Major sports car brand ‘could revive weirdest model' 40 years being discontinued – and it would leave drivers ‘tripping'
A MAJOR sports car could be set to revive its "weirdest model" some 40 years after it was discontinued.
This iconic 1980s model could be a massive hit with car enthusiasts who would be "tripping over themselves" to get their hands on one.
Advertisement
3
Porsche 930 Targa Turbo Flachbau is known for its flat nose
Credit: Alamy
3
Porsche could be reviving the iconic car
Credit: Alamy
3
Vintage models like these are gold dust for collectors
Credit: Alamy
The incredible Porsche Flachbau was sold
Translated to "slant nose" in English, the 911 model is recognised for its flat nose instead of the car's trademark raised fenders and frog-eyed lights.
Although having only produced a few of the vehicles, the car company did revive the option for the 964 Turbo S, with exposed 928-style pop-up lights.
This isn't the first vintage vehicle to have a reboot.
Advertisement
Read more on Motors
The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition was inspired by the 1950s, while the 911 Sport Classic referenced models from the 60s.
Last year, the Porsche 959 made a reappearance some 37 years after it was first released.
The supercar is an icon of the 1980s and, at the time of its debut, was the world's fastest street-legal car with a top speed of 197 mph.
The incredible Porsche 959 was sold between 1986 and 1993, and just 292 units were built - according to Porsche themselves.
Advertisement
Most read in Motors
Among the car's famous owners included Bill Gates, the billionaire owner of Microsoft, comedian and Porsche aficionado Jerry Seinfeld, and even former
Ferrari
F1 driver Eddie Irvine.
However, 959-ownership might be about to get a tiny bit easier for Porsche fans... if you're happy to sit behind the wheel of a high-class knock off.
Porsche Cayenne fitted with brainy 'matrix headlights' that change nighttime driving forever
That's because engineering firm
Set to be available in standard, Sport and 'Leichtbau' forms, just nine examples of this extra special motor will be created as a tribute to one of history's most famous fast cars.
Advertisement
The top-spec of these features a bonkers 3.8-litre twin-turbo engine capable of delivering an eye-watering 930 bhp to all four of its wheels.
If that isn't enough, the experts at Kalmar have tweaked the car's bodywork to generate a claimed 1,450kg of downforce.
Possibly to keep things retro, the 9X9's interior combines digital displays with analogue dials, with both the navigation system and radio removed - although Bluetooth remains to allow for phone calls and media playback.
The company says each one will be coach-built to be totally unique, and that buyers can expect to take delivery of their one-of-a-kind 9X9 in July 2025.
Advertisement
Jan Kalmar, the founder of Kalmar Automotive, said: 'The 9X9 is Kalmar Automotive's tribute to one of the greatest road-going sports cars of the millennia, enhanced to the highest possible degree that technology today allows.
