Rob Dickinson on Singer's New 911 Carrera Coupe, Car Design, and Watchmaking

Singer's Latest Creation: The 911 Carrera Coupe

• 🚀 Singer Vehicle Design, founded by Rob Dickinson, has released the 911 Carrera Coupe, a widebody variant inspired by the 1980s 911.
• 💡 This new model marks Singer's re-entry into offering normally aspirated engines, with a special focus on a new engine developed with Cosworth.
• ⚙️ The engine boasts 420 horsepower, variable valve timing, water-cooled cylinder heads, and an electric fan for optimized cooling, bringing a classic air-cooled engine into the 21st century.
• 🎯 The design philosophy aims to capture the essence of ordering a 911 in the 80s with the muscular bodywork of the turbo but a naturally aspirated engine.

The Genesis of Singer and Design Philosophy

• 🧠 Singer's approach is driven by Rob Dickinson's personal vision and desire for the ultimate air-cooled Porsche 911, rather than customer feedback alone.
• 🎶 Dickinson's background in music, specifically the band Catherine Wheel, influenced his artistic approach to car design, viewing cars as a release and passion.
• 🛠️ The company's success is attributed to a passionate, artistic approach and a deep respect for Porsche, differentiating it from competitors who focus solely on business aspects.
• 💎 Enduring success has been challenging, with years of financial strain, but Singer's insistence on exquisite quality and not building down to a price has been key.

Singer Reimagined: Watches and Future Models

• ⌚ Singer Reimagined extends the brand's ethos into watchmaking, celebrating chronographs and motorsport heritage, inspired by Jack Heuer.
• 💡 The Track 1 watch features a unique movement with the stopwatch function at the center, a departure from traditional chronograph designs.
• 🚗 While currently focused on the 911, Singer is exploring the possibility of reimagining other iconic Porsche models in the future, though more 911s are planned.

Daily Drivers and Automotive Passions

• 💨 Rob Dickinson daily drives a 1995 993 Porsche 911, appreciating its refined design and sophisticated air-cooled engineering.
• ⚡ Matt Miller shares his surprising affection for the Chevy Blazer EV, praising its luxurious interior, powerful performance, and intuitive tech, despite reservations about its exterior design.
• 🚗 The discussion touches on the evolving automotive landscape, including the rise of EVs and the enduring appeal of combustion engines, with a debate on whether EVs possess a 'soul'.

Automotive Culture and Industry Insights

• 🏎️ The conversation highlights the booming market for F1 memorabilia, with significant sales of helmets and race cars.
• 🤝 Singer maintains a respectful relationship with Porsche, appreciating the brand's heritage while navigating trademark protection.
• 🎧 Music preferences range from challenging rock to classic songs, with specific mentions of bands like The Fontaine DC and Idles, and radio stations like 88.5 in Los Angeles.