Three things to know about Singer Vehicle Design’s new vision
1. The design is pure Eighties
Californian Porsche specialist Singer shot to fame with its stunning, money-no-object resto-mods based on the 964-generation 911. Combining much of the appeal of a classic 911 with the very best in modern engineering and workmanship, Singer’s restorations are every bit as good to drive as they are to look at, combining old-school dynamics with proper brakes, power, handling and reliability.
The majority of Singer’s commissions to date have been the Classic, the design of which takes its inspiration from a number of iconic road and race 911s of yesteryear. But the company’s taken a radical new direction with its Turbo Study, inspired by the brutal and now legendary 930 Turbo, the original boosted 911.
Turbo commissions will become the backbone of Singer’s work and, as ever, the car you see here is just an idea of what yours could look like – if you’ve the money and the imagination, rest assured Singer has the expertise and the contacts to make it happen.
2. The engine’s a work of art
Much of Porsche’s modern model range is turbocharged, for more torque and better fuel efficiency. But its driver’s cars – machines like the new Cayman GT4 RS and imminent new 911 GT3 RS – still use naturally-aspirated engines for the very simple reason that they’re better: better noise, better throttle response. But historically Porsche and turbocharging have gone together like strawberries and cream, and the Turbo Study’s new boosted flat-six engine looks pretty special.
Based on the 964-generation ‘Mezger’ flat-six, the reworked version takes capacity out to 3.8 litres and adds bespoke air-to-water intercoolers and twin turbochargers with electric wastegates. Those clever wastegates give fine control over boost pressure and power delivery, for reduced turbo lag. A minimum of 450bhp is promised (much, much more is possible…), and Singer’s considering offering a variety of engine maps so you can switch between calm and crazy, depending on your mood.
3. Ready for big trips
While still very much sports cars in their performance, response and agility, the Turbo Study restorations are intended to be practical, long-distance transport for those lucky enough to be able to tuck one in their garage.
To let you use all the turbo performance regardless of the conditions, Singer’s clients will be offered the option of four-wheel drive. The top-notch suspension’s also fully adjustable, allowing for a pliant, comfortable set-up, and as you’d expect given the car’s speed there’s a state-of-art, ABS-equipped braking system with optional ceramic discs.
Further boosting long-distance touring credibility are heated, electrically-adjustable seats and cruise control. Yep, heated, power-adjust seats in a car that looks like an extra from The Wolf of Wall Street… Driving one of the most beautiful ‘old’ 911s on the planet need not mean roughing it.
Restored ‘Turbo Study’ Porsche 911 by Singer: $600-900,000 (est), 450bhp twin-turbo 3.8-litre flat-six, n/a sec 0-62mph, n/a mph
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