Singer Delivers 710-HP Porsche 911 DLS Turbo Bespoke Masterpieces

In the rarefied world of ultra-bespoke mechanical engineering, few names command the reverence of Singer. Founded in Los Angeles in 2009 as Singer Vehicle Design, the California atelier has captivated collectors worldwide in 2026 with initial customer deliveries of its breathtaking Porsche 911 DLS Turbo commissions—headlined by bespoke masterpieces such as the Fantasia Blue "Sorcerer," the Black Metallic "Apollyon," and an eye-catching Amethyst build.

Adding unmistakable cultural intrigue to the marque's engineering pedigree is its musical origin story. Founder and creative director Rob Dickinson spent the 1990s fronting influential British alternative rock band Catherine Wheel before channeling his lifelong obsession with vintage air-cooled Porsche 911s—and paying homage to legendary Porsche race engineer Norbert Singer—into automotive art.

Key Takeaways: Founded by former Catherine Wheel rock vocalist Rob Dickinson, Singer Vehicle Design has begun delivering its limited 99-unit Porsche 911 DLS Turbo restorations, pairing classic 964 chassis heritage with a 710-horsepower, 9,000-RPM twin-turbo flat-six engine and bespoke carbon-fiber bodywork.

Inside the 710-Horsepower DLS Turbo Powertrain Architecture

Every DLS Turbo (Dynamics and Lightweighting Study – Turbo) commission begins life as an owner-supplied 1989–1994 Type 964 Porsche 911 before undergoing complete structural stripping, chassis reinforcement, and carbon-fiber body conversion inspired by the fearsome 1970s Porsche 934/5 endurance racers.

Under the rear decklid sits a marvel of hybrid thermal engineering: a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six combining classic air-cooled cylinders with water-cooled four-valve cylinder heads, electrically actuated wastegates, and air-to-water intercooling. The resulting performance figures rival modern exotic hypercars while preserving tactile analog soul:

• Peak Output: 710 horsepower and 550 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque, engineered to scream past an astonishing 9,000 RPM redline—virtually unheard of in turbocharged road engines.
• Pure Manual Engagement: All power routes exclusively to the rear center-locking magnesium wheels through a precision six-speed manual gearbox.
• Dual Aero Personalities: Clients specify either a high-downforce Track package with a towering adjustable rear wing and deep front splitter, or a sleeker low-drag Road configuration crowned by a classic ducktail spoiler.

Bespoke Craftsmanship: From "Sorcerer" to Goodwood Center Stage

Because Singer's mantra asserts that "Everything Is Important," no two commissions leave its Torrance or UK facilities looking alike. Early DLS Turbo deliveries demonstrate jewelry-grade detailing: "Sorcerer" dazzles in graduated Fantasia Blue paintwork over lightweight carbon buckets, "Apollyon" pairs menacing Black Metallic bodywork with Cayenne Red leather, and the bespoke Amethyst commission blends deep purple exterior lacquer with Bone leather and woven purple-green-blue tartan inserts.

That obsessive craftsmanship earned Singer historic recognition as the featured Central Feature marque at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Gerry Judah's towering sculpture celebrated Classic, Classic Turbo, and DLS Turbo builds roaring up the famous British hillclimb—alongside luxury lifestyle collaborations with houses such as Louis Vuitton.

Why Analog Tactility Commands Multi-Million-Dollar Demand

With all 99 planned DLS Turbo restoration slots spoken for almost instantly—and rare build allocations drawing intense collector bidding whenever a commission such as the "Firefly" build surfaces at marquee auctions—Singer highlights a broader shift in luxury hardware reviews. As mainstream performance cars grow heavier with touchscreens and synthesized sound, analog mechanical precision, exposed shift linkages, and 9,000-RPM acoustics have become the ultimate luxury devices on earth.

Rock Music Roots Shaping Modern Automotive Design Language

Much like crafting a layered studio album where rhythm guitar and vocal dynamics share sonic space without clutter, Dickinson's design team treats every anodized toggle switch, quilted leather stitch, and exposed tachometer needle like an instrument. That synthesis of British rock sensibility and German motorsport precision guarantees Singer's enduring place atop collector wish lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the automotive restoration company named Singer Vehicle Design?

Founded in Los Angeles in 2009 by creative director Rob Dickinson, the company's name honors both legendary Porsche motorsport engineer Norbert Singer and Dickinson's own previous career as lead singer and guitarist of 1990s British rock band Catherine Wheel.

How much horsepower does a Porsche 911 DLS Turbo by Singer produce?

Each Porsche 911 DLS Turbo restoration features a bespoke 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine pairing air-cooled cylinders with water-cooled four-valve cylinder heads, producing 710 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque while revving past an astonishing 9,000 RPM.

How many DLS Turbo commissions is Singer Vehicle Design building?

Singer Vehicle Design capped its Porsche 911 DLS Turbo restoration services at just 99 client commissions worldwide, allowing owners to specify Track high-downforce wing bodywork or Road ducktail aero configurations paired with a rear-wheel-drive six-speed manual gearbox.