Restomod

Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt based on the Porsche 964

Thanks to many companies such as Singer, Gunther Werks, Tuthill, etc., the number of restomod cars has been increasing for several years and the Swedish company Kalmar Automotive has revealed its project, the Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt. It is a fully electric car based on the Porsche 964.

The Swedish company’s engineers used the 964 model for this project, which they equipped with new body panels made of light linen fibers, adjustable suspension, improved aerodynamics that lower drag and increase downforce, and customers can choose improved steel and carbon-ceramic brakes. The weight of the car is 1,374 kilograms, which is close to the original 964 Turbo.

“The idea of ​​creating an EV version came from our customers, but for us, it had to be more than just dropping an EV motor in a 911. So we looked to see how far we could take its green credentials. Using an existing car as a base is a good start but it had to go further, hence recasting parts, reforming the glass and using technologies such as flax fibers that produce lower CO2 in their manufacture than carbon fiber. The donor car for our first 7-97 E-Volt build was an abandoned Porsche 964 with no engine, we have given it a second lease of ‘green’ life,” said Jan Kalmar, founder at KALMAR Automotive.

The interior is covered with soft leather and semi-aniline materials, and Kalmar offers a wide range of colors. Wipers with rain sensors are also installed, and passengers can enjoy a Bluetooth sound system supported by the Apple CarPlay system.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt is powered by electric motors from the Tesla Model S with 456 hp (335 kW) and 487 lb-ft (660 Nm) of torque, enough to reach 100 km/h in four seconds. It is also equipped with a 63 kWh battery that provides a range of up to 290 kilometers with a single charge. By using the CCS fast charging function, the battery can be charged to 80 percent capacity in less than an hour.

Probably, many Porsche fans will not like this creation, but there are certainly those who will want to own such a restomod car. For them, it should be noted that the conversion costs about 450,000 dollars, and all changes are reversible.

Source: Kalmar Automotive

Gallery:

Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt based on the Porsche 964
Hybrid

2025 Kaiyi Kunlun X7 iHD

The new Chinese car manufacturer Kaiyi Auto is coming to the European market and at the beginning of September they presented their three cars e-Qute 02, X3 Pro EV and Kunlun X7 iHD, from which the company has the highest expectations.

The story of Kaiyi Auto began four years ago as a brand of the Cowin Auto company, with a focus on two markets, Asia and Europe, but with a plan to expand to other markets as well. Cowin Auto was founded in 2014, focused on young people, with a 51 percent ownership share of the company Yibin Automobile Industry and a 49 percent share of the Chinese and global giant Chery Automobile.

The more luxurious Kaiyi Kunlun X7 iHD is a modern design SUV with a Chinese style interior. 4.74 meters long with a wheelbase of 2.82 meters and comes with 5 and 7 seats. The car’s cabin is equipped with a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 14.6-inch central control screen, as well as ambient lighting.

When it comes to the powertrain, the X7 iHD is powered by a 1.5T gasoline engine combined with two electric motors for a total output of 338 hp (248 kW) and 386 lb-ft (523 Nm) of torque, mated to a DHT dual-clutch transmission. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.7 seconds, and the 22.48 kWh CATL lithium-iron-phosphate battery provides an electric range of 150 km, or a total range of 1,200 km according to the Chinese CLTC standard.

Kaiyi Auto hopes that the car will attract a large number of buyers with its price, which should be less than 20,000 euros. On the Chinese market, the X7 iHD costs 99,000 yuan (about 12,900 euros).

Source: Cowin Auto

Gallery:

2025 Kaiyi Kunlun X7 iHD
News

Refreshed Volvo XC90

At the 2002 North American International Auto Show Volvo unveiled its mid-size luxury SUV, the XC90. So far, several versions of this model have been presented, as well as a refreshed edition in 2019. Now, another refreshed version has hit the market.

The new XC90 has retained the design of its predecessor with the addition of redesigned “Thor’s Hammer” lights and diagonal slats of the radiator grille. The interior is also slightly improved, with a new 11.2-inch touchscreen instead of the old 9.0-inch one, the operating system has been optimized, the center console provides additional storage space, while the wireless smartphone charger has been relocated. There’s also a new cup holder that can hold thinner cans and bottles firmly, so there’s no more noise from moving around.

When it comes to the powertrain, the B5 and B6 powertrains receive help from a 48-volt electric motor, which in combination with a 2.0-L four-cylinder turbo engine delivers 247 hp and 295 hp, respectively. The hybrid option delivers 455 hp, and power is sent to all wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission in all options. This option reaches 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and thanks to the 14.9-kWh battery pack, it has an electric range of 70 kilometers.

The refreshed XC90 has better handling thanks to the optional air suspension, which provides a comfortable and isolated ride, but also coped well with most road situations.

Source: Volvo

Gallery:

Refreshed Volvo XV90

Cars and catalogues