Singer Vehicle Design, renowned for its meticulous restoration and reimagination of air-cooled Porsche 911s, has unveiled its latest offering: DLS Turbo. This new service integrates turbocharging into Singer’s acclaimed Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS), creating a bespoke experience for owners seeking both exhilarating performance and a nod to Porsche’s racing heritage. Inspired by the iconic Porsche 934/5 endurance racers of the late 1970s, the Singer Dls Turbo is a celebration of turbocharged power within the classic 911 framework.
Paying Homage to Turbocharged Racing Legends
The DLS Turbo service emerges as Singer commemorates its entry into racing with the turbocharged Porsche Type 963. This connection bridges Porsche’s racing history from the victorious 934/5 to the cutting-edge Type 963. The Porsche 911’s journey began with naturally aspirated engines, but the introduction of turbocharging in the mid-1970s marked a significant evolution. This culminated in the 1977 Porsche 934/5, a racing variant that dominated the SCCA Trans American series, securing 6 wins out of 8 races and the championship title.
Rob Dickinson, Executive Chairman and Founder of Singer Group, Inc., vividly recalls his childhood inspiration:
“I was 12 when my father’s friend showed us his Super 8 film of the 1977 Watkins Glen 6 Hours. As the familiar face of a Porsche 911 morphed into impossibly boxed hips, gaping intakes, and a giant double-planed rear wing, I can still remember the shock and the realization that this was the other life of the 911 – the racing car. Since Singer began, I’ve wanted to return to that moment, collaborate with our clients and celebrate that car – the 934/5.”
The Meticulous DLS Turbo Restoration Process
The Singer DLS Turbo experience begins with owners entrusting their Type 964 Porsche 911 to Singer. These 911s, originally manufactured between 1989 and 1994, serve as the foundation for a personalized transformation. Singer’s meticulous process involves a complete disassembly of the donor car. The interior, bodywork, and mechanical components are removed, leaving only the steel monocoque chassis. This chassis undergoes a thorough assessment, cleaning, strengthening, and preparation to ensure an optimal base for the restoration.
Carbon Fiber Body and Advanced Aerodynamics
To enhance performance and reduce weight, Singer employs modified carbon fiber bodywork. The design of these carbon fiber panels is guided by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency. Key aerodynamic features include a central front intake and hood vent for enhanced cooling, along with rear fender intakes and NACA ducts to cool brakes and turbochargers.
Reflecting individual owner preferences, Singer offers configurations tailored for both track and road driving. Track-focused builds, like the car in Blood Orange, feature a high-downforce rear wing with an adjustable upper element and a track-oriented front fascia with a larger splitter. Conversely, road-focused restorations, exemplified by the Moet Blanc car, incorporate an aero-optimized rear ducktail spoiler and a road-oriented front fascia to minimize drag. Singer provides the option for owners to have both aero configurations, with interchangeable front fascia and rear decklid assemblies for ultimate customization.
Engine Development and Performance
At the heart of the Singer DLS Turbo lies a meticulously re-engineered engine. Starting with the owner’s original Type 964 Porsche 911 engine, Singer disassembles it down to the block. The engine is then rebuilt using high-performance components and modifications to maximize power and responsiveness. The bespoke 3.8L, four-valve per cylinder flat-six engine is equipped with twin turbochargers featuring electric wastegates, air-to-water intercooling, and a horizontally mounted, electrically powered fan. This advanced engine, evolved from Singer’s naturally aspirated DLS engine, delivers over 700 horsepower and revs beyond 9,000 rpm.
Tailored Driving Dynamics
Singer emphasizes a personalized driving experience, tailoring each DLS Turbo to the owner’s specifications. A six-speed manual transmission channels power to the rear wheels. Track-oriented suspension and bespoke dampers with remote adjustment are available. High-performance carbon ceramic discs and lightweight monobloc calipers are installed for both road and track braking performance. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Cup 2R tires are mounted on lightweight 19” front and 20” rear forged magnesium, centerlock wheels, ensuring exceptional grip and handling.
The interior and exterior aesthetics of the Singer DLS Turbo are also fully customizable. Owners can personalize their car with bespoke paint colors, leather upholstery, and material finishes, creating a truly unique vehicle.
Rob Dickinson further emphasizes the significance of the DLS Turbo engine:
“The results of turbocharging our advanced 4-valve, high-revving DLS engine have been quite spectacular and combining it with all we have learned about lightweighting and vehicle dynamics has provided the perfect canvas to honor the Type 934/5 and its vital role in the genesis of the 911 as a racing car.”
Mazen Fawaz, Chief Executive Officer, Singer Group, Inc., highlights the broader impact of DLS services:
“Our DLS services heralded a new era at Singer and facilitated enormous maturation of our operations in California and the United Kingdom. We’ve collaborated with some of the most famous names in the automotive world, including Bosch and Michelin as we continue our mission to set ourselves ever higher standards. We will continue to serve our creative and passionate client base with exciting new ideas like DLS Turbo.”
Pricing and Availability
Each Singer DLS Turbo restoration is a unique commission, with pricing determined by the owner’s specific requests and level of bespoke engineering. Singer will produce a limited number of these restorations.
Public debuts of the Singer DLS Turbo are planned for the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK (July 13-16, 2023) and Monterey Car Week in Northern California (August 2023).
Singer: A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
Founded in 2009, Singer Vehicle Design embodies “A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.” The company is celebrated for its highly personalized approach to reimagining air-cooled Porsche 911s, blending iconic design with modern engineering and meticulous craftsmanship. Singer’s services now encompass classic restorations, naturally aspirated DLS enhancements, and the new turbocharged DLS Turbo, catering to a wide range of owner preferences for both road and track performance.
Singer Quick Timeline:
- 2009 – Company founded; first restoration presented at Monterey Car Week
- 2014 – First all-wheel-drive and Targa restorations completed
- 2017 – Singer Reimagined watch company launched
- 2018 – DLS services presented
- 2022 – Classic Turbo services presented
About Singer
Singer Vehicle Design operates independently and is not affiliated with Porsche Cars North America, Inc., or Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche, AG. Porsche owns trademarks including the Porsche Crest®, Porsche®, 911, and distinctive Porsche car shapes. Any mention of Porsche trademarks is for reference purposes only.
