Singer Porsche 911

Singer Vehicle Design, a California based company, is taking a new approach to the usual tuning game. Instead of chopping up, completely changing and oftentimes overdoing the styling of the vehicle, Singer is approaching their vehicle customizations as Restored, Re-imagined and Reborn designs. So far, their customizations have focused on classic cars (well, one really since the company just started this year).

From Singer’s media overview:

The Singer 911 is no mere imitation, clone or retro-hot rod, but a re-interpretation and rebirth of the early performance-focused 911’s. The new vehicle is the result of a fusion between the purity of the original 911 and modern materials, design, and updated technologies, and aftermarket experience into a unique sports car that recaptures the essence of the early 911’s golden age. The Singer 911 capitalizes on the 40 years of solutions and enhancements that have resulted from the racing aftermarket’s embracing the original 911. Borrowing the best elements from the air/oil cooled 911’s long production span such as the “chic” of the long hood pre-’74 race specials, and the engineering durability of the later cars from the 80’s and 90’s, Singer Vehicle Design capitalizes on the vast know how and evolutionary advances the original 911 has enjoyed. The experience offered by the new Singer 911 is a passionate celebration of the history making, iconic 911, and creates an enhanced sportscar that honors the original 911’s soul.

Singer starts with any longer wheelbase 911 (from 1969 to 1989), strips it down to it’s shell and starts the reinvention process. The only elements retained during this process are the original wheelbase, the A-pillar position, the roofline, suspension mounting and transaxle mounting points. Everything else is fully restored or improved upon.

Here are the high points of what you end up with:

• 3.8-liter normally aspirated flat 6 (993 based engine)
• 425 bhp with 340 lb. ft. torque
• 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds; 0-100 mph in 8.5 seconds
• Top speed of 170+ mph
• 917/930 Porsche Brembo calipers and rotors with stainless steel braided lines
• Extensive body work with lower lip spoiler in front and active speed-sensitive rear spoiler
• Integral backbone stiffening struture with developmental carbon fiber “second skin” concealed roll structure

You also get some great creature comforts like a lightweight electric a/c system, updated sound package including Sirius satellite radio, Garmin GPS and Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. The interior is a great modern take on a retro look. I think they did a beautiful job with the dash and I LOVE the orange face on the tach.

Weight, with all of this, is 2,400 pounds. None too shabby.

I love the older 911s and the Singer, with it’s retro feel (it IS an original 911 after all) and it’s Singer Racing Orange paint darn near stops my heart. If I had the money, I would hands down go after one of these.

Singer themselves sum up the car best:

Sure the Singer 911 looks like a vintage 911, and maintains some of the same character, but the connections its exterior evokes is unique.  There are hints of 911R in the taillights and bumper design, as well as RSR in the bulbous flares, or even some 911ST in the profile, but there is no mistaking that upon closer inspection the Singer 911 is a very different interpretation of these vintage themes. Beneath that “long hood” emulating skin is the heart of the last air/oil cooled 911(type 993) and a host of the latest technology that places the Singer 911 in a place all its own.  The car protects the romance of the original 911 concept but radically modernizes it into an ultimate 911 expression for the enthusiast who can never forget time spent behind the wheel of the car that started life as the 901 Concept.  Forty-six years later, the Singer 911 prototype is the ultimate validation of the model that defined a brand, a segment, and became a cultural icon to generations.

I can’t wait to see one in person. Singer, if you need a product evangelist, I’m your man!

[Source: Singer.com]