Singer is already part of the Porsche mythology, but its latest backdate promises to write a whole new chapter…
Words: Simon Charlesworth
Photos: Singer Vehicle Design
Upgrading any classic is a risky business, but if you’re going to modernise something as revered in its original form as a 911, you have to get it spot on. This is where renowned Porsche modifier Singer Vehicle Design has established itself as a global leader. A boutique independent LA-based tuning and restoration company, it has only been modifying 911s since 2009. But in the process it has created a veritable fever both in and outside of Porsche circles on both sides of the Atlantic.
The official company strapline is ‘Porsche 911s reimagined by Singer’, specifically 964s, resto-modded in a similar vein to a Frontline Developments MGB or Alfaholics’ GTA-R. These 911s have become idealised products, playing with proportions and classic detailing, while benefiting from improved torsional rigidity, better handling parameters, performance and reliability alongside Singer’s already legendary attention to detail.
Such is the success of this deft blend of performance and design that Singer’s workshop diary is block-booked by eager customers waiting to have their cars transformed. The company takes a measured and personal approach to the premium transformative service it offers – of the sort where nothing is too much trouble when it comes to a client’s individual wishes and desires.
This is where the all-new DLS comes in. The ‘Dynamics and Lightweighting Study’ began as a commission at the request of Singer client Scott Blattner: “My journey with Singer began with the restoration of two coupes. In 2016, these were joined by my Targa, which recently ran at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. I became intrigued by the possibility of further evolution.
“The guys at Singer have always been receptive to the question ‘What if?’ So, the question became – what if Singer worked on restoring and modifying my beloved 27-year-old Porsche 964 with the assistance of an engineering concern born from the world of F1? How would such a car look and how would it perform?”
To enable Singer to fulfil Blattner’s desired technical requirements, the company called upon the technical services of Michelin, Brembo, BBS Motorsport, Hewland, EXE-TC and, most notably, Williams Advanced Engineering which will oversee the engineering of certain DLS modifications and components. Indeed, if that were not enough, further engine and aerodynamic technical input has come from notable Porsche alumni Norbert Singer and Hans Mezger.
Currently there are limits to what Singer is prepared to reveal about the DLS, but it is willing to talk about the project’s power unit which has evolved from the 964’s 3600cc M64 flat-six.
Originally penned by Mezger, it’s fitting that he should oversee its transformation into a howling 500bhp four-litre at the hands of Williams. Highlights of its specification include extensive use of lightweight materials such as titanium con-rods and carbon fibre trumpets for the aluminium throttle bodies; DOHC per cylinder bank; four-valve cylinder heads (as originally intended for the M64); a thermally optimised exhaust system; upper and lower injectors for better performance, ram-air induction system; dual oil circuits; and an ability to rev beyond the dark side of 9000rpm.
Williams approached Norbert Singer to optimise underbody and surface aerodynamic performance, employing his race-honed wisdom alongside Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Suspension has also been lightened, made more adjustable, its geometry improved and EXE-TC is supplying tailored dampers. Michelin has engineered bespoke Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. BBS is providing lightweight 18-inch forged magnesium wheels. Hewland is supplying a six-speed magnesium-cased gearbox. Braking is courtesy of lightweight Brembo monobloc calipers pinching carbon composite discs.
In an intriguing twist, the DLS series – provisionally limited to 75 units - will be restored and converted at Williams’ own base in Grove, Oxfordshire – in a dedicated facility christened ‘Singer at Grove’. So as the Singer brand takes a first foothold in the UK, it begs the question: can a modified masterpiece like this really outdo absolute originality? Perhaps it doesn’t have to, but it seems certain that the ‘DLS’ moniker will soon become a familiar part of the wider Porsche landscape.