Words by Shubham Choukse
Singer, the renowned Californian Porsche restorer has recently unveiled its latest project, a heavily restored and modified Porsche 964. The latest project is the result of Singer’s Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS), which has been undertaken in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering.
The heart of the project is a 27-year old naturally aspirated air-cooled flat-six motor but it has been completely reworked by Williams, it now produces 500bhp and comes mated to a 6-speed transmission with a magnesium casing made by Hewland. Thanks to extensive use of titanium, magnesium and carbonfibre Singer has managed to reduce the weight of the car to just 990kg, which results in a power to weight ratio of a modern sportscar at 505bhp/tonne. But the study didn’t just focus on the drivetrain. This 964 now boasts of surface as well as underbody aerodynamics, that have been optimised using CFD. The suspension geometry is new, is adjustable and is light-weight as well.
Other important add-ons include Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, BBS motorsport 18-inch forged magnesium centre-locked wheels, Brembo monoblock callipers with carbon composite rotors and EXE-TC dampers.
“On a technical level, the study has been fascinating and has resulted in an incredible restoration with the benefit of top drawer resources and modern science. Artistically it has been a second chance to connect with the machine on a new level,” said Rob Dickinson, Founder and Creative Director, Singer Vehicle Design.
Other key people involved in DLS and the development of this project includes Porsche legends Norbert Singer and Hans Megzer, Racing driver Marino Franchitti, renowned automotive journalist Chris Harris and Porsche collector and owner of the 964 Porsche in question – Scott Blattener.