Homage to the Porsche 930

Thursday 29 January 2026 17:12
| Updated:

Thursday 29 January 2026 17:13

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The Porsche 911 Turbo celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, marked by a ’50th Anniversary’ commemorative edition with unique paint and tartan-colored seat trim.

However, Porsche restoration specialist Kalmar Automotive has gone a step further by creating a limited production tribute to the original Porsche 930 Turbo.

The Kalmar 7-97 Turbo Edition combines retro styling with an air-cooled engine – and only 11 examples will be made.

Available in coupe and convertible body styles, the 7-97 Turbo Edition is based on the 993 generation Porsche 911.

Along with extensive modifications to turn the 993 into a Turbo tribute, each car will be customized to unique specifications chosen by its owner.

Kalmar: Classic look, modern engineering

The 7-97 Turbo Edition bears a clear resemblance to the classic Porsche 930. However, beyond its familiar proportions, Kalmar has worked hard to solve many of the aerodynamic problems of the original car.

Every surface of the 7-97 Turbo Edition has been mapped using Computational Flow Dynamics (CFD), helping to create a more balanced aero setup.

Kalmar also redesigned the iconic ‘whale tail’ rear spoiler, ensuring it provides optimal downforce and cooling for the upgraded flat-six engine.

The front of the 7-97 Turbo Edition features a mix of long- and short-nose Porsche 911 design elements, while the front grille is a contemporary twist on the 1967 911R.

The entire bodywork is made from carbon fiber. Kalmar removed the rain gutter from the 993 generation bodyshell and bolted the rear window in place.

More boost and all-wheel drive

Along with its looks, the biggest draw for those ordering the 7-97 Turbo Edition will definitely be the 3.2-litre ‘Mezger’ flat-six engine.

Developed by Kalmar together with technical partner Lorrtec, the turbocharged engine actually has a smaller capacity than the standard 993 Turbo. However, this is offset by much greater improvements.

A total of 650hp and 494lb ft of torque is offered. The 7-97 Turbo Edition also comes with four-wheel drive, traction control, and an adjustable suspension. All this should help tame the 911 Turbo’s notorious ‘widow maker’ reputation.

A set of Fuchs-style 18-inch magnesium center-lock wheels wear Michelin tires, and hide modern carbon-ceramic brake discs.

Kalmar hasn’t quoted any performance figures for the 7-97 Turbo Edition, but a light weight of around 1,200 kg should guarantee dramatic acceleration.

From retro racers to grand tourers

Not satisfied with the exterior customization of the Porsche 911, Kalmar turned his attention to the cabin of the 7-97 Turbo Edition.

The completely new electrical system includes a compact central touchscreen. This allows the driver to adjust the engine’s suspension settings on the move, and provides mod-cons like Apple CarPlay connectivity and a reversing camera.

The rest of the 7-97 Turbo Edition’s interior can be customized to the owner’s preferred specifications, with a variety of materials and finishes available. Powerful street racer or luxurious grand tourer? The choice is yours.

Kalmar has not yet named a price for the 7-97 Turbo Edition, but expects to pay more than £400,000 once the cost of the donor car is taken into account.

• John Redfern writes for Automotive Research