Singer Presents First Porsche 911 Reimagined – DLS Turbo to Owner
Named “Sorcerer,” the restored Porsche features track-focused carbon-fiber bodywork in graduated Fantasia Blue…
Singer, the California-based luxury specialist that restores and reimagines classic Porsche 911s in collaboration with their owners, presented the first car reimagined through its DLS Turbo services. Singer’s clients often name their car at the start of the restoration, and in this case, the owner chose “Sorcerer,” company officials stated in a press release.
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. Each car is a collaboration with our clients around the world, and DLS Turbo services are our most ambitious yet, so seeing ‘Sorcerer’ ready for its owner to drive is a very exciting moment for us and a fantastic way to start the year.”
“A powerful, analog sports car that’s fun to drive is always the goal,” said Mazen Fawaz, Singer’s chief strategy officer. “It should be as engaging to drive at 40 mph as it is at 140 mph. We’ve brought together an engine with the low-down torque of turbocharging, the ability to rev to over 9,000 rpm, and Singer’s standards of execution to make DLS Turbo very special.”
Singer’s Restoration Process
The process begins when the owner of a Porsche 911 (Type 964) sends their car to Singer to carry out a personalized restoration. The first step involves the 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, noted the release. During this phase, chassis strengthening is applied to enhance the rigidity of the original Type 964 monocoque.
Engine & Transmission of the DLS Turbo
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, the company said. 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 710 hp (SAE net) and 750 Nm of torque (553 pound-feet).
An optimized 6-speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels, and 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 & Cutting Edge
Singer says its experience with carbon fiber enables it to carefully balance the iconic car’s DNA with cutting-edge engineering and material science. The shape of the carbon-fiber bodywork is influenced by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to optimize aerodynamic and cooling performance. The use of carbon fiber reduces weight and enhances stiffness.
Singer’s restoration services allow owners to select a road or track-focused front fascia and rear bodywork. “Sorcerer’s” owner chose a dramatic track-focused configuration, with a deep front spoiler and a larger raised rear wing. “Sorcerer” is presented in Fantasia Blue, with a graduated effect that darkens toward the rear of the car. The lower exterior trim is satin carbon fiber, with black anodized upper trim.
‘Sorcerer’s’ Interior
“Sorcerer’s” owner requested seats trimmed in Pebble Grey leather with Pearl Grey Alcantara seat centers and contrasting Champagne piping. The interior also features bright Champagne trim with the lower interior environment in satin carbon fiber. Behind the driver is a rear cross-brace.
In front of the driver, the familiar 911 instrument layout is reimagined with hand-built, floating gauges with Champagne bezels. Technology is incorporated with restraint, allowing for discrete navigation and phone connectivity, officials stated.
Ground Control
Double wishbone suspension is used at the front of the car, with lightweight trailing arms at the rear. Braking is provided by CCM-R carbon ceramic discs with monoblock calipers, for both road and track use. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are mounted on lightweight 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) forged magnesium, center-lock wheels with a Champagne finish. A nose lift system has also been included.
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 the driver’s capabilities.
Singer’s Testing Routines
Singer states that its restoration services are proven through a rigorous development schedule. Test cars complete thousands of miles of intensive evaluation at some of the most famous automotive proving grounds in the world, including Millbrook in the UK, IDIADA in Spain, Nardo in Italy and the Nürburgring in Germany, where TÜV certification for Singer’s services is carried out.