'The result is our creation of a brand-new class of vehicle, retro-hyper-car.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Mystery as iconic carmaker ‘immediately halts ALL sales of EV in UK until further notice'
AN ICONIC carmaker has dramatically halted all sales of one of its electric vehicles in the UK. The company mysteriously told its retailers to stop selling a specific batch of the electric sports car. 3 The carmaker has issued a recall for one of its electric sports cars Credit: Alamy 3 A number of Porsche dealers have been asked to stop selling the motor Credit: Getty Several main Porsche dealers have been asked to remove a selection of electric Taycan models from sale, according to It follows a request from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) which manages motor recalls in the UK. The problem relates to a previous recall issued in November by the DVSA which said it could pose a fire risk. According to the DSVA, the reason for that recall was: "A short circuit within the battery modules during the vehicle's service life cannot be ruled out under certain circumstances which could lead to thermal events and later to a fire in the vehicle." Read more in Motors A new Porsche software that will detect the problem and display a warning to the vehicle owner if it occurs is due later next month. Porsche GB said in a statement: "Enhanced battery monitoring software is anticipated to become available for first generation Taycan models towards the end of June. "With its imminent arrival, we've advised our retail partners not to sell a small, specific batch of first generation Taycan models until the software update is live." The carmaker has been contacted for comment. Most read in Motors One Porsche dealer said: "Unfortunately Porsche and the DVSA haven't put a definitive timeframe on approved Taycans so at the minute we're now having to remove all Taycans from sale for the foreseeable future. "Porsche head office have sent out a bulletin to say we need to remove them from sale and not deliver any until further notice." A number of Taycans were still up for sale on the official Porsche used website as of this morning. It is understood that the bulletin sent out to dealers was only sent yesterday. A handful of Taycan models are thought to be affected by the issue in question, but it's not known how many outside of official dealers could be impacted too. Inside Taycan Turbo GT Porsche that can hit 200mph as SunSport's Isabelle Barker is taken for a spin by Formula E safety car driver Both Porsche GB and the DVSA have previously issued 12 safety recalls on various Taycan models. This includes recalls to replace brake hoses, address problem with welding and suspension components and replacing cell blocks in the high voltage battery. DVSA issues recalls when potential safety defects could inflict serious injury or harm to drivers, passengers, or other road users. They investigate when a manufacturer identifies a defect and they can initiate a recall to fix the issue, usually at no cost to the owner. Just last November, It issued a notice on three of its most popular models including the iconic Owners were urged to "stop driving immediately". 3 The iconic 911 was subject to a recall last year over the risk of the wheels falling off Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Christian Horner breaks silence on ‘flattering' Ferrari rumours after being tipped to join Lewis Hamilton at F1 giants
CHRISTIAN HORNER has shut down rumours of a move to Ferrari. The Red Bull boss 2 Christian Horner has been with Red Bull since 2005 Credit: Getty Horner is one of the most successful team principals in F1 history, overseeing eight drivers' titles and six constructors' championships at Red Bull. He most recently signed a new deal in 2021 but is out of contract next year, sparking speculation about his future. When asked if Ferrari contacted him and if it was a job he would ever consider, he replied: 'Of course it's always flattering to be associated with other teams but my commitment 100 per cent is with Red Bull. 'It always has been and certainly will be for the long-term. There's a bunch of speculation always in this business. READ MORE IN SPORT 'People coming here, going there or whatever. I think people within the team know exactly what the situation is. "My Italian is worse than Flavio [Briatore's] English, so how on earth would that work?' There has been plenty of infighting at Red Bull in recent years involving Max Verstappen's dad Jos and senior adviser Helmut Marko. Four-time world champion Most read in Motorsport BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 2 Ferrari have an enviable pair of drivers on their roster Credit: Getty A recent clash between the pair saw them support different drivers for the No2 spot following Sergio Perez's departure. Marko is said to have preferred 10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailer
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Seven best used cars you can pick up for under £5,000 including ‘sharp looker' Seat and ‘astonishing' Hyundai
