With the Goodwood Festival of Speed kicking off today, acclaimed "classic Porsche builder" Singer Vehicle Design have taken along their latest project, showcasing the results of its Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS).
The DLS resulted when Porsche enthusiast Scott Blattner requested that Singer take his Porsche 964 to another level – by increasing its performance whilst shedding some weight. And with many other Singer projects, the DLS - is a collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering - part of the Williams Grand Prix Engineering Group, and former Porsche engineers Norbert Singer and Hans Mezger.
The 964 has been comprehensively reworked – in all areas. While it still retains its classic shape, it features the latest technologies under the skin, carbon-fibre body panels, as well as some trick aerodynamics, down to its 2.7 RS Carrera-style ducktail rear spoiler. And through CAD – somehow – Singer have managed to eliminate the usual front axle lift that befell 964s, through the redesign of the front oil-cooler intake, as well as a new front splitter.
The engine was developed by Williams Advanced Engineering and legendary Porsche engineer Hans Mezger, and remains a normally aspirated, air-cooled Porsche flat-six, but produces 373kw at 9,000rpm! It’s a 4.0 litre, with an uprated oil system, four titanium valves per cylinder, twin overhead cams, constructed from magnesium and other lightweight materials to reduce mass, and fuelled by lightweight throttle bodies with F1-style upper and lower injectors, which enhance performance and drivability.
Much like any modern car, there are advanced electronics too: ABS, electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control systems were specifically calibrated for DLS by Bosch, as well as switchable driving modes.
“The Dynamics and Lightweighting Study has been years in the making,” said Rob Dickinson, Singer founder and creative director. “To see the results, representing the ongoing pursuit of our client’s vision for their ultimate air-cooled 911, is so exciting. We’ve worked relentlessly to present a machine that visually celebrates the past while acknowledging the future – both inside and out. It’s our fourth year at this incredible event [Goodwood], and we’re thrilled to be back at the Festival of Speed for its 25h anniversary and to wish Porsche a very happy 70th birthday.”
CEO Mazen Fawaz added, “The extraordinary collaboration of our partners – names like Williams Advanced Engineering, Bosch, Brembo, Hewland, Recaro, MOMO, RLE, EXE-TC and BBS Motorsport – have made this crazy vision become a reality. Not only did they believe in us, but their engineering might has delivered nothing short of spectacular results, above and beyond our expectations – and allowed us to achieve truly sensational, technologically advanced results for our clients.”
In what is arguably the most advanced air-cooled Porsche 911 in the world, the DLS will be on display at this weekend's event, and will partake in the Michelin Supercar Paddock Hillclimb as well.
