My enthusiasm for Porsches has waxed and waned over the years. But as I have advanced in years I have grown to appreciate them and their motorsport heritage. In recent years I added the Porsche to my list of next cars to buy and I have driven a few.
To be frank I found them a little disappointing. The car was lovely, performance first rate but the interior was boring. It is no wonder that people invest in upgrades to their appearance as much as their handling, brakes and engine.
Perhaps the most well known firm in this area is Singer, the California-based luxury specialist that restores and reimagines classic Porsche 911s. In collaboration with a client they have produced their first car reimagined with DLS Turbo services. Singer’s clients often name their car at the start of the restoration, and in this case the owner chose “Sorcerer.”
Rob Dickinson, Singer’s Founder, Executive Chairman and Creative Director explains:
“With DLS Turbo we wanted to celebrate the 911’s evolution as an icon on both road and track and to explore the possibilities offered by turbocharging the remarkable engine developed through the DLS program.
The restoration process
The process begins when the owner of a Porsche 911 (Type 964) sends their car to Singer with the request to carry out a personalized restoration. Originally manufactured by Porsche more than thirty years ago, these sports cars have been on the road ever since, covering thousands of miles in the hands of many drivers.
The first step of the restoration involves the owner’s car being carefully disassembled. The interior is removed, as is the exterior bodywork and all mechanical components, until the steel monocoque (chassis) is revealed. The chassis is painstakingly assessed, cleaned, and prepared so that it is in optimal condition for the next stages of restoration. During this phase, chassis strengthening is applied to enhance the rigidity of the original Type 964 monocoque.
Engine and transmission
The engine draws on Singer’s long experience with the 911 and learnings from the DLS program, where the company’s first four-valve cylinder head was developed. This expertise allows Singer to continue exploring the performance potential of the Type 964’s iconic flat-six, through a continuous process of careful optimization on behalf of its clients.
The result is the first engine restored for a Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer to feature water-cooled cylinder heads combined with air-cooled cylinders, and an electrically powered fan.
Together with two variable geometry turbochargers, these features enable the 3.8L flat-six to develop over 700HP and 750 Nm of torque.
The engine will rev to over 9000 rpm and, to encourage drivers to explore that range, an optimized, six-speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels. A raised gear shifter with an exposed shift mechanism, underlines the engineering artistry. A hybrid Inconel and titanium exhaust system with side-exits contributes to the unique soundtrack of the famous flat-six.
Heritage and cutting edge
Singer’s experience with carbon fibre enables careful balancing of iconic DNA with cutting-edge engineering and material science. The shape of the carbon fibre bodywork is influenced by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis – to optimize aerodynamic and cooling performance. The use of carbon fibre reduces weight and enhances stiffness, further sharpening dynamic responses in the manner that Singer’s clients have come to expect.
For ultimate freedom of choice, Singer’s restoration services allow owners to specify their car with road or track-focused front fascia and rear bodywork. Sorcerer’s owner has chosen a dramatic track-focused configuration, with a deep front spoiler and larger, raised rear wing. Sorcerer is presented in Fantasia Blue, with a graduated effect that darkens towards the rear of the car. The lower exterior trim is specified in satin carbon fibre, with black anodized upper trim.
Interior
Singer’s services enable owners to personalize the interior presentation of their car according to their personal preferences, through bespoke paint, leather, and material finishes. Sorcerer’s owner has specified seats trimmed in Pebble Grey leather with Pearl Grey Alcantara seat centres, and contrast Champagne piping. The interior bright trim is specified in Champagne with satin carbon fibre selected for the lower interior environment. Behind the driver, a rear cross-brace is specified.
In front of the driver, the familiar 911 instrument layout is reimagined. Sorcerer’s owner has specified hand-built, floating gauges with Champagne bezels, bringing high-watchmaking standards into the cabin. Singer’s mastery of leatherworking and textiles allows owners to precisely tailor their car’s character. Technology is incorporated with restraint, allowing for discrete navigation and phone connectivity.
Ground control
The dynamic performance of the engine is enhanced with a sophisticated approach to suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres. Double wishbone suspension is used at the front of the car, with lightweight trailing arms at the rear. Braking is by CCM-R carbon ceramic discs with monoblock calipers, for both road and track use. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are mounted on lightweight 19” (front) and 20” (rear) forged magnesium, centrelock wheels, specified with a Champagne finish. A nose lift system has also been specified.
The driver may select from five drive modes (Road, Sport, Track, Off and Weather) to adjust the levels of intervention from the traction control and electronic stability control, depending on the road conditions and their own capabilities.