Singer’s 700HP, big-winged Porsche celebrates 934/5
In response to requests from clients, Californian-based air-cooled Porsche 911 restoration and modification specialist, Singer Group, has evolved its Dynamics & Lightweighting Study (DLS) to incorporate turbocharging (DLS Turbo), resulting in the 700 HP Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer – DLS Turbo.
A CELEBRATION OF TURBOCHARGED ENDURANCE RACERS
DLS Turbo restoration services celebrate the 934/5 endurance racers of the 1970s.
The Porsche 911 began as a naturally aspirated car, developed over the years to optimise road and track performance. Beginning in the mid-1970s, the turbocharged 911 emerged and underwent a similar evolution. In 1977, this led to a racing variant of the 911, known as the Type 934/5, which dominated the SCCA Trans American series, winning six of the eight races and the championship.
“I was 12 when my father’s friend showed us his Super 8 film of the 1977 Watkins Glen 6 Hours,” said Executive Chairman and founder, Singer Group, Rob Dickinson. “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 realisation 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 RESTORATION PROCESS
The process begins when the owner of a Type 964 Porsche 911 sends their car to Singer, requesting a personalised restoration. Originally manufactured by Porsche between 1989 and 1994, these sports cars have been enjoyed for thirty years.
The owner’s car is disassembled – the interior, exterior bodywork and all mechanical components – revealing the steel monocoque. The chassis is assessed, cleaned, strengthened, and prepared, ensuring it is in optimal condition for the next stages of the restoration.
BODY RESTORATION
Modified carbon fibre bodywork is used to reduce weight and increase stiffness.
AERODYNAMICS
The shape of the carbon fibre bodywork is influenced by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to optimise aerodynamic performance. A central front intake and hood vent optimise cooling performance, while rear fender intakes and NACA ducts aid brake and turbocharger cooling.
Some owners prefer their restoration to be track-focused, while others opt for a road-focused restoration.
TRACK-FOCUSED
The car in Blood Orange has been specified by its owner to emphasise track performance, featuring a high-downforce rear wing with adjustable upper element and a track-oriented front fascia with larger splitter.
ROAD-FOCUSED
The car in Moet Blanc has been specified by its owner to be road-focused, including an aero-optimised rear ducktail spoiler and road-oriented front fascia, which reduce drag.
Owners may request that their Type 964 is modified to accept both aero configurations.
ENGINE DEVELOPMENT
As with all Singer’s restoration and modification services, the engine from the owner’s Type 964 Porsche 911 is the starting point. The powerplant is disassembled, then restored using high performance components and modifications to optimise performance.
The unique, 3.8L, 4-valves per cylinder flat-six uses twin turbochargers, with electric wastegates, air-to-water intercooling and a horizontally mounted, electrically powered fan. This evolution of the engine developed for DLS restorations enables power outputs over 700 HP at more than 9,000 rpm.
TAILORED DRIVING EXPERIENCE
At the direction of the car’s owner, Singer tailors the character of each restoration individually.
A 6-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels. Track-oriented suspension and bespoke dampers with remote adjustment are among the details that may be considered.
Carbon ceramic discs and lightweight, monobloc calipers for road and track use are installed. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Cup 2R tires are mounted on lightweight 19” (front) and 20” (rear) forged magnesium, centrelock wheels.
The restoration and modification services enable owners to personalise the exterior and interior presentation of their car according to their personal preferences, through bespoke paint, leather, and material finishes.
“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 honour the Type 934/5 and its vital role in the genesis of the 911 as a racing car,” said Dickson.
Chief Executive Officer, Singer Group, Mazen Fawaz, said the company’s Dynamics & Lightweighting Study heralded a new era at Singer and facilitated enormous maturation of its 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,” he added.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Each restoration is unique. Every owner can share personal preferences and requirements for bespoke engineering as part of the process of working with Singer.
Prices for Singer’s restoration services are dependent on the requests by each car’s owner. A limited number of restorations will be commissioned.
IN PUBLIC
For people keen to see an example of the possible results of the restoration and modification services in person can do so at Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK from July 13 to 16, 2023, or on the Monterey Peninsula in northern California for Car Week in August 2023.
