Autoblog

Ruf stretches Porsche Panamera for China

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, China, Porsche, Luxury

You think the prom limo market in America has a propensity for stretching anything with wheels? Just look at China. Instead of buying larger sedans there, wealthy Chinese buyers have a taste for stretching smaller ones. So while BMW, for example, already offers a larger 7 Series, they've developed a stretched 5 Series for the Chinese market. We thought that a little strange at first, but this one takes the cake.

Since the Porsche Panamera has one of the nicest interiors on the market, one aftermarket tuner of note has developed a stretched version specifically for China. That tuning firm is no less noteworthy than Ruf, the outfit that has made a name for itself by turning ordinary 911 models into supercar-beating, fire-breathing monsters.

The resulting Ruf Panamera XL is a good 40 centimeters longer than stock, giving it an extra measure of legroom in the back. And while this type of stretch job would normally make an exotic performance automobile like a Porsche look more than a little odd, given the almost universal derision of the Panamera's roofline, we'd venture to say this - to some eyes, anyway - might be considered an improvement. So much so, in fact, that Porsche is rumored to be considering developing one on its own - let's just hope that if Stuttgart tackles one on its own that they do a cleaner job of the resolving the B-pillar.

Ruf stretches Porsche Panamera for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Ruf Rt 12 R is a 230-mph bolide

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche, MISC

Ruf Rt 12 R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche makes some amazingly capable and exciting machines. The German speedmeisters at Ruf are fans of those cars, but they like to take them, lock them in their ~~insane asylum~~ factory and release them back into the world as roadgoing rocketships. The company's latest creation, unveiled on the 2011 Geneva Motor Show floor, is the Ruf Rt 12 R.

Based on the (quite pedestrian by comparison) Porsche 911 Turbo, the Ruf Rt 12 R begins life with the stock 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine. That unit is good for 500 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque (516 lb-ft with the overboost function). After Ruf gets its mitts on the powerplant, output swells to 730 hp and 693 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to Porsche's six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel-drive system. And if you're a rich lunatic, you can opt for rear-wheel drive.

Ruf also works its magic on the body of the Rt 12 R. Carbon fiber is applied to the front fenders, hood, luggage cover, seats and is available optionally on the roof. The side and rear windows are plastic instead of glass to further aid in the quest for lightness. This weight reduction, along with the massive increase in power, has helped Ruf claim an impressive 230 mph top speed for the Rt 12 R.

Gallery: Ruf Rt-12R: Geneva 2011

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Ruf Rt 12 R is a 230-mph bolide

Geneva 2011: Ruf Rt 12 R is a 230-mph bolide originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche buffs go searching for great German beer... deep in the heart of Texas?

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Porsche

A good roadtrip needs a few items for success; great people, interesting destinations and, of course, the right vehicles. We can't vouch for the people on a personal level in this tale, but Autoweek took on a Texas roadtrip and seems to have gotten the ingredients just right. How do six tuned Porsches, 800 miles and four breweries sound? As long as the drinking is done when the driving is finished (which of course it was), then you would be correct to say it sounds like heaven on earth.

Autoweek's Jeff Bolton embarked on a quest for good German beer, using good German sports cars to shuttle him around the Great State of Texas. Starting in Dallas, the crew moves about until they end up in Shiner, Texas, where they chat with long-time brewmaster Jimmy Mauric.

If roadtrips were eligible for awards, this Texas Porsche beer run would be an early front-runner for Best of 2011. Head over to Autoweek to read about the trip, and be sure to check out the video as well.

[Source: Autoweek]

Porsche buffs go searching for great German beer... deep in the heart of Texas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RUF Automobile to test three versions of electrified Porsche 911

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:58:00 EST

Porsche isn't the only one electrifying their vehicles. As evidenced by its production plans for ten testers fitted with three different drivetrain configurations, it could be argued that tuning-haus Ruf Automobile GmbH has a deeper development program than the famous German automaker itself.

We had hoped by this time that the Pfaffenhausen firm would be offering its Greenster or Stormster to the public, but that doesn't seem to be the case. What we will have instead is a data logger-equipped pool of eRufs built being built on the 911 platform with help from Siemens and the government.

The three Porsche 997 Carrera-bodied petri dishes include one with a single motor bolted to a single-speed gearbox that sucks juice from a 29 kWh battery. This package is only good for 150 km (93.21 miles) per charge and does the 0 to 60 dance in an almost-respectable seven seconds.

