The Orange Beast Returns: Singer’s 700-HP DLS Turbo and the Resurrection of the 934/5
Introduction
A Departure from Purity For over a decade, Singer Vehicle Design has established itself as the preeminent force in the world of high-end automotive restoration, celebrated for its obsessive "reimagining" of the air-cooled Porsche 911. Historically, Singer’s philosophy adhered to a doctrine of naturally aspirated purity—optimizing the classic driving experience through lightweight materials and mechanical refinement. However, in 2023, the California-based firm shattered this tradition with the unveiling of the Dynamics & Lightweighting Study – Turbo (DLS Turbo). This machine does not merely restore a vintage Porsche; it resurrects the chaotic, brutalist spirit of the 1970s turbo era, specifically paying homage to the dominant Porsche 934/5 endurance racers of 1977.
The Muse
Genetic Memory of Watkins Glen The genesis of the DLS Turbo is deeply personal. It stems from a specific memory held by Singer founder Rob Dickinson, who, as a 12-year-old, watched 8mm footage of the 1977 Watkins Glen 6 Hours. He was captivated by the Porsche 934/5—a racing "chimera" that grafted the chassis of a Group 4 934 with the wide-body aerodynamics of a Group 5 935. The DLS Turbo was conceived to capture the visual violence of that car: the "impossibly boxed hips," the gaping intakes, and the gargantuan rear wing that seemed to defy physics.
Engineering the Impossible
The Hybrid-Cooled Heart To modernize the crude ferocity of 1970s technology, Singer engineered a powertrain that resolves the historical limitations of the air-cooled 911. The DLS Turbo is powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six engine that utilizes a unique hybrid cooling strategy. To manage the immense thermal stress generated by 700+ horsepower, the cylinder heads are water-cooled, while the engine block and cylinders remain air-cooled. This solution allows the engine to run higher boost pressures safely without sacrificing the architectural heritage or the mechanical sound of the original Mezger unit.
The engine is fed by twin turbochargers equipped with Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) and electronic wastegates. Unlike the "light-switch" power delivery of the original 934/5, which suffered from massive turbo lag, the DLS Turbo offers linear, relentless acceleration all the way to a screaming 9,000 RPM redline. An electrically powered, horizontally mounted fan ensures that cooling remains efficient even at low engine speeds, mitigating the heat soak that often plagues air-cooled turbo cars in traffic.
Chassis, Aero, and the "Sorcerer" Built upon a donor Porsche 964 chassis (1989–1994), the DLS Turbo features a body sculpted entirely from carbon fiber. The shape is not merely stylistic; it is the result of extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis to ensure that the exaggerated fenders and intakes provide functional cooling and downforce.
The "Sorcerer" commission—the first customer example revealed to the public—illustrates the "Track" configuration. Finished in Fantasia Blue, it features a high-downforce rear box wing and an extended front splitter designed to glue the car to the tarmac. A unique aspect of the DLS Turbo program is its modularity: owners can request a vehicle capable of swapping between this aggressive Track aero and a streamlined "Road" configuration, which utilizes a ducktail spoiler and a less aggressive front fascia.
Analog Dynamics in a Digital Age Despite its hypercar-rivaling power output, the DLS Turbo rejects modern automated transmissions. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox developed in partnership with Ricardo. This choice emphasizes driver engagement over sheer lap time, requiring the pilot to physically manage the car’s fury. The suspension features bespoke, remote-adjustable dampers, allowing the driver to stiffen the chassis for circuit work or soften it for road use. Massive carbon-ceramic brakes hidden behind 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) forged magnesium center-lock wheels ensure the car stops as violently as it accelerates.
Conclusion Limited to just 99 commissions worldwide, the DLS Turbo is more than a restomod; it is a kinetic sculpture that bridges the gap between the analog past and the high-performance present. It validates the enduring appeal of the internal combustion engine, proving that with enough engineering prowess, the raw, terrifying soul of 1970s motorsport can be tamed just enough to be driven on the street, without losing its edge.