SINGER PERFECTS THE PORSCHE 964
Earlier this year, Singer Vehicle Design announced a collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering in building a very special air-cooled 911. The California-based restorer will work their magic on the body and interior while Williams will focus on building the engine. Now, the results of their partnership have been revealed in the one very special Singer vehicle.
Commissioned by Singer client and Porsche enthusiast Scott Blattner, he engaged the restorer for lightweight and high-performance enhancements on his 1990 Porsche 964. Thus, a Dynamic Lightweight Study (DLS) was made together with Williams. The result was a 990kg vehicle which is powered by a 368kw 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six, capable of revving over 9,000rpm, and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
To match the increased power, the suspension and brakes have also been upgraded. Brembo brakes with carbon ceramic rotors are hidden behind the Fuchs-style forged magnesium 18-inch BBS wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. The suspension meanwhile has been revised by EXE-TC to give it better geometry as well as adjustability.
Aesthetically, the lightweight 911 has a more aggressive looking exterior look compared to the usual offerings by Singer. In fact, Williams also applied aerodynamic properties on the body to further enhance performance. Furthermore, lightweight materials such as magnesium and carbon fibre have also been used to get rid of unnecessary weight.
Inside, the 911 has also undergone a complete makeover. A half-cage has been attached together with retro-looking carbon fibre backed seats. Part of the gear lever has also been left exposed to see how the shift linkages work.
Unlike other specially commissioned vehicles, Singer will also be offering the lightweight restoration to other interested customers. However, work will be limited to only 75 units with the client being able to spec their vehicle to their own liking. Also, work on these lightweight powerful 911s will be done at the Williams campus in Oxfordshire, England rather than in California.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Singer DLS Porsche cost in South Africa?
Singer hasn't released official South African pricing for the DLS, but expect to pay well over R15 million for this bespoke restoration, considering the extensive use of magnesium, carbon fibre, and that hand-built 368kW engine that revs to 9,000rpm.
Q: How much power does the Singer DLS Porsche make?
The Singer DLS produces 368kW from its naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine, which is capable of revving over 9,000rpm and comes mated to a proper 6-speed manual transmission.
Q: How many Singer DLS units will be made?
Singer will only produce 75 units of the DLS worldwide, making it an extremely exclusive restoration that clients can specification to their exact requirements.
Q: What makes the Singer DLS different from regular Singer restorations?
The DLS features a more aggressive aerodynamic body developed with Williams Advanced Engineering, weighs just 990kg thanks to extensive use of magnesium and carbon fibre, and produces significantly more power than standard Singer builds.
Q: Is the Singer DLS worth buying over a regular Porsche 911?
If you have R15 million plus to spend and want the ultimate air-cooled 911 experience with modern performance, the Singer DLS delivers unmatched exclusivity and engineering, but a standard 992 Turbo S will give you similar performance for a tenth of the price.
Should You Buy It?
The Singer DLS is automotive perfection, but unless you're sitting on serious money, it's more of a dream than a realistic purchase. With an estimated price tag exceeding R15 million, this 990kg masterpiece with its 368kW naturally aspirated engine is reserved for the ultra-wealthy who want the absolute pinnacle of air-cooled 911 performance. For mere mortals, a standard Porsche 911 Turbo S at around R3.5 million will deliver similar straight-line performance without the seven-figure premium. The Singer DLS is worth buying only if exclusivity, bespoke craftsmanship, and owning one of just 75 units matters more than value for money.