Next is a transversely-mounted twin motor arrangement that uses an automatic two-speed gearbox to get 335 horsepower (250 kW) to the rear wheels. Boasting a 36.6 kWh battery in a climate-controlled enclosure, this little piggy can get a market 200 km (124 miles) away and sprint to 60 mph in a wolf-beating five seconds.

The third layout repeats the previous motor and battery setup. The main difference is in the gearbox, or boxes we should say, as each motor gets its own. This gives it independent rear wheel drive that can take advantage of computer-controlled torque vectoring. Its performance is also equal to the other dual-motor setup, save for a lowered top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) down from 220 km/h (137 mph). We would hope what it loses in high speed it gains in cornering ability.

Ruf will be bringing at least one of the new eRufs to the upcoming Geneva Motor Show where we hope they'll allow for some hood-raising fun. Hit the jump for all the released details.

[Source: Ruf Automobile GmbH]

Continue reading RUF Automobile to test three versions of electrified Porsche 911

RUF Automobile to test three versions of electrified Porsche 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ruf drops the roof on 911 Targa-inspired Roadster

Noah Joseph — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Porsche

Ruf Roadster - Click above for image gallery

In the market for a 911? Lord knows Porsche has more than enough variants to choose from. And a fair few of them - like the Sport Classic and the Speedster - draw their inspiration from 911s of yore. But if those aren't to your liking, venerable tuning house Ruf has a new option at your disposal.

Ruf calls it a Roadster, but it takes its cues (as well as its form) from the original 1967 Porsche 911 Targa. The Ruf Roadster features a solid roll bar that offers the structural rigidity of a coupe with a variety of configurations for open-air driving. Because the roof panels and rear window can be removed separately, the Roadster can be driven with the roof open and the rear closed, the rear open and the roof closed, or completely open or closed. You could even take one of the split roof panels off to let the sun shine in on the driver while keeping the front-seat passenger sheltered.

Buyers can choose from naturally aspirated (400-horsepower) or turbocharged (560hp) engines, with prices starting at €195,000 (approximately $275k at today's conversion rates). Hey, nobody said flexibility came cheap.

Gallery: Ruf Roadster

[Source: PistonHeads]

Ruf drops the roof on 911 Targa-inspired Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Ruf RGT-8 is a V8-powered, 550-hp 911

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:39:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche, Specialty

Ruf RGT-8 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Over the last decade, Ruf has created two versions of the Porsche 911 bearing the RGT moniker. The first was a 385-hp, 3.6-liter 996 and the second was a 445-hp 997. Now, the supercar manufacturer (don't call 'em a tuner) has created its third iteration, the RGT-8, and it's the firm's most impressive engineering feat to date.

Nestled within the back of Stuttgart's finest, Ruf has managed to squeeze in a 4.5-liter V8 putting out 550 horsepower at its 8,500-rpm redline and 367 pound-feet of torque at 5,400 rpm. The 180-degree, flatcrank V8 is apparently custom designed by Ruf and comes complete with titanium connecting rods, a dry-sump lubrication system and spherical heads. And not only does it meet both U.S. and European emission standards, the whole swap is reportedly 80 pounds lighter than the 3.8-liter boxer-six it replaces.

A custom interior, integrated roll cage, 19-inch Ruf wheels (wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cups) and carbon ceramic brakes (among a host of other mods) round out the package. Although Ruf isn't quoting performance figures or putting a sticker on the RGT-8 yet, we've gotten word that production is set to begin in 2011 and orders are currently being booked. We're buying a lottery ticket in Lausanne right now.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Ruf RGT-8

Geneva 2010: Ruf RGT-8 is a V8-powered, 550-hp 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ruf updates lineup with 685 horsepower Rt 12 S

Drew Phillips — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

RUF Rt 12 S - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's been quite a few years since RUF launched its 911 Turbo-based Rt 12, and the German uber-tuner has decided its time for a refresh. Designated the Rt 12 S, the new model gets a bump in output from 650 to 685 horsepower, good for a new maximum velocity of 224 mph. Along with the distinctive front and rear fascias, the exterior is differentiated with widened rear fenders that house air ducts, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, LED lighting, CTR 3 mirrors, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Additional upgrades include carbon ceramic brakes, a hydraulically-adjustable suspension system, a variety of custom seats, a new steering wheel and more. Customers can also opt to convert the car to RWD and choose from a variety of interior trim options. All of this comes at a cost, though. At the current exchange rate, RUF will take a cool $359,000 out of your bank account. The brief press release gives all the details after the jump, and RUF was kind enough to provide high-res photographs for us to enjoy in the gallery below.

