product design

Singer DLS

OVERVIEW

Client: Singer Vehicle Design  |   Time:  2014 – 2018   |   Credit: Design Deputy

 

This is the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study “DLS” by boutique restoration specialist Singer. It is a radically modified air-cooled Porsche 911, in collaboration with the Formula 1 engineering arm of Championship winning Williams. Daniel is credited as Design Deputy.

Singer Vehicle Design founder Rob Dickinson and Daniel have been collaborating since 2014. The creative resonance between the two first led to a digital customization tool for Singer’s Classic car services, but eventually to conceptual studies for a new and much more ambitious re-imagination, responding to customer requests far beyond available options at the time. In this case, by Singer client and Porsche enthusiast Scott Blattner, who requested light-weighting and high-performance enhancements for his 1990 Porsche 964.

To meet the goals defined in collaboration with Blattner, Singer undertook the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study “DLS” with Williams Advanced Engineering – part of the Williams Grand Prix Engineering Group. As a result, Singer engaged Williams and a formation of technical partners to engineer a selection of restoration and modification services strongly oriented toward light-weighting and dynamic gains.

Over a period of almost three years, Rob and Daniel formed a creative core duo, re-imagining the visual appearance of exterior, interior, and engine.

 

Aesthetically, I’ve been working closely with friend and creative sparring partner Daniel Simon and a great team here in California to present ideas that work functionally as well as emotionally for our clients.

Rob Dickinson, Founder Singer Vehicle Design

Just thinking about the finished machine makes me grin.

Chris Harris, Top Gear host

And with a team comprised of Norbert Singer, Hans Mezger, Marino Franchitti, Chris Harris, Daniel Simon, and specialists from the likes of Michelin, Brembo, and BBS Motorsport, it’s no wonder the first example looks as great as it does.

Classic Driver

Object of Desire of the Year 2019.

Top Gear

A Porsche four-valve, four-camshaft, naturally aspirated, 500HP air-cooled flat-six engine developed by Williams Advanced Engineering with consultation by Hans Mezger.

Underbody and surface aero performance optimized through CFD analysis, by Williams Advanced Engineering, with consultation by Norbert Singer.

Improved suspension philosophy including light-weighting, enhanced geometry and improved adjustability.

Further weight reduction methods and use of magnesium, titanium, carbon fiber and other advanced materials contributing to a minimum vehicle weight of 990kg / 2180Ib.

Singer Vehicle Design (SVD or Singer) restores and modifies existing Porsche® automobiles for its customers. Singer does not manufacture or sell automobiles. SVD is not sponsored, associated, approved, endorsed nor, in any way, affiliated with Porsche Cars North America, Inc., or Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche, AG (www.porsche.com). The Porsche® name and crest are trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG, and any other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective holders. Any mention of trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only.