California’s Singer Vehicle Design, together with Williams Advanced Engineering (part of the Williams Grand Prix Engineering Group), have built what could be described as the most advanced air-cooled Porsche 911 in the world. The Dynamics and Lightweight Study (DLSA) 911 was first unveiled at last August at Pebble Beach, and will make its European debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show on March 5-17.

Visitors will find it at Michelin’s stand, as the latest and greatest Singer-developed 911 is equipped with Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect tires wrapped around 18-inch lightweight forged magnesium monoblock wheels from BBS.


Williams Advanced Engineering developed the 4.0-liter normally aspirated, air-cooled flat-six, with technical advice and consultancy from Porsche’s legendary engineer Hans Mezger. The engine features titanium valves, dual overhead cams, a lightweight construction, F1-inspired upper and lower injectors and a unique oiling system that improves lubrication and cooling. It also has four valves per cylinder and four camshafts, and puts out 500 HP at a stratospheric 9,000 rpm.

Williams also worked on aerodynamics, optimizing the design of the ducktail spoiler at the rear, increasing downforce and improving engine intake and cooling performance through the side window ram-air intakes and rear decklid vents. The F1 outfit also handled torsional stiffness, mass efficiency, the full carbon body and the suspension.


Meanwhile, Bosch provided the advanced control systems (ABS, ESC, switchable driving modes), Hewland developed the custom 6-speed manual gearbox, Brembo added the carbon ceramic brakes, Recaro the lightweight carbon fiber sports seats, and Momo the steering wheel, which also has a carbon fiber construction.

Other interior features include a raised, manual gear shifter with exposed titanium and magnesium linkage, shift lights in the tachometer, drilled carbon and titanium pedals, lightweight air-conditioning and heating system, and custom instrument gauges.

It’s worth visiting Michelin’s stand and viewing the ultimate air-cooled 911 for yourselves. And if you happen to have a spare US$ 1.8 million or so, you can become the proud owner of the 75 examples that will be manufactured, and of course tailor it to your own specs. Are there faster cars out there costing a fraction of the Singer’s price? Sure. But this isn’t just any 911; better consider it a personal statement of exquisite taste and appreciation for one of the finest cars available at any price.