an elegant dark green paint job, and a subtly updated interior, there are very few clues to what lies beneath the 964’s chassis. Inside, the modernization of the cabin has been just as subtle, with new upholstery, a 992-style gear selector, and redesigned gauges that look like the originals but show things like battery level rather than rpm. By the way, Kalmar says your 911 can be returned to combustion power without “significant” modifications.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED headlights, a floor-mounted subwoofer, and an Apple CarPlay/Bluetooth-enabled infotainment setup encourage buyers to use this EV as much as possible. As another nod to its green mindset, the 964’s interior has been trimmed in ElmoSoft semi-aniline leather sustainably sourced from Scandinavian cattle (vegan leatherettes are not as green as you might think). All of this comes at a price, and it’s hefty: €450,000/$500,000. That’s a large chunk of change, but saving the planet in style is never cheap. Alternatively, Kalmar can build you a 930-hp turbocharged monster called the 9X9 or a relatively affordable 911 Dakar.
“The idea of creating an EV version came from our customers. But for us, it had to be more than just dropping an EV motor in a 911. So we looked to see how far we could take its green credentials. Using an existing car as a base is a good start, but it had to go further, hence recasting parts, reforming the glass and using technologies such as flax fibers that produce lower CO2 in their manufacturing than carbon fiber. The donor car for our first 7-97 E-Volt build was an abandoned Porsche 964 with no engine, and now we have given it a second lease of ‘green’ life […] The 7-97 E-Volt is proof that an electric vehicle does not need to weigh more than combustion cars. Thanks to unique new lightweight plant fiber bodywork and deep attention to general weight savings, the weight remains the same as a 964 Turbo.”
– Jan Kalmar, Kalmar Automotive Founder
#Sustainable #Restomod.. #World
