SINGER ANDWILLIAMS AIM FOR 500HP
Porsche restoration gurus teamup with F1 to create the ultimate air-cooled flat-six
Singer Vehicle Design, those California-based restoration wizards with a line in what you might call the ultimate in resto-modded Porsche 911s, have announced a new collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering to create what could be the last word in air-cooled flat-six power. What's more, the engine has been created with input from none other than Hans Mezger. Yes, that Hans Mezger, the brains behind the original Porsche flat-six.
The modified flat-sixes Singer already puts into its cars were already something special with capacities up to 4.0 litres and outputs around 400hp. But it seems the new engine will operate on another level altogether. For starters, an overall output of around 500hp or the same as Porsche's very finest water-cooled flat six with natural aspiration is being mooted.
The specifications are nothing if not utterly compelling. The most obvious change to the engine itself involves the introduction of fourvalve heads, something Porsche never managed to achieve without the addition of water cooling. Other details include titanium con-rods, aluminium throttle bodies, dual oil circuits and an enlarged fan. The net result is that epic 500hp output along with a stunning 9000rpm rev limit.
But that's just the beginning. A further intriguing design tweak involves a new carbon-fibre air box and resonator solution. This assembly sits atop the engine and connects to a pair of seriously slick intakes that are integrated into the rear side windows. Singer says the exhaust system has also been thoroughly redesigned in titanium and the two central outlets have been replaced with a pair of much more widely spaced pipes.
Rob Dickinson, Founder of Singer Vehicle Design, said, “helping our clients realise their unique vision with the help of automotive royalty is very much a privilege. Singer is delighted to be working with Williams Advanced Engineering and Hans Mezger to offer our clients a 'next level' of restoration and modification services for their Porsche 911s. With careful and dedicated development, this iconic air-cooled engine has much to give both its existing devotees and a generation of new enthusiasts.”
It's said the new engine will first be installed into a car for serial Singer customer Scott Blattner, who already owns two Singermodified coupes and a Singer-modified Targa. More details of this latest Singer special should emerge in the next month or so. For now, pricing for the new engine is not quoted. Could be pricey, though!