The DLS is a client-inspired collaboration between the California-based boutique restoration house, Williams Advanced Engineering and a formation of technical partners, in pursuit of the most advanced air-cooled Porsche 911 in the world.
The results of California-based boutique restoration house Singer Vehicle Design’s Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS) has been shown at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England. DLS is a client-inspired collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering – part of the Williams Grand Prix Engineering Group – and a formation of technical partners, in pursuit of the most advanced air-cooled Porsche 911 in the world.
As announced in November 2017, the project began when Singer client and Porsche enthusiast Scott Blattner requested lightweighting and high-performance enhancements for his 1990 Porsche 964. To meet the goals defined in collaboration with Scott, Singer engaged Williams and globally renowned technical partners to engineer a selection of restoration and modification services strongly oriented toward lightweighting and dynamic gains.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SINGER DLS (DYNAMICS AND LIGHTWEIGHTING STUDY) BASED ON A 1990 PORSCHE 964
Advanced Air-cooled Engine Development (partner: Williams Advanced Engineering)
• Naturally aspirated, air-cooled Porsche flat-6, developed by Williams Advanced Engineering with technical advice and consultancy from Hans Mezger.
• 4-litre displacement, titanium valves, four valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams, 500hp @ 9000rpm
• Extensive use of magnesium and lightweight materials to reduce mass
• Lightweight throttle bodies with F1-inspired upper and lower injectors to enhance performance and driveability
• Unique and optimised oiling system to improve lubrication and cooling
Advanced Aerodynamics (partner: Williams Advanced Engineering with technical advice and consultancy from Norbert Singer)
• Every surface on the car re-assessed through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis
• Elimination of front axle lift through redesign of front oil-cooler intake and venting, together with new front splitter
• Optimisation of one of the most iconic aerodynamic devices of the 20th century – the ducktail spoiler
• Roof-channel and roof/rear window spoiler working with optimised ducktail and diffuser to generate downforce at rear
• Optimization of engine intake and cooling performance through side-window ram-air intakes and rear deck-lid venting
Mass Efficiency and Core Optimisation (partners: Williams Advanced Engineering and RLE)
• Full weight-down study by Williams Advanced Engineering
• Focus on torsional stiffness, mass efficiency and driver environment
• Mass relocation for optimised chassis balance via moving engine forward and component reallocation to front trunk area
• Full carbon fibre bodywork, every panel unique to DLS
Advanced Control Systems (partner: Bosch)
• ABS, traction control and electronic stability control (ESC) systems specifically calibrated for DLS by Bosch
• Switchable driving modes including the option for traction control and stability systems to be turned off
Suspension (partner: Williams Advanced Engineering)
• Lightweight multi-link, double-wishbone, front suspension
• Lightweight, aluminium, rear trailing arm, with integral brake cooling
• Bespoke mass-optimised dampers with remote adjustment
Transmission and Driveline (partner: Hewland)
• Bespoke, 6-speed gearbox, using magnesium casings with hollow shafts for maximum reduction of rotating mass
• Reduced length to reposition engine forward for optimised weight distribution
• Use of motorsport-style tripod joints, centre-lock wheel carriers and modern materials
Brakes (partner: Brembo)
• Latest-technology CCM-R carbon-ceramic high-performance, lightweight discs for both road and track use
• Lightweight, monobloc calipers, developed for the study
Tyres (partner: Michelin)
• Bespoke-sized Pilot Sport Cup 2s developed by Michelin’s Development and Manufacturing team in Greenville, South Carolina.
• Bi-Compound asymmetric design, and Variable Contact Patch 3.0 technology
• Front 245/35 R18 and rear 295/30 R18
Wheels (partners: BBS Motorsport and Williams Advanced Engineering)
• Lightweight 18” forged magnesium, monobloc, centre-lock wheels developed for the study by BBS Motorsport
• High strength aluminium and titanium centre-lock mechanism developed by Williams Advanced Engineering
Advanced Lightweight Seating (partner: Recaro)
• Lightweight carbon fibre sports seats specially designed with Recaro for DLS
Steering (partner: Momo)
• Lightweight carbon fibre steering wheel specially developed by Momo for DLS.
Interior
• Raised, manual gearshift with exposed titanium and magnesium linkage, and shift lights integrated in the tachometer
• Drilled carbon and titanium pedals
• Lightweight air-conditioning and heating system
• Instrument gauges with hand-applied characters, floating in a carbon fibre instrument panel
The DLS is a client-inspired collaboration between the California-based boutique restoration house, Williams Advanced Engineering and a formation of technical partners, in pursuit of the most advanced air-cooled Porsche 911 in the world.
Porsche 911 Speedster Concept is road-ready open-top sports car
