Singer shows off latest Turbo Study

SINGER Vehicle Design has again combined the old and the new in its latest Turbo Study.

Recalling elements of the 930- and 964-generation models of the iconic Porsche 911 sportscar (but clearly based on the 964’s body), the “sports-focused” Turbo Study packs 380kW of twin-turbocharged punch – that’s 200kW more than its air-cooled derivative!

The Singer’s Turbo Study’s “Mezger” 3.8-litre flat six powertrain can be configured to customer requirements. In base form, the unit features an electric wastegate, custom-made air-to-water intercoolers (fed by rear guard intakes that replace the original’s stone guards), a six-speed manual gearbox, and the option of rear- or all-wheel drive.

Lowered sports suspension is standard, as are widened Fuchs style wheels finished in a mint green hue, which is replicated in the dual body stripes and elements of the interior.

The bumperette-free lightweight carbon-fibre body is finished in Turbo Racing White and adorned with an era-appropriate front splitter and whale-tail spoiler (in exposed carbon-fibre), as well as dual-outlet exhausts.

The cabin is upholstered in houndstooth “Grun” cloth (with black and green elements over a white background), while the front seats are constructed of carbon fibre.

A stiffening brace takes the place of the 911’s rear “+2” seating arrangement, while the centre tunnel and sill caps are finished in the body’s Turbo Racing White paint.

Options include carbon-ceramic brakes, a sports exhaust, cruise control, aircon, an inductive phone charging pad, and even heated seats with power adjustment.

“Each owner specifies the balance of luxury and sporting character preferred for their car,” Singer said in a statement.

“This owner has pursued a focus on high performance, sports-focused capabilities,” it said about the example pictured.

Singer says it has more than 70 clients interested in its latest Turbo Study, which has an estimated asking price of close to $US500,000 ($A717,350), depending on specification.

“We’ve more than doubled sales of our services between 2020 and 2021. Our new, much larger, consolidated facility in Torrance, California enables us to expand the team, respond to demand and welcome owners in comfort,” said Singer chief financial officer Mazen Fawaz.

“Meanwhile, in the UK, our team is carefully executing each of the restorations enabled by the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study. The response to the Turbo Study from owners has been incredible and we look forward to working with each of them as their restorations progress.”

Founded in 2009, Singer Vehicle Design “restores and reimagines” a range of Porsche 911s – the majority of which are based on the 964 chassis – at the direction of clients.

The Californian outfit supports owners in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and across North America and says each vehicle is the result of a painstaking effort to build on the capabilities of a car many consider one of the best sports machines ever built.

“My first ever ride in a Porsche 911, as an 11-year-old in 1976, left me dry-mouthed and speechless – it was a black 930 Turbo with red tartan seats,” said Singer founder and executive chairman Rob Dickinson.

“Forty-five years on from that life-changing moment I’m excited to present the results of our study that aims to capture the awesome thrill of Porsche’s first ‘supercar’ while reimagining its performance and refinement and collaborating with owners to take both to new heights.

“I believe it’s a fitting tribute to a car that changed my life and many others,” added Mr Dickinson.

The Los Angeles-based firm will publicly showcase its Turbo Study at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 23-26 June.