Singer Vehicle Design – the maker of modern interpretations of the classic Porsche 911 – has announced a partnership with British engineering firm Cosworth.

The collaboration means Cosworth will exclusively provide engines for the Singer 911, which is completely rebodied and re-engineered using modern materials and technologies. The firm’s engineering and development capabilities will be used to fettle the classic air-cooled powerplants, and the companies hope eventually to brand the ‘Singer-Cosworth’ flat-six engines for aftermarket sales. Improvements to the 964-sourced motor include optimisation in cylinder-head design, fuel injection, intake and exhaust.

Three versions of the engine are offered: the 296bhp, 3.6-litre ‘Touring’, the 375bhp, 3.9-litre ‘Sport’ and the range-topping 4.0-litre ‘Cup’, producing 419bhp. The engines are then dropped into rust-proofed classic 911 bodies, whose body panels are replaced with carbonfibre provided by another of Singer’s recently announced partners, the Aria Group. Aria says this reduces the weight of the classic 911’s body by 75%.

The improvements aren’t just limited to the body and powerplant. Suspension, transmission and aerodynamics are all upgraded, and the brakes are taken from the 993-series 911. Electronics are significantly upgraded, and the seats and windows are now electrically operated. Also, bi-Xenon headlight units are integrated into the new headlamp housings.

The user can specify their vehicle to be geared towards “grand touring opulence or hardcore road and track performance”. The options list rivals that of the Porsche 997-series 911s on sale today, including carbonfibre racing seats, a Heuer chronograph clock, and even sat-nav and iPod connectivity. Starting prices for the Singer 911 are around £120,000, but the company suggests over £180,000 could be spent if the customer has a penchant for ticking boxes.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Singer Vehicle Design