Porsche Fans, Take a Seat…

A very particular Porsche is set to make its grand debut at Goodwood this weekend, in all discretion save for the screeching of its tires.

The coachbuilder Kalmar Automotive has made a name for itself with its creations based on Porsche, with a slight penchant for off-road capabilities. It is therefore not uncommon to see 1980s Porsches lifted and equipped with outrageously-sized tires coming out of its workshops. Every piece is designed and crafted like high automotive couture, but not just for the pleasure of the eyes. Above all, it is meant to be driven, enjoyed without limits, and very fun on any occasion. A nice state of mind, isn’t it?

But with the Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt, the artisan has set himself a very particular challenge. That of developing a sustainable automobile, combining the thrill of a classic sports car with the advantages of electric propulsion. Each 7-97 E-Volt is made to measure, embodying KALMAR’s philosophy of “modern coachbuilding.”

This is not the first, nor will it be the last, Porsche Retrofit, far from it. The German brand is an almost endless source of inspiration. But Kalmar’s approach seemed different to us, almost… intelligent! Do not see any irony in that, but after seeing countless creations that are increasingly silly and ugly, one becomes cautious. Remember the Gas Monkey Garage Testarossa… poor Italian.

An Interesting Approach

First and foremost, Kalmar uses a body made from plant fibers, biodegradable resin, and recycled materials from the donor vehicle. The coachbuilder does not simply recover a chassis and a registration document before discarding everything else. Without overly altering the RSR line, Kalmar subtly retouches the front and rear faces, reducing drag and lift for improved performance and efficiency. It’s unsettling as it feels like a poor copy, yet ultimately, one understands the approach.

Finally, there is no craziness with the electric powertrain, utilizing a refurbished Tesla Model S transmission to deliver “only” 414 hp and 600 Nm, paired with a 63 kWh battery for reasonable range while keeping the weight down. Kalmar did not want to develop a dragster but a real car to live with.

We will keep an eye on the technical specifications and, of course, the price before passing a definitive judgment on this 7-97 E-Volt, but so far there is nothing that would make Porsche enthusiasts scream in horror.

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