Gallery: RUF Rt 12 S

[Source: RUF Automobile]

Continue reading Ruf updates lineup with 685 horsepower Rt 12 S

Ruf updates lineup with 685 horsepower Rt 12 S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Road and Track tests battery-powered E-Ruf 911

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Porsche

Click above for high-res gallery of the E-Ruf

We only heard about the latest modified Porsche from Ruf about a week and a half ago when the tuner unveiled its new E-Ruf via press release. Apparently we weren't the first to learn of the all-electric 911, as Road & Track has already driven it and just published its first impressions, including details about the car's inner workings that were previously unknown.

Unlike most Ruf Porsches, the E-Ruf hasn't had its internal combustion engine boosted to within an inch of its life. It doesn't even have an ICE. Instead, the staff in Germany have ripped out the boxer 6-cylinder, back seat and fuel tank. The back seat area and front trunk have been stuffed full of lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor's been bolted to the stock 6-speed gearbox. Turns out that the E-Ruf is very different from other high-profile EVs like the Tesla Roadster in some interesting ways, but you'll have to click through to Road and Track to find out exactly why and what it means for the future of EVs.

Gallery: E-Ruf electric 911

[Source: Road & Track]

Road and Track tests battery-powered E-Ruf 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RUF's electric Porsche breaks cover

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Porsche

Click above for more high-res shots of the eRUF Model A Concept

Rumors of RUF's impending electric Porsche were true, except that the actual vehicle is based on a Porsche 911, not the Cayman as previously reported. Powered by a three-phase electric motor that offers about 200 horsepower along with an impressive 480 lb.-ft. of torque, the eRUF Model A can reportedly hit 60 miles per hour in under seven seconds and can reach a top speed of 160. Power comes from a lithium iron phosphate battery pack, which produces 317-volts and 480-amps and is made up from 96 individual cells. A full charge takes a rather long 10-hours, and regenerative braking is included in the package allowing for a range of up to 180 miles. From the outside, you'd never really know that something was different about this 997, except that it doesn't produce that soul-stirring flat-six sound. This is still just a concept and its specifications are subject to change. We can be sure, though, that this isn't the last electrically-powered sportscar set to hit the market.

Gallery: E-Ruf electric 911

[Source: RUF]

Continue reading RUF's electric Porsche breaks cover

RUF's electric Porsche breaks cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ruf developing all-electric Porsche Cayman

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Supercars, Porsche, Ruf

Despite the fact that Lotus seems to have the inside line on electric sportscars, longtime Porsche tuning firm Ruf has chosen the Cayman for its new electric supercar. Comparisons to the Tesla Roadster are sure to come up, and we're happy to oblige. Compared to the latest Tesla drivetrain, the Ruf is expected to debut with a bit less overall power (150kW compared to 185kW) but will have considerably more twisting force (650Nm versus 375Nm). In other words, if the Ruf were a hatchet, the Tesla may be a scalpal, so to speak. A lithium-ion battery pack of unknown output will provide power to the motor. We don't yet know if the Ruf will sport multiple gears, but it seems distinctly possible in order to attain its planned top speed of around 125 miles per hour. We'd bet that any comparisons between the two electric sportscars will end at price, as the Ruf is sure to command an even heftier sum than the $100k Tesla Roadster. We'll find out next month what that price is and if it's worth it. Uh never mind... of course it'll be worth it.

NOTE: the photo above is of the RUF CT3 supercar, which is not based on the Cayman but sure does look like it.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Ruf developing all-electric Porsche Cayman originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: A four-part history of RUF

Drew Phillips — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Performance, Videos, Supercars, Porsche, Ruf

click above image for a history lesson on RUF

Ahh, the joy of YouTube. Every once in a while we come upon a jewel like this - a four-part series on the history of Ruf, perhaps the most famous of Porsche tuners. The documentary features Alois Ruf recounting the history of the company, starting with the formation of AUTO RUF in 1939 and ending with the development of the new CTR3 supercar. In between are the details of Alois' love of motorsport, the top speed testing of the Yellow Bird and CTR2, and the company's philosophy on restoration and working on customer cars. It's a full 30+ minutes of footage, but it's worth it even if you aren't a huge Porsche or Ruf fan. You can watch all four clips after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: A four-part history of RUF

VIDEO: A four-part history of RUF originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ruf celebrates anniversary with special-edition 3400K

Alex Nunez — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Porsche

Click image for gallery

For model year 2007, Ruf, the legendary manufacturer based in Pfaffenhausen, has released a 25th Anniversary Edition of its Boxster/Cayman-based 3400 K Coupe and Roadster. The anniversary cars are available in a choice of Black, Guards Red, or Carrera White and are powered by a supercharged flat six that delivers 400 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 324 lb-ft of torque at 5600 RPM.

