KALMAR 7-97 E-Volt: A 911 Like No Other Typically, when a 911 purist is ready to drop a fortune on a restored Porsche, they head straight to Singer. But what if you want that timeless 911 silhouette, yet you’re losing sleep over the ice caps melting? What if you believe a 21-year-old Swedish activist is the singular bright spot in all of humanity? Enter Kalmar with the solution to your climate anxiety. Kalmar Automotive, a boutique Danish restoration company has the answer. It’s called the 7-97 E-Volt—a 1980s 964-based 911 with the drivetrain from a Tesla. Built on the principle of sustainability, it combines that timeless 911 shape with Tesla tech. But does it hit the mark? Let’s find out. Sustainability in Constructing the 7-97 E-Volt KALMAR Automotive, like Singer, specialises in restoring and modernising classic Porsche 911s. But with the 7-97 E-Volt, they’ve gone green, focusing primarily on their "Evergreen" philosophy. This approach reduces environmental impact by repurposing materials from donor cars and using recycled elements like aluminium and glass. The body, for example, ditches traditional carbon fibre in favour of flax fibre panels. Not only has this reduced CO2 emissions by 78%, but it has also resulted in an exceptionally lightweight construction without compromising structural integrity or aesthetics. Then there’s the bonded glass and redesigned front intake, adding to the car’s style and aerodynamics. The streamlined intake reduces drag and improves airflow, especially at high speeds. The result? The 7-97 E-Volt tips the scales at just under 1.4 tonnes. That’s pretty remarkable, considering much of it is made from second-hand materials. Compare that to a modern 911, which weighs more and leaves a bigger carbon footprint with its excessive use of carbon fibre. And let’s be honest—the E-Volt’s blend of retro and futuristic styling looks better. Power and Performance: Tesla Meets Porsche in the KALMAR 7-97 E-Volt In true 911 fashion, the motor is slung out over the back axle, however, this isn’t your traditional flat-six. Instead, it uses a 414-horsepower rear motor from a Tesla Model S Plaid, producing an instantaneous 443 lb-ft of torque. The result is 0–62 mph in under 4 seconds and an impressive total range of up to 180 miles.The 7-97 E-Volt is fitted with adaptive suspension, so one can tweak the ride depending on the road conditions. It also features lightweight ceramic brakes to provide effective stopping power while reducing weight. The result is that classic 911 handling enthusiasts cherish. Of course, these figures aren’t headline material but that’s intentional. Kalmar’s goal was to replicate that authentic 911 driving experience. The drivetrain has been meticulously tuned for that beloved sports car feel with the lightweight bodywork aiding this. The result, this car has more in common with an MX-5 than an actual Tesla. Luxury, Customization, and Cost of the 7-97 E-Volt As impressive as the KALMAR 7-97 E-Volt is in terms of performance, its interior is a whole different level of luxury. The cabin boasts Elmo Soft grain leather, ethically sourced from Scandinavian cattle raised on natural diets. It’s also packed with modern features like Apple CarPlay and electric air conditioning. Each 7-97 E-Volt is tailored to its owner's preferences, offering endless customization options. Whether you want your 7-97 E-Volt to be a boulevard cruiser or a Pikes Peak racer is really in your hands. Production is limited to just 12 bespoke cars every year so it’s no surprise that the 7-97 E-Volt starts at $506,000. Conclusion The KALMAR 7-97 E-Volt plugs a gap in the market that didn’t even exist until now. It’s a car built for those who want the best of both worlds. A machine so green it makes Greta Thunberg look like a muscle car enthusiast. Yet it relishes in that 911 balance and feel enthusiasts drone on about.It shows that respecting the environment and indulging in automotive passion doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s proof that the future really can embrace the past.
