Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ruf updates lineup with 685 horsepower Rt 12 S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/ruf-updates-lineup-with-685-horsepower-rt-12-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/ruf-updates-lineup-with-685-horsepower-rt-12-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/ruf-updates-lineup-with-685-horsepower-rt-12-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PorschePorsche 911 TurboPorsche911TurboRUFRUF AutomobileRUF Rt 12 SRufAutomobileRufRt12SWed, 29 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Road and Track tests battery-powered E-Ruf 911]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/battery-powered-e-ruf-911-tested-by-road-and-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/battery-powered-e-ruf-911-tested-by-road-and-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/battery-powered-e-ruf-911-tested-by-road-and-track/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-rufelectric 911electric porscheelectric porsche 911Electric911ElectricPorscheElectricPorsche911erufrufTue, 21 Oct 2008 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[RUF's electric Porsche breaks cover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/rufs-electric-porsche-breaks-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/rufs-electric-porsche-breaks-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/rufs-electric-porsche-breaks-cover/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric porscheelectric porsche 911electric rufElectricPorscheElectricPorsche911ElectricRuferuf model aErufModelArufFri, 10 Oct 2008 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ruf developing all-electric Porsche Cayman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/ruf-developing-all-electric-porsche-cayman-tesla-killer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/ruf-developing-all-electric-porsche-cayman-tesla-killer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/ruf-developing-all-electric-porsche-cayman-tesla-killer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric caymanelectric porscheelectric porsche caymanElectricCaymanElectricPorscheElectricPorscheCaymanrufruf electricruf evruf porscheRufElectricRufEvRufPorscