Tema: Singer 911
Autorius: bbd
Data: 2009-09-28 13:23:37
Hardcore Porschephiles were shocked when the German sportscar-maker 
converted its beloved 911 from an air-cooled to a water-cooled design. Some 
contend that modern, water-cooled 911s are not actually 911s, and Singer 
Vehicle Design has a car for these people. They call it the Singer 911.

Belonging to the camp that believes the air-cooled engine was an essential 
characteristic of the 911, but also well aware of advances in technology in 
the past two decades, Singer has crafted a special 911 it believes offers 
the best balance of classic design and modern technology.

How does one accomplish such a feat? Singer starts with a vintage 911, any 
model made between 1969 and 1989, and strips it down to its shell, replacing 
nearly every major mechanical component. In the end, the Singer retains the 
911's original roofline, A-pillar location, wheelbase and suspension and 
transaxle mounting points. The rest of the car gets a work-over.

To improve on the original Porsche formula, Singer stitch-welds 
reinforcements all over the car and adds a lightweight backbone to improve 
chassis rigidity and fight twist. A carbon-fiber "second skin" further 
improves rigidity. Outside, Singer replaces every body panel except the 
doors with carbon-fiber versions that borrow styling elements from the 
Porsche 911 R, ST and RSR racecars, complete with massive fender flares. 
With lightweight Zuffenhaus 17-in. classic-styled wheels on all four 
corners, the Singer 911 weighs in at around 2400 lbs.


Out back, the old air-cooled engine is replaced with a heavily modified 
version of the last air-cooled 911, the 993. The 3.6L flat-six has been 
punched out to 3.8L and uses titanium rods for a big-bore/short-stroke 
combination that will spin to 8000 RPM. Along with the opened-up block, 
engine designer Ninemeister came up with a set of billet aluminum heads with 
a modern port design, a set of independent throttle bodies feeding the six 
cylinders, a Motec engine computer, and a dry-sump oil system partially 
lifted from a 997 GT3. Singer's own muffler completes a stainless steel 
exhaust system designed to show off the one-of-a-kind air-cooled engine 
sound.

The end result is an impressive 360 hp in street tune and a more impressive 
425 hp and 340 lb-ft in full race trim. With so little weight to move 
around, Singer claims the 425-hp engine will shoot the 911 to 60 mph in 3.9 
sec and hit a top speed of 170 mph. Power hits the ground through a 
six-speed G50 transaxle fitted with close-ratio gears, a limited-slip 
differential and a twin-plate carbon clutch.

Along with the engine, the Singer 911 carries many other modern features 
hidden under classic visages. In addition to replacing the steel body panels 
with carbon-fiber pieces, Singer ditched the old sealed-beam headlights for 
a set of high-powered HID units, added a front lip spoiler that reduces 
front-end lift by 12%, and a rear-spoiler that extends and retracts 
automatically based on speed.

Underneath, the old torsion bar suspension was dropped for MacPherson struts 
up front and a coil-over and trailing-arm rear suspension lifted from the 
Carrera SC. Moton dampers with remote reservoirs smooth out the bumps while 
adjustable anti-roll bars keep the body in check. A special electo-hydraulic 
steering rack from Jerry Woods Enterprises lessens the steering effort while 
retaining the 911's famous feel. Brembo four-pot calipers clamp big brakes 
that barely fit behind the wheels.


Inside, the classic 911 interior has been revamped from the inside out with 
modern equipment lurking behind vintage coverings. New gauges deliver 
vehicle information while a pop-up Garmin nav system keeps the driver headed 
in the right direction. A modern stereo with iPod integration and Bluetooth 
is available, as is an electric air conditioning system. Modern, power seats 
have been shaped to mimic the vintage Recaros, and a Momo steering wheel 
does its best impression of the classic Monza wheel. Dark green leather 
trims the cabin for an authentic, vintage feel.

Singer hasn't announced pricing for its re-imagined 911, but with the wealth 
of modern upgrades, we're sure it won't be cheap. If you want a 2009 
interpretation of a classic '70s Porsche, though, you probably won't do 
better than this.