The vehicle in detail
Based on the 7-97 Classic, the RS-R employs either the 964 or 993 platform. This KALMAR car was born to be used on tough, rally-style adventures and in extreme ice racing scenarios. The bespoke specification was created using the wealth of experience gained by KALMAR Automotive’s driving experience arm, KALMAR Beyond Adventure, taking customers and their sports cars on extreme overland drives all over the world.
The RS-R enjoys the same high levels of standard equipment as the 7-97 Classic, with its innovative bonded glass, electrical power steering and air conditioning system, adaptive shock absorbers and hidden audio setup. However, like every KALMAR Automotive build, the 7-97 RS-R is entirely customisable – even the smallest detail can be tailored to its owner’s desires, ensuring each 7-97 RS-R is totally unique.
Exterior
The KALMAR RS-R was designed with the purposeful and robust nature of a race and rally car in mind. The coupé enjoys a wider rear end (up 110mm), with the extra width allowing for a wider track and larger wheels, increasing traction and cornering ability. The iconic ducktail-inspired rear spoiler has function as well as form, suppling the relocated radiator with fresh air, adding extra intake snorkels to feed the proven air-cooled engine powering the rear wheels.
Alongside its increased ground clearance, the chassis benefits from impressive strengthening measures. It is fully seam welded to withstand the punishment of harsh surfaces, while an extra cross bar is also fitted for increased rigidity and even more towing options. Reducing weight is an important part of every KALMAR build: the RS-R features a lightweight exhaust system, lightweight bonded glass and full Kevlar bodywork, adding lightness and strength in equal measure. In addition, a carbon fibre roof adds further agility. Bespoke underbody impact protection, a tubular roof-mounted tyre and jerry can carrier, and an auxiliary light pod prepare the car for every eventuality.
Technical specifications
The KALMAR 7-97 range offers two engine options: the ‘Base’ and ‘Triple-4’. Both feature a true 4.0-litre engine displacement, achieved via the use of a water-cooled 997-generation 4.0-litre crankshaft and bespoke piston design, taking inspiration from the current generation of water-cooled engines from Porsche. With drive-by-wire systems, KALMAR intake and a bespoke KALMAR exhaust system, these units are better-than-new in every way. Boasting the unique KALMAR Automotive ECU with OBDII engine management system and remote access, enlarged oil cooler alongside a coil-on-plug ignition system, reliability is assured.
The standard 4.0-litre engine has a single throttle body intake system, matched to a noise reducing air-filter system that has been designed in-house. Together with a dual mass flywheel and easy to maintain hydraulic lifters, these achieve power of up to 345hp and 385Nm of torque, revving to 7,000rpm.
However, those in search of more can opt for the ‘Triple-4’ engine with its drive-by-wire individual throttle bodies, mechanical lifters, single mass flywheel, double oil cooler arrangement and the famous straight blade 993 Turbo fan for additional cooling. The ‘Triple-4’ achieves 401hp with 431Nm of torque and a redline of 8,000rpm.
The KALMAR RS-R also uses – on 993 donor cars – a bespoke limited-slip differential and updated gear ratios. The rear anti-roll bar is removed for additional wheel travel, and it comes with fully rose-jointed suspension. The rally-inspired suspension also features KALMAR adaptive shock absorbers (with optional front and rear lift function), delivering increased ground clearance of over 250mm – more than that of a Porsche Cayenne. The adaptive shocks can be adjusted with several driving modes depending on the route ahead. Thanks to lowered subframes there is room for either all-terrain or World Rally Championship tyres.
Interior
The lightweight, functional nature of the RS-R is continued inside. In its most extreme rallying guise the RS-R can be specified with a completely stripped, spartan interior, with only the essentials remaining alongside carbon fibre race seats. However, while created with the most extreme drives in mind, the KALMAR RS-R can be a comfortable companion both on and off the road. The RS-R can just as easily enjoy the same levels of luxury found in the 7-97 Classic, with bespoke, premium leather seats, and the convenience features you would associate with a modern car.
Safety is, of course, extremely important to KALMAR: several roll cage options are available, from a lightweight rear-bolted system to a fully integrated ‘cage designed for racing. Both can be covered in leather, or painted body colour. Professional navigation systems can also be added inside.
The options list for the KALMAR 7-97 RS-R is long and extensive, including additional carbon fibre, a full leather interior and safety package, but as with all KALMAR cars, anything is possible to finish your 7-97 RS-R in unique style.
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