by Red Bull engineers helped Singer increase the rigidity of the open chassis Porsche 964
Engineers from Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the division responsible for motorsport engineering projects, participated in the work on the open-top versions of the Porsche 964 for Singer. Their goal was to achieve a level of rigidity characteristic of a coupe, without significantly increasing the weight or compromising the original structure of the car.
Old convertibles often lack torsional rigidity. Therefore, Singer decided to involve experts of Formula 1 caliber so that their new Classic Turbo Targa and Cabriolet models would handle just as precisely and provide the same driving sensations as the brand’s coupes.
The Singer Classic Turbo program transforms the Porsche Type 964 into a wide-wheeled, high-power car, a kind of ode to the original 911 Turbo. However, when you add serious performance to a car that first appeared over 30 years ago, structural rigidity suddenly becomes very important.
This is especially true for convertibles and targas, which rolled off the assembly line without a fixed roof to help tie the structure together. Today, with modern tires, suspension, and 50 percent more power than the original Turbo, this can lead to flexing, vibrations, and compromises in handling.
Digital Scanning and Modeling
Red Bull Advanced Technologies began work with digital scanning and modeling of the original 964 chassis. Then they conducted detailed modeling to see exactly where the structure experiences the greatest loads under twisting. Once the engineers identified the weak points, they developed 13 carbon fiber reinforcing elements to strengthen these areas.
The goal was to achieve coupe-like handling sensations without ruining the weight or originality.
Modernization Results
The result is a claimed 175 percent increase in torsional rigidity. This is not a minor adjustment but a figure that will fundamentally change how the car feels over bumps, under braking, and in loaded corners.
Car enthusiasts are often skeptical about roofless versions of cars like the 911. And often not without reason. But knowing that the charming Targa now handles as well as it looks could make one think about choosing the Classic Turbo Cabriolet or Targa over the coupe, if the appropriate funds suddenly appeared.
The collaboration between Singer and Red Bull Advanced Technologies demonstrates how modern technologies and materials can breathe new life into classic cars, giving them characteristics that were previously impossible. Such projects push the boundaries of restoration and modification, turning it into a form of high-precision engineering art. This could also influence the collector car market, raising the bar for expectations regarding the quality and performance of restored models, especially open-top ones, which have traditionally been considered less rigid.