As for the rest, it's all what you'd normally expect to see in a complete vehicle from RUF: revised brakes, suspension and bodywork, plus an interior that's been dressed up with additional leather, a RUF gauge package, etc. The automaker's signature five-spoke wheels in 19" diameter complete the look nicely. Better-looking and performing than the cars on which they're based, the 3400 K models represent just another day at the office for the wizards at Ruf. Good times.

[Source: Ruf]

Gallery: RUF 3400 K Anniversary Edition

Ruf celebrates anniversary with special-edition 3400K originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RUF gives Carrera GT owners a lift

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Supercars, Porsche

When you're ridin' ~~dirty~~ a couple of inches off the ground, you'll swerve to avoid anything more than a few microns thick sitting on the road in front of you. When it comes to driveways and speedbumps, that's when the lowest of riders crank the wheel back and forth, trying to sort out the right angle-of-attack to prevent that horrific scraping sound. If that's you and you're a Carrera GT owner, it's Ruf to the rescue. The Porsche tuner has created a driver-controlled, pushbutton-operated, hydraulic, height-adjustable front suspension that raises the front bumper two inches, at speeds up to 40 mph. You can get yourself out of a crunch for just 14,800 euros plus tax.

[Source: Winding Road]

RUF gives Carrera GT owners a lift originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Full official specs, new photos of the RUF CTR 3

Alex Nunez — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 20:50:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Supercars

Click image for an updated photo gallery

First things first: Contrary to what was widely reported yesterday (including here), the RUF CTR 3 is not derived from the Porsche Cayman. That makes it no less amazing, as the technical data pasted after the jump bears out. The CTR 3's bodywork is a RUF creation in aluminum and carbon fiber, and the earlier reports stating that the car is Cayman-based were probably a result of the automaker's use of the mid-engined Porsche coupe's taillamps. That's where it ends, however.

The 3,746cc twin-turbocharged flat six produces 700 horsepower and over 656 lb-ft of torque, which, according to RUF, enables the CTR3 to run from zero to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and max out at 235 mph. Shifts come courtesy of a six-speed sequential manual gearbox. The tall shifter is capped with a metal knob and features prominently in the Ruf's leather-lined cabin. 15" 6-piston ceramic-composite brakes fore and aft handle the task of stopping this rocketship. The brakes are tucked behind a set five-spoke wheels sized 19" in front and 20" in back. As much a supercar as the Enzo, Carrera GT, and SLR McLaren, the CTR 3 is priced accordingly at €380,000 plus VAT. That's over $510,000 US dollars at the current exchange rate, and for the buyers who would consider adding one to their collections, it's probably worth every single penny.

[Source: RUF]

Gallery: RUF CTR 3

Continue reading Full official specs, new photos of the RUF CTR 3

Full official specs, new photos of the RUF CTR 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ruf set to launch Cayman-based CTR3 supercar

Alex Nunez — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Supercars, Porsche

Click image for gallery

UPDATE: We've spoken to Ruf, who have corrected us regarding the Porsche Cayman. The CTR 3 is not Cayman-based. The car's body is designed by Ruf. Only the taillamps are sourced from the Cayman. The car's transmission is a 6-speed sequential gearbox, not a seven-speed as had been rumored.

UPDATE 2: New post with full technical specifications provided by RUF here.

Fabled über-performance builder Ruf, the house of mad genius that brought us enthusiast miracles such as the legendary CTR "Yellow Bird," appears ready to knock everyone's socks off once again. This time, the wow factor is attached to the company's new CTR3, a Porsche Cayman-based supercar that makes its debut today in Bahrain, where is likely no shortage of individuals able to pony up the car's projected $300,000 price tag.

Under its aluminum and carbon-fiber skin, which makes the CTR3 look like something that would have appeared right at home dueling the likes of the Toyota GT-ONE, Porsche 911 GT1, and McLaren F1 in LeMans races past, the new RUF has the heart of its bigger and equally insane brother, the 911 RT12. Its 3.8L twin-turbocharged six delivers 700 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque, all of which is sent rearward via a rumored seven-speed sequential gearbox. Top speed? Figure around 224 mph. Can an assault on the Nürburgring by this earthbound cruise missile be far off?

