Singer Vehicle Design is an American company that specializes in restoring and modifying Porsche 911s.[1] It was founded by Rob Dickinson in 2009, who is also known as former frontman and guitarist of the English rock band Catherine Wheel.[2] The company is based in Los Angeles, California.
The name "Singer Vehicle Design" pays homage to Porsche engineer Norbert Singer as well as acknowledging Dickinson's previous career as a vocalist.[3]
Much of the bodywork is replaced with carbon fiber body panels and the engine is reworked by engine manufacturers such as Cosworth, Ed Pink Racing Engines[6] and Williams to produce significantly more power.[7] The long hood of the Porsche 911 classic replaces the shorter hood of the Porsche 964. Relocated fuel filler and oil filler caps are a nod to historic Porsche race cars, and many of the components are bespoke and/or motorsports-grade.[8] The tachometer is often colored in Singer Orange and displays values up to 11, a reference to the up to 11 meme (though engine redline is 7,200 RPM, with 7,300 RPM limiter).[9]
The price of a 911 re-imagined by Singer starts at over $475,000.[10] Examples have sold at auction for well over $1 million.[11][12]
Introduced in 2018 in partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering, the Dynamics & Lightweighting Study (DLS) features an all carbon fiber body with widened fenders, highly-tuned chassis and suspension engineering, and specially tuned motor built in partnership with Hanz Mezger.[13][14]
Singer released the All-terrain Competition Study (ACS) in January 2021[15] in collaboration with Richard Tuthill of Tuthill Porsche, who specializes in rallying and safari-style Porsche 911s. The ACS is a special client request offered in two versions, for both off-road and tarmac rallying. Even as a client commissioned model, Singer announced the readiness to build for other clients as well. The ACS is Singer's first off-road and rally intended model, inspired by Porsches used in rally racing such as the 911 SC/RS, 953, and 959, but with an all-original and heavily modified design by Singer and Tuthill.[16][17]
The chassis is heavily reinforced, and features carbon fiber bodywork. The ACS has a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six paired to a five-speed sequential race transmission and permanent all-wheel drive system, with three differentials. Singer rates engine's output at 450 hp and 420 ft-lb of torque, but with tunability for different outputs catered for use in different environments. The suspension features eight total dampers, each five-way adjustable, with long suspension travel and increased ride height. The ACS interior features competition-spec bucket seats and full roll cage, with typical Singer infotainment and comfort equipment.[18][19]
The Singer ACS is priced at over $1 million.[20][21]
Porsche AG objected to Singer's usage of Porsche branding on the All-terrain Competition Study in March 2021, as Porsche had no direct involvement in the creation of the heavily-modified car based on their 911.[22] Singer then removed the ACS from its website and social media.[23][24]
In June 2022, Singer unveiled the Turbo Study, their first turbocharged model to celebrate the Porsche 930 Turbo based on a 964 chassis. It features a 3.8L twin turbocharged, intercooled flat-six producing either 450 in the standard trim or 510 HP in the sports focused trim.[25] Power is sent through a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive drivetrain. The suspension is touring-focused, and it features carbon-ceramic brakes. It also features modern amenities such as electrically adjustable and heated seats.[26] The Turbo Study was later debuted at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed.[27] With first deliveries in 2024. [28] A slant-nose version was made available with a maximum of 25 vehicles to be produced. [29]
In June 2023, Singer presented the turbocharged variant of the DLS, entitled the Dynamics & Lightweighting Study – Turbo (DLS Turbo). It is also based on the 964 chassis, with production limited to 99 vehicles [30] The DLS Turbo features more aggressive and race-inspired body styling, in homage to the Porsche Type 934/5. The DLS Turbo has a 3.8L, 4-valves per cylinder flat-six with twin turbochargers, electric wastegates, air-to-water intercooling and a horizontally mounted, electrically powered fan. This engine produces over 700 HP at more than 9000 rpm.[31]
Singer has also begun selling wrist watches.[32]
