- Danish coachbuilder Kalmar is continuing development work on its new 9X9 at the Nürburgring.
- The prototype faced issues in testing, underscoring the challenges of small-batch engineering.
- Kalmar plans to build only 27 examples of its 993-based supercar, each priced around $2.1 million.
Kalmar has learned the hard way just how challenging it is to engineer a car capable of storming around the Nürburgring. During testing, it took less than two laps for a prototype of their limited-run 9X9 to tap out, breaking down mid-circuit. But that’s exactly what testing is for, isn’t it? Pushing the limits to see what falls apart—literally, in this case.
The Danish outfit, who’ve previously given us an electric 964-generation Porsche 911 powered by a Tesla motor and battery, unveiled the gorgeous 9X9 at Monterey Car Week back in August, with plans to produce just 27 units. It’s based on a 993-generation 911 from the mid-1990s, and not only does it look very different thanks to the carbon fiber body that’s heavily inspired by the iconic 959, but it’s also been radically overhauled under the skin. And what better place to test these upgrades than at Green Hell?
Read: Kalmar’s 9X9 Is A 993-Based 959 Homage With Up To 917 HP
Our spy photographers recently camped out at the track and spotted an undisguised 9X9 being put through its paces. Apparently, the car completed one formation lap before encountering an issue on the second lap, forcing the driver to switch on the hazard lights and limp around the circuit. While the boutique firm probably wasn’t thrilled about encountering issues, we do have to applaud it for going to the trouble of testing the car on the world’s most demanding racetrack, particularly given that this is usually the playground of large OEMs, not small coachbuilders.
It’s unclear which of the three 9X9 variants was being tested in Germany. The flagship model sources its 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six from the 992-gen 911 Turbo S and has been upgraded to deliver 917 hp, allowing it to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 2 seconds.
Those who don’t need such insane levels of performance can opt for the slightly more restrained 9X9 Sport. It has the 3.0-liter twin-turbo six as the 992 GTS and delivers 641 hp. The final variant available to customers is the 9X9 Leichbau. It gets its grunt from a 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated six lifted from a 992 GT3, delivering 523 hp and exclusively powering the rear wheels. It will be offered with a six-speed manual and an optional PDK.
If you’re interested in one of these ultra-limited machines, be prepared to shell out at least $2.1 million. Kalmar told us that with everything dialed in, the 9X9 should be capable of lapping the Nürburgring in under seven minutes. For now, though, they’ll have to iron out a few teething issues before it can chase that goal.
