An idea driven by the singular vision of Rob Dickinson – an ex car designer who then became a rock musician, the new re-imagined Porsche 911 exudes opulence matched with an equally impressive Williams designed engine.
Having seen CAI’s web presence and a growing portfolio of designing gauges for larger heritage OE customers, we were approached by Chris Genau at Singer Vehicle Design to become involved in their exciting new project. Our wealth of experience in hardware design and electronic software and a rich SMITHS history make us unique in the marketplace. The planning began in August 2017 and following several trans-atlantic meetings the first draft of drawings was produced.
The client was specific in their design requirements in that the gauges should retain their original 911 appearance but also be unique by reflecting the look of the Singer wrist watches, a project born from the encounter between Rob Dickinson, founder and creative Director of Singer Vehicle Design, and Italian watch designer Marco Borraccino.
The re-designed instrument set consists of Speedometer, Tachometer, 2in1 Oil and Fuel Level, 3in1 Oil Pressure/Cylinder Head Temperature/Oil Temperature and a Warning light cluster gauge.
The 11K Tachometer is the piece de resistance and forms the centre piece of the set. Mounted in a champagne anodised case with 115mm gold plated bezel, pointer boss, printed aluminium raised numerals and dial chaplets. The orange pointers and gold plated Singer logo complete the stunning design.
The OLED Speedometer measures speeds of up to 220MPH and is mounted in a 100mm polished aluminium case with black anodised faces, black plated bezel, orange pointer, polished aluminium boss and has green and white printed dial numerals. The matching 100mm 3in1 gauge measures cylinder head and oil temperature as well as oil pressure and features corresponding warning lights.
Two additional matching 80mm gauges complete the set: A ‘2in1’ Oil and Fuel level gauge with LED warning indicators and Low Battery and Fuel Level Warning lights, and a Warning Light module with 10 warning lights.
The re-designed 911 launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2018 to a rapturous crowd and has received high accolade in motoring circles. The project has been one of the most challenging and exciting ventures to date and CAI look forward to working with Singer Vehicle Design in the future.