Singer Inks Deal to Secure Custom Manual Transmissions from Formula 1 Transmission Supplier

Ricardo provides transmission services and components to Formula 1 teams and now will develop manual transmissions for Singer road cars.

The news keeps getting better for the wealthy car enthusiasts. For us regular car enthusiasts, we must deal with the fact that the manual transmission is a dying piece of technology. Each year there are fewer and fewer models that allow you to use three pedals. But the wealthy don’t have to be concerned with such things.

As long as they are fans of Singer Classic Turbo and DLS Turbo models. That is because Ricardo, a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company recently announced that they will supply custom manual transmissions to Singer’s operations in the United States and the UK. The transmissions will be exclusive to Singer and the Classic Turbo and DLS Turbo models.

We don’t think Singer needs any introduction as they have been ‘reimagining’ classic Porsche cars since 2009. Their craftsmanship and design are unparalleled. Their cars often sell for seven figures and are showstoppers wherever they go. But who the heck is Ricardo? Well, they are a global team that offers engineering consulting services and solutions across a wide range of sectors from aerospace and defense to energy utilities and waste.

They also have a stake in the automotive sector, and it is an impressive stake at that.

Ricardo

The breadth of Ricardo’s offerings in the automotive sector is so vast that we can’t cover it all here. But what we can tell you is that they deliver championship winning transmission services and components to top Formula 1 teams. Not only do they supply the teams, but many of their staff also used to work in Formula 1.

According to their website: “With many ex-Formula 1 engineers within the team at Ricardo, best practice combined with market leading material selection and analysis ensure the highest quality and dependable service year in, year out for the high pressure demands of Formula 1.” So, that Singer manual transmission in your DLS Turbo should perform flawlessly.

Singer Transmissions

The custom transmissions from Ricardo will be manufactured and tested at Ricardo’s state-of-the-art Midlands Technical Centre in Leamington Spa, UK. “We are delighted to be working on this significant multi-year project, supplying Singer in the UK and U.S. with a series of transmissions that will support the growth of their customer base,” said Richard Guest, Managing Director of Performance Products at Ricardo.

The transmissions in the Classic Turbo and DLS Turbo models will be traditional H-pattern transmissions. But they will be engineered to withstand the demands that a turbocharged car places on the drivetrain. The transmission is designed to seamlessly integrate into the existing chassis. These cars are all based on the 964 generation of 911. The transmission will be tested to ensure it delivers a smooth and engaging gear shift action.

Singer Perspective

Singer has built a reputation of putting only top notch components in their cars and that is what led them to work with Ricardo. “Our approach is always based around execution without compromise. This leads us to seek out and collaborate with the best in the world.

An exceptional, truly engaging, manual transmission is an essential part of the remarkable sports cars that we pursue, on behalf of some of the most discerning drivers in the world. We look forward to continuing this pursuit in collaboration with Ricardo,” said Mazen Fawaz, Chief Strategy Officer, Singer Group.

It is encouraging to see that the manual transmission will be sticking around for at least a few more years. For manual transmission fans of the Porsche 911 that can’t foot the bill for a Singer, perhaps you should grab a new 911 T while you can.

Photos: Ricardo; Singer Vehicle Design/Facebook

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Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it's driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.