Singer DLS Turbo Pushes 964 Heritage Into Uncharted Turbo Territory

Singer’s latest project has stirred quite a debate.

The DLS Turbo takes the well-known 964 chassis, now 35 years old, and pushes it firmly into modern hypercar territory.

It pairs a 710bhp twin-turbo flat-six engine with a manual transmission, sending all that power to the rear wheels.

One of the first things you notice is the rear wing—a bold design choice that divides opinion.

For some, it crosses the line into excess, while others see it as a natural extension of Singer’s meticulous dedication to Porsche’s legacy.

The design draws heavily on the 934/5 racer, a dominant force in Group 4 racing back in 1977.

But this restomod goes beyond mere homage. Beneath its aggressive exterior lies a heavily fortified chassis, boasting roughly 25,000Nm per degree of torsional rigidity.

Reinforcements like additional bracing, lattice structures, a hidden roll cage, and revamped suspension components allow the DLS Turbo to tame its hefty 553lb ft of torque, distributed through 265mm front and 345mm rear tyres.

Importantly, all this engineering effort stays under the radar, letting the car retain the classic 964 profile while delivering significantly enhanced performance.

The engine itself represents a clear evolution. It honors the air-cooled tradition of the original DLS but adopts a 3.8-litre twin-turbo setup equipped with five fans, three water pumps, and a complex oil and intercooling system to handle increased heat and pressure.

The sound it produces is distinctively Porsche—deep and robust, with vitality even at idle, a far cry from the expected growl typical of many modern supercars.

On the track at Willow Springs, the Turbo reveals a captivating blend of vintage driver appeal and contemporary refinement.

A rear-biased 38/62 weight distribution, a precise gearbox from Riccardo, and advanced Bosch stability control allow it to navigate wet corners with composure while preserving that classic, slightly nervous Porsche feel.

Another intriguing feature is its adaptability.

The somewhat controversial ‘Loop’ wing can be removed and swapped for a more traditional ducktail, with front and rear panels interchangeable in just a few hours—a rare level of customization in the bespoke scene.

While the Turbo weighs more than the naturally aspirated DLS, its weight balance ensures that top speeds approaching 218mph feel manageable, not overwhelming.

Unlike its predecessor, the Turbo’s power delivery remains consistently accessible, rewarding nuanced throttle inputs with explosive yet smooth acceleration.

Ultimately, the DLS Turbo is more than a restomod. It showcases what happens when Singer’s signature craftsmanship and inventive engineering meet a Porsche chassis already held in high regard.

The result is a car that feels both familiar and thoroughly contemporary, merging the heritage of the 964 with performance and boldness well suited to both Californian raceways and the imaginations of enthusiasts.

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