Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

How Singer is reinventing Porsche’s air-cooled flat-six engine

Ronan Glon
By

Singer Porsche engine
Image used with permission by copyright holder
California-based Singer Vehicle Design is one of the best-known names in the world of Porsche enthusiasts and collectors. The work it performs on classic air-cooled 911s is second to none. After mastering design, it is rolling up its sleeves and reinventing the Porsche engine that has helped make the 911 an icon over the past five decades.

The company explains three of its clients were looking for a lightweight, high-performance engine to put in their newly restored car, but they didn’t want to use a modern water-cooled Porsche engine like the one in the 911 GTS. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Singer teamed up with a British firm named Williams Advanced Engineering to develop an engine that meets its customers’ exact requirements. Of course, they made it absolutely gorgeous to look at.

Singer Williams Porsche engine
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hanz Mezger, the 87-year-old engineer who designed the very first Porsche flat-six engine, was coaxed out of retirement and brought in as a technical consultant. He helped develop a 4.0-liter flat-six engine that makes 500 horsepower the old-fashioned way: with displacement. It’s naturally-aspirated, meaning it is not equipped with a turbocharger or a supercharger, and it’s air-cooled. It’s as powerful as the 911 GT3‘s flat-six, and it’s capable of revving beyond 9,000 rpm.

Recommended Videos

Because reducing weight was such a high priority, Singer incorporated the use of lightweight materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium whenever possible. The connecting rods are made out of titanium, and the air box is crafted out of carbon fiber.

Related

“Having had the opportunity to consult with Hans Mezger — the “father” of the iconic air-cooled flat-six — about the development of the engine, our team was pleased to be able to provide a solution to Singer’s clients’ requirements and of course, to be a part of this iconic vehicle’s continued evolution,” said Paul McNamara, Williams Advanced Engineer’s technical director, in a statement.

The first example of the engine will be installed in a 1990 911 currently being restored for one of Singer’s most loyal customers. Full specifications will be announced next month when the car is finished and unveiled to the public. The response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, so Singer and Williams Advanced Engineering plan on expanding their collaboration in the coming months. They’ll offer services to customers who want to incorporate lightness and dynamism into their restoration. It’s yet another reason to lust after a Singer-modified 911.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon
Contributor
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?
Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Read more
The 6 best remote car starters in 2024
Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Read more
The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024
The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.

Read more