Page 94 - Sharp Spring 2021

SHARP AUTO
NO FEAR
The All-Terrain Competition Study, the latest Porsche 911 to be reimagined by Singer, is made for unusual times
BY matt bubbers
RECENT HISTORY HAS TAUGHT US
plenty of lessons — one of which is to be prepared for anything. It’s why your new gorpcore wardrobe of waterproof gear feels so right, and it’s also why apocalypse-survival bunkers in New Zealand and the American Midwest have become hot property. Psychically, we’re all on high alert.
In the automotive realm, the current cultural mood has manifested most obviously in the raging popularity of tank-like SUVs. (GM is even bringing back the Hummer.) It also explains why there’s something so intrinsically appealing about the Mad Max perfection of the all-terrain Porsche 911 study unveiled earlier this year. Officially known as the All-Terrain Competition Study, it’s the latest Porsche 911 to
be reworked by our favourite Californian specialists, Singer Vehicle Design.
The company was founded in 2009 by Rob Dickinson, a detail-obsessed Porsche fanatic formerly of the influential U.K. rock band Catherine Wheel. At the behest of a long-term and obviously well-heeled client,
Singer looked to Porsche’s rallying history in order to reimagine their client’s old air-cooled 911 as an all- terrain competition beast. “We’ve taken particular inspiration from the iconic Rothmans-sponsored 911 SC/RSs and 959s that conquered events like the Qatar International Rally and Paris– Dakar in the mid-’80s,” says Dickinson.
All of the 911s previously reimagined by Singer have been pavement-bound. Not anymore. Singer partnered with U.K.-based Porsche rally specialist Richard Tuthill to make sure the ACS goes as well as it looks. Modifications to the old 911 include creating new quick-release carbon bodywork to cover the completely new long-travel suspension setup. (It sounds perfect
for Toronto’s canyon-esque potholes or a Northern Alberta winter.) The car comes equipped with a rehydration system for the driver and navigator, as well as a roll cage, two spare wheels, and a long-range fuel tank. The heavily modified 3.6-litre twin-turbo Mezger engine produces 450 hp and puts it down to all four wheels through three
limited slip differentials. It seems like no part has been left untouched.
Thankfully, the commissioning owner has kindly agreed that the ACS should be available to anyone who wants their own all-terrain 911. Since each car is a custom restoration, the price tag can vary wildly, but expect to write a cheque for seven figures. Thankfully, as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for.
The ACS is by far the best example of an all-terrain sports car yet, and
we hope it won’t be the last. This is a peculiar automotive niche that could include everything from the oddball Ariel Nomad to the 700 hp Ram TRX
to Lewis Hamilton’s new Extreme E off-road racing buggy. Think of them, and the ACS, as automotive gorpcore: high-performance, go-anywhere gear that’s ready to tackle whatever’s on the horizon. These are the perfect vehicles for our time, and the big brands have noticed. Rumour has it Porsche is even about to get back into the game with a new off-road-worthy 911. So, watch this space — and be prepared for anything.
94 SHARPMAGAZINE.COM SPRING 2021