LOS ANGELES: The Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet Reimagined by Singer represents the latest services from Singer, the California-based luxury specialist that restores and reimagines classic Porsche 911s in collaboration with their owners.
Singer’s founder Rob Dickinson explains, "By the mid-1980’s, the personalisation Porsche first offered for the Carrera Coupe had reached the Carrera Cabriolet, which could be ordered with the wider body of the 911 Turbo but powered by the company’s latest, naturally aspirated flat six. Our services reference this car and celebrate another chapter in the evolution of the 911, with the ultimate, open-roof, naturally aspirated G model 911, reimagined for the twenty-first century."
"The sporting nature of the Carrera led us to reappraise the period roof mechanism to reduce weight and enable a sleek profile with the roof raised or lowered. The remarkable flat-six brings together our learnings from the last fifteen years and can now be heard more clearly than ever.”
The engine is the same as that used in the Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe Reimagined by Singer and represents multiple firsts.
It is the first engine restored for a Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer to feature variable valve timing, optimising drivability at low speeds, and power at high revs.
It is also the first naturally aspirated engine restored by Singer to use water-cooled cylinder heads combined with air-cooled cylinders, and an electrically powered fan, utilising learnings from the DLS Turbo program.
Together these features help the 4.0L flat-six to develop 420HP and broaden the torque delivery across a wider range of engine speeds.
The engine will rev to over 8,000rpm and, to encourage drivers to explore that range, an optimised, six-speed, manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels.
A raised gear shifter may be specified with an exposed shift mechanism, underlining the engineering craftsmanship.
A newly developed titanium exhaust system provides free breathing for the flat-six and its famous soundtrack.
The original Type 964 monocoque remains at the heart of the car. Over the last fifteen years, on behalf of owners, Singer has invested in extensive simulation and structural analysis of this chassis.
The result is a chassis strengthening system, using composite and steel reinforcement, that is applied to the monocoque at the beginning of the restoration process.
Singer’s experience with carbon fibre enables careful balancing of iconic DNA with cutting-edge engineering and material science.
While inspired by the G model cars of the 1980s, the bodywork is reimagined for aesthetic and functional performance.
The use of carbon fibre allows reduced mass and enhanced stiffness.
Suspension developed for Singer’s turbocharged services provides the foundation for compliant, sporting handling.
New, four-way adjustable dampers with electronic damping control can be adjusted from the driver’s seat and incorporate a nose lift system.
Carbon ceramic brakes developed through the DLS services may be specified, sitting behind 18-inch centre-lock wheels, providing deep reserves of stopping power.
In front of the driver, the familiar 911 instrument layout is reimagined, with hand-built gauges bringing high-watchmaking standards into the cabin.
Singer’s mastery of traditional leatherworking techniques allows owners to request stitched and burnished leather seams throughout the cabin for the first time.
