Singer, the company renowned for its visually and mechanically stunning restorations of 1989 to 1994 Porsche 911 models, is embarking on a new chapter in its automotive services by reimagining turbocharged models. With more than 70 owners already reserved for bespoke restorations, these “Turbo Study” projects represent a significant milestone for the company that began its journey over a decade ago.
“I believe it’s a fitting tribute to a car that changed my life and many others,” remarks Rob Dickinson, founder and executive chairman of Singer Group, recalling his first ride in a Porsche 911 at the age of 11. The Turbo Study aims to encapsulate the awe-inspiring thrill of Porsche’s first ‘supercar’, while enhancing its performance and refinement to new heights in collaboration with the owners.
The Turbo Study follows Singer’s successful Classic Study and Dynamics and Lightweight Study programs, utilizing Porsche’s Type 964 platform as a starting point. The restorations are comprehensive and extensive, with Singer making significant modifications to the body, engine, brakes, electronics, and other systems of the car.
In factory trim, the Type 964 Turbo models come with a 3.3-liter or 3.6-liter variant of Porsche’s iconic flat-6 combustion engine, equipped with a single turbocharger. Singer, however, upgrades the powerplant to a new 3.8-liter evolution of the “Mezger” air-cooled flat-six that boasts two turbochargers, an electronic wastegate, and air-to-water intercoolers. This results in more power and reduced lag, with outputs starting at 450 horsepower. The cars can be chosen with either rear- or all-wheel drive and come with a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox to ensure maximum driver engagement.
Like all of Singer’s cars, the DLS Turbo is loosely based around a 964-generation 911 from the early 1990s. It comes in two specifications: the Track configuration and the Road spec. Both versions feature massive carbon fenders and rear side windows fitted with air intakes that feed the turbocharged flat six in the rear. While the road version comes with a retro ducktail spoiler, the Track model gets a two-deck wing, plus an even larger front splitter.
The interiors are equally striking, with both versions featuring the same heavily bolstered sports seats and dials that blend styling elements from the 1960s and 1980s Porsche instruments. Modern conveniences such as audio systems, heated seats, and cruise control are on the options list, and color and palette choices are limited only by the customer’s imagination.
The singer is planning to build 99 DLS Turbos, and while the price has not been revealed yet, it is expected to comfortably exceed the $2 million asked for the original DLS. Singer’s work has always been unique, with its naturally-aspirated reimagined 911 models often commanding more than $1 million on the secondary market. With the new Turbo Study, Singer continues its tradition of creating automotive masterpieces that are as many works of art as they are high-performance vehicles.
