Singer, the California-based, luxury specialist, presents the Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer - Turbo Study. This new chapter sees Singer producing their first ever road-going turbocharged 911, combining both luxury and grand touring along with high-performance capabilities – much like the original 930. More than 70 owners have reserved bespoke restorations enabled by the study.
As with all Singer’s restoration services in collaboration with owners of the Porsche 911, the Turbo Study takes the Type 964 generation of air-cooled cars as its starting point. The study features a new evolution of the “Mezger” air-cooled flat-six. Now in 3.8L form, the engine features twin turbochargers with electric wastegate. Bespoke air to water intercoolers are mounted inside the intake plenums. The ‘shark fin’ on the rear fender is reimagined as an intake and supplies cold air to the engine bay to optimize combustion and cooling performance. In response to owners’ preferences, the study enables power outputs starting at 450 HP.
A bespoke carbon fibre body maintains the careful balancing of iconic DNA with cutting-edge engineering and material science. While inspired by the turbo cars of the mid-70s, the bodywork is reimagined to optimize aesthetic and functional performance. As always, the use of carbon fibre allows reduced mass and enhanced stiffness, further sharpening dynamic responses in the manner that Singer’s clients have come to expect and enjoy.
The results of the Turbo Study also reflect Singer’s habitual focus on constant optimization and technical development. The study draws on all-wheel-drive experience that has been developed in-house since the first AWD Classic Study restoration, undertaken in 2014. In recent years this experience has been brought together with research into turbocharging and high-performance ride and damping expertise.
Accordingly, in response to owners’ requests, both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive restorations may be enabled by the Turbo Study. An owner may decide to specify the AWD configuration to enhance sure-footed deployment of power and torque in all seasons and surface conditions. The RWD configuration allows owners to pursue an alternative sporting focus, if preferred. In both cases, an optimized six-speed manual transmission underlines the driver engagement that Singer is renowned for.
The use of forced induction enables power outputs starting at 450 HP. Refinement is enhanced, with reduced noise levels and the ability to opt for more compliant damping and suspension performance. This allows owners to focus on long-range, high-speed touring capability if desired. The availability of turbocharged torque allows for effortless speed-matching from alpine pass to autobahn, together with deep reserves of overtaking ability.
A higher power output may also be specified by the owner. If a more overtly sporting focus is preferred, a sports exhaust system and suitable damping characteristics can be tailored as required.
The collaboration between Singer and owner enables all points in between, from refined grand touring to sports focus, to be accommodated. Immensely powerful, turbo-specific, brakes, ABS, and traction control sit in reserve for the moment they are needed. Carbon-ceramic discs are available if desired by the owner.
Inside, the results of the Turbo Study enable owners to respond to the demands of all-season touring if they wish. Heated, electrically adjustable seats and cruise control are available for comfort during cold-climate driving and for convenience on high-speed road networks.
Prices for restorations enabled by the Turbo Study are dependent on the specification requested by the car’s owner. As always, clients are able to engage the special wishes department to discuss their personal requirements for further bespoke engineering, in collaboration with Singer.
For those keen to see and hear the results of the Turbo Study in person, the car will be running at Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK from 23-26 June. It will then travel to the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California for Car Week in August.
The results of the Turbo Study extend Singer’s services on behalf of owners into the world of turbocharging. Over the coming years, the definitive collection of iconic design will continue to grow.