- Kalmar has revealed an EV conversion for the 964-generation Porsche 911
- The EV hardware comes from the Tesla Model S
- Kalmar claims a similar weight to the 964-generation 911 Turbo for its EV conversion
Kalmar is quickly building up a reputation for building 911 restomods with an extreme attention to detail. The trait is epitomized in the Danish company's latest creation, an electric conversion for the 911 that uses a powertrain from a Tesla Model S.
Rather than simply swapping the Tesla's powertrain into the 911 and calling it a day, Kalmar looked at how it can improve the car's green credentials while also improving performance. The result is the 7-97 E-Volt.
The process started with finding a donor 911 that was out of commission, in this case a 964-generation with a missing engine. The company then restored the vehicle, retaining original parts wherever possible. This extended to melting down and recasting aluminum on the vehicle. A similar process was done for the glass, the company said.
Perhaps what's most impressive is Kalmar's decision to craft a new lightweight body using flax-based composite material. The material was also used in the interior in an effort to further reduce weight. Kalmar claims the 7-97 E-Volt weighs just over 3,000 pounds, which is similar to the weight of the 964-generation Turbo, whose dimensions the 7-97 E-Volt shares.
Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt
Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt
Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt
Both the new body and Kalmar's glue-in glass (which helps reduce drag by eliminating gaps) have also improved the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle while also maintaining a high level of downforce. According to the company, downforce is up 30% at the front and 20% at the rear compared to the donor 911, and an available ducktail spoiler can improve rear downforce by another 60%.
But with any EV conversion, the powertrain is the star. A single electric motor mounted at the rear axle delivers a peak of 450 hp and draws energy from a 63-kwh battery split between the front and rear for optimized weight distribution. Performance claims include a 0-62 mph time of less than four seconds and a range of up to 180 miles. A drive mode selector lets the drive choose between Eco and Sport modes.
Modern features include electric power steering, automatic climate control, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay. An electric vacuum pump has been added to power the power steering, air-conditioning, and brake booster systems. Buyers of any future 7-97 E-Volts can choose between steel brake rotors or a lighter carbon-ceramic set.
The 7-97 E-Volt conversion is priced from 450,000 euros (approximately $500,000). Kalmar said the modifications have been done in a way that the car can be returned to gas power should a future owner desire.