[Sources: Jalopnik, Motor Authority]

Gallery: RUF CTR 3

Ruf set to launch ~~Cayman-based~~ CTR3 supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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997 goes through the Ruf

Scott Davis — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 14:53:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Porsche

To Porschephiles and gamers worldwide, RUF is well known for its amazing transformation of the 911 into something very special. The release of the 2006 RGT takes an already excellent car and transforms it into perhaps one of the best dual-purpose street/track vehicles in the world.

Follow the jump for a full dissection and more pics.

Continue reading 997 goes through the Ruf

997 goes through the Ruf originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Dec 2006 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Gallery: Greatest Supercar Display ever from Michelin

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 18:24:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Supercars, Bugatti

Michelin is our favorite tire company from now on. Without resorting to the cheap, albeit highly effective and entertaining, trick of hiring booth babes to draw attention to themselves, this French tiremaker still had one of the largest crowds of any vendor at the show. Accomplished with an elegant simplicity that had us drooling from the moment we saw the space. The plan was so breathtakingly simple that we hope others will follow their lead in the future. OK, we wouldn't complain too much if there were still some lovely ladies around as well, but this being an automotive show, putting cars above all else seems to be a pretty good idea.

What they pulled off went a little beyond the ordinary and deserves some kind of award. After working your way past dozens of individual wheel and tire booths with everything from clear rims to those 34-inch monster truck-worthy numbers, you round a corner in the tires and wheels hall and see one of the cleanest, most spectacular sights. Especially if you are a fan of exotics and supercars, but even if you're not, it's quite striking. More story and pics after the jump.

Continue reading SEMA Gallery: Greatest Supercar Display ever from Michelin

SEMA Gallery: Greatest Supercar Display ever from Michelin originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STUDIOTORINO unveils Cayman-based RK Coupe

Alex Nunez — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche

Alfredo Stola's STUDIOTORINO is publicily unveiling its 2nd creation, the RK Coupe, today at The Quail. Inspired by two very sexy classics, the Dino 246 GT and the Porsche 904, the RK coupe uses the Porsche Cayman as its basis, with engine and mechanical upgrades provided by German supertuner Ruf.

The only body panel that is unchanged in the transformation is the left front fender. Everything else is either new or modified in some way. In the case of the RK Spyder, the most important modifications are to the rear hood and C-pillar.
The Cayman's rear hatch assembly remains, but the piece that it opens and closes is all new. The Cayman's standard sloping rear glass is a thing of the past. In its place as a small upright rear pane, shrouded by flying buttresses that are formed out of the existing pillars. The rear quarter windows are also eliminated, giving the car a side profile that is instantly evocative of the 904, while the new rear glass recalls both the 904 and the Dino.

Another nice touch is the striping on the rear fenders that harkens back to the similar elements on the Carrera Panamericana 550 Spyder. Observant Porsche fans will immediately notice the relocated rear intakes, which now look almost identical to the ones on the original Boxster Concept (these first appeared on the equally stunning STUDIOTORINO RK Spyder).

The RK Coupe is powered by Ruf's blown 3.8L green meanie pictured at right, which gives the car a 0-62 time of 4.3 sec and a top speed of 195 mph. The car's exhaust outlet and filler cap are custom designs made of forged aluminum. Other details include bespoke Tooma wheels (only used on the STUDIOTORINO cars), handmade, hand-painted badges, and a made-to-order cutom interior.

Only 49 RK Coupes will be offered for sale. Those buyers will own a serious and striking performance machine that manages to pay homage to two very different marques in a most effective way.

(More Photos after the jump)

[Source: STUDIOTORINO via German Car Blog]

Continue reading STUDIOTORINO unveils Cayman-based RK Coupe

STUDIOTORINO unveils Cayman-based RK Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Aug 2006 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RUF announces first car building operation in Arab world

Chris Paukert — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Tuners, Performance

RUF GmbH, longtime purveyors of four-wheeled exotic finery have announced plans to build the first car manufacturing facility in the Arab world. The facility, to be located in the Kingdom of Bahrain , will be the company's first 'full service' operation outside of its Pfaffenhausen plant in Germany.

The plans were announced amidst great fanfare that included 100 Arab sword dancers, a concert by the Bahrain National concert band, and an Australian opera singer belting out Beethoven's 9^th as a RUF RT 12 hit the stage.

Plans for the facility call for a 3.5 km race track as well as R&D, manufacturing, assembly and marketing centers.

(Top tip, Rocket Punch)

[Source: RUF GmbH]

RUF announces first car building operation in Arab world originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Mar 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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