THE best value second-hand cars you can buy for less than £5,000 have been revealed. Seven cheap alternatives have been identified for bargain hunting Brits looking for luxury vehicles at a fraction of the price. Advertisement 9 One of the cars is available to buy from as little as £1,000 Credit: Getty 9 All seven budget buys can be bought for less than £5,000 Credit: Getty The list contains a mix of four-wheelers for big families, dog owners and car enthusiasts with expensive taste. Some of the popular vehicles can be found in a decent condition from as little as £1,000. The budget cars boast a wide variety of practical features, such as four-wheel drive and turbo-boosted engines. Volkswagen Up ! 9 The Volkswagen Up! is an equally cheap car to run Credit: Alamy First up is the Advertisement The city car has been praised for its slick style and high quality, providing a smooth ride for the driver. As well as its low second-hand cost, the VW is an equally affordable vehicle to run with low fuel consumption and emissions. Young drivers can also benefit from the cheaper insurance prices that come with the Up. Prices start on selling-site Autotrader at around £1,500. Advertisement Most read in Motors Latest Seat Leon 9 It is part of the VW group and shares plenty under the bonnet with the German manufacturer Credit: Alamy Despite being modelled on a It is part of the VW group and shares plenty under the bonnet with the German manufacturer. Even the smaller 1.2-litre petrol engine is capable enough for most journeys, and the handling is more engaging than many rivals. Advertisement The most common problems reported involve the DSG automatic gearboxes, minor satnav faults, and some condensation in the rear lights. Mazda MX-5 9 At under £5,000, you're mostly looking at earlier examples, but the engines tend to be reliable with proper servicing Credit: Alamy Those wanting a car that's more about enjoyment might consider the This version is slightly heavier and more refined than earlier MX-5s, making it more usable on a daily basis while still offering the same fun handling and simple, rear-wheel-drive setup the car is known for. Advertisement At under £5,000, you're mostly looking at earlier examples, but the engines tend to be reliable with proper servicing. Owners should keep an eye on rusty sills and body panels, sticky brake callipers, and hard-top models with roof mechanism issues. Hyundai i30 BlueDrive 9 It officially returns up to 78.4 miles per gallon and, in many versions, qualifies for zero road tax Credit: Alamy If saving money on fuel and tax is your top priority, the Hyundai i30 BlueDrive is a practical choice. Advertisement Built between 2012 and 2017, this diesel hatchback was designed during a time when low emissions and economy were major selling points. It officially returns up to 78.4 miles per gallon and, in many versions, qualifies for zero road tax. It's also chain-driven, meaning you won't need to worry about replacing a cambelt. Most faults reported are minor, such as scuffed interiors, and the engines themselves have a good reputation for dependability. Advertisement Honda CR-V 9 This mid-size SUV had a large, flat boot and a sliding rear seat that allows for even more space when needed Credit: Alamy For dog owners, the Honda CR-V built from 2006 to 2012 is worth a look. This mid-size SUV had a large, flat boot and a sliding rear seat that allows for even more space when needed. It's also known for its mechanical reliability and general durability. Advertisement Four-wheel-drive versions are better suited to rural areas and country walks, especially in poor weather. Some used examples suffer from weak air conditioning, batter drain issues and fading interior trim, but overall, it's a strong all-rounder. Ford S-Max 9 Built between 2006 and 2014, it's an MPV that avoids the usual dull driving experience thanks to its car-like handling Credit: Alamy If you need seven seats, the Ford S-Max offers better practicality than many SUVs in the same price range. Advertisement Built between 2006 and 2014, it's an MPV that avoids the usual dull driving experience thanks to its car-like handling. There's plenty of space inside, and the rear seats can be folded flat when not in use. Older examples can be found for as little as £1,000, though well-kept ones with a full history hover around £5,000. Common faults include electrical issues, damp carpets, and noisy power steering. Advertisement Audi TT 9 Inside, the cabin is smartly finished and doesn't feel dated Credit: Alamy For those who want a more stylish option, the second-generation Audi TT from 2006 to 2014 still looks modern and drives well. It shares its engine with the Golf GTI, giving it decent performance and a solid driving feel. Inside, the cabin is smartly finished and doesn't feel dated. Advertisement These cars can be had for under £5,000, though buyers should watch for high oil consumption, noisy timing chains, and electrical niggles like dodgy window mechanisms or condensation in the lights. Not every used car in this price range is a smart buy, though. One model to avoid is the first-generation BMW 1 Series, sold between 2004 and 2011. Read more on the Irish Sun While the badge may attract some buyers, these cars are often cramped in the back, hard-riding and plagued by mechanical issues in many versions. Advertisement Even well-maintained examples can feel tired, and the dark interiors make them less pleasant to spend time in compared to rivals. Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start * If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Enjoy: A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW Financing options Trusted dealers
