Classic Porsches hold a unique allure. While the company’s on-road sports cars remain among the best ever crafted, Porsche’s historical racing vehicles evoke a blend of intimidation and admiration all their own. The Vocalist DLS Turbo aims to deliver those same thrills in a beautifully refurbished package.
The DLS Turbo represents the brand’s interpretation of the classic 1977 Porsche 934/5, a racing variation of the 911 Turbo. Constructed using the chassis and engine of the earlier 934, it sported the wheels, tires, and extravagant rear wing of the 935. Initially designed for competition in Group 4 within IMSA, the car was ultimately barred before its debut race. Rather, it went on to contend in the SCAA Trans Am series, achieving victory in 6 out of 8 races that season.
Left: A Porsche 934/5. Right: The Vocalist DLS Turbo. Bill Abbott, CC-BY-SA-2.0/Singer
The Vocalist’s approach builds upon its prior endeavors in the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study, integrating forced induction to create the DLS Turbo. While based on the 964 generation of the 911, it still echoes the robust design of the company’s vintage 1977 race car.
Though the original race car was a battle-tested animal, the Vocalist’s rendition showcases the exquisite finish and accessories that have made the company renowned. Central to the Vocalist’s offering is a meticulously restored interior tailored to the precise specifications of the owner.
The creation of a DLS Turbo commences by fully disassembling an owner’s 964, down to the frame. It is then meticulously cleaned and readied for refurbishment. The new customized bodywork is predominantly crafted from carbon fiber, offering advantages in both weight reduction and rigidity compared to the car’s original panels.
The components from the Vocalist aren’t mere imitations; the company has drawn inspiration from the 934/5 while conducting its own aerodynamic studies to ensure every vent and wing functions optimally. Noteworthy are the aerodynamic features at the rear, incorporating a diffuser bumper with a striking side-exit exhaust.
Regarding the engine, Vocalist utilizes the car’s original stockThe motor acts as the foundation for its operation, even though it undergoes a complete overhaul with new high-efficiency parts. As a result, a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six producing over 700 horsepower and achieving a redline exceeding 9,000 rpm is created. Modern features like electric wastegates and air-to-water intercoolers enhance its performance. Nevertheless, it is expected to provide a power delivery intense enough to evoke memories of the flame-spitting Porsche racing cars of past decades.
Singer is willing to customize the DLS Turbo for either road or track usage, as per the owner’s preference. In either case, the vehicle is equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes and a six-speed manual transmission. Choices include a track-oriented suspension with remote tuning capability and various wheel and tire options to match different scenarios. The vehicle can be configured to accommodate various aerodynamic setups for each purpose, with Singer offering both track-focused and road-friendly versions of the front fascia and rear wing.
Traditionally, it may seem sacrilegious to attach substantial wings to a 1980s Porsche to emulate a 1970s racing vehicle appearance. However, Singer’s exceptional quality and reputation set it apart, leading to consistently high demand for its services. It’s challenging to envision a more sophisticated reinterpretation of a Porsche racing car from the illustrious era of motorsport.
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