It’s funny just how many custom shops started as one-off projects before being seen by other auto enthusiasts who asked if one could be built for them too. And such is the case with Jan Kalmar’s restomod operation KALMAR Automotive. Founded in 2017, KALMAR has already revealed numerous 7-97 builds, though it’s now thrown us a bit of a curveball with its latest restomod, the KALMAR 7-97 E-Volt — a 911 restomod kicked along by a modern Tesla powertrain with over 400hp on tap.
A Model S’ Powertrain
In place of the Porsche 964’s factory 3.6-liter flat-six is a fully-refurbished, fully-electric powertrain plucked from a late model Tesla Model S. Located towards the rear-end of the car and counterbalanced by the powertrain’s primary battery, this motor has been tuned to generate 414hp and 422.5ft-lbs of instantaneous torque. KALMAR’s electromod makes the most of the power it has on tap with its surprisingly svelte curb weight of just 3,029bs.
A Borrowed Battery Pack
The 7-97 E-Volt’s Model S motors draw from a custom 63-kWh, 350-volt battery pack that’s made up of high-performance 3p96s prismatic cells. Controlled and monitored via an Orion battery management system, this air-cooled battery can also receive a 20% to 80% charge in as little as 15 minutes.
Carbon-Neutral Carbon Fiber
KALMAR’s electrified 964 comes cloaked in a custom set of bodywork that’s been lightly tweaked in order to deliver better aerodynamics without compromising the third-gen 911’s now-iconic appearance. This bodywork is brought to life in a revolutionary composite that offers immense strength while being incredibly lightweight. More importantly, the bodywork is crafted from a flax plant-based carbon fiber that not only helps the elite Porsche tuner mitigate its C02 footprint, but the material also literally eats carbon dioxide — or as KALMAR puts it “it takes the carbon out of carbon fiber.”
Suspension, Wheels, Tires, & Brakes
KALMAR Automotive’s 7-97 E-Volt rides on a 17-inch set of Fuchs-style five-arm, three-piece split wheels that have been wrapped in Michelin sport tires. These super lightweight, track-ready wheels come fitted with KALMAR’s own in-house-developed Super Lightweight braking system, though this already-high-performance stopping package can also be upgraded to a carbon-ceramic setup for an added fee. Helping to modernize the 964’s performance and handling is a newly-developed suspension setup that features adaptive shock absorbers.
A Customized Cabin
The interior also benefits from the use of rain-sensing wipers, electric power steering, modern air conditioning, glue-in glass, custom gauges to go along with the new EV powertrain, and a hidden high-fidelity Bluetooth audio system with an active subwoofer and Apple CarPlay integration. The inside of the vehicle also gets Recaro Sport seats that can be trimmed in numerous upholstery options ranging from Alcantara to tartan to eco-friendly ElmoSoft grain leather. On top of being offered with numerous seat options, the 7-97 E-Volt’s cabin can also be optioned with an available full leather package, an in-car entertainment unit with a center console display, an available sunroof delete, and an optional leather-wrapped rear roll cage.
Bespoke Detals & Other Noteworthy Niceties
Though its Tesla powertrain, modern componentry, and custom interior are no doubt its most captivating aspects, KALMAR’s 964-based electromod also sports a handful of small but impressive details that speak to just how insanely calculated the restomod is as a whole. This includes 911-shaped light lenses, a KALMAR aluminum F-series rear grille, aluminum ‘bullet-style’ side mirrors, bi-LED headlights, regular 964 door handles, aluminum one-piece front intake grille and indicator units, and a front splitter, lower side pieces, and rear lower apron that have all been painted in a contrasting color. The front grilles, side mirrors, window surrounds, interior aluminum elements, and rear light edges have all been ceramic-coated as well.
Spec Sheet
Class: Electromod
Brand: KALMAR Automotive
Model: 7-97 E-Volt
Donor: Porsche 964
Powertrain: Tesla Model S
Power: 414HP & 422.5FT-LBs
Battery: 63kWh 350V
Weight: 3,029LBs
Pricing & Availability
The KALMAR Automotive 7-97 E-Volt is available for order now, with pricing starting from around €450,000 (~ $500,000). Production of this all-electric Porsche 964 is limited to around a dozen units annually.
Recap
KALMAR Automotive 7-97 E-Volt Porsche 964 Electromod
The KALMAR Automotive 7-97 E-Volt is a high-performance Porsche 964 electromod that features a bespoke interior, custom bodywork, a host of contemporary components, and a powertrain plucked from a Tesla Model S that’s been tuned to make over 400hp — all while weighing in at around 3,000lbs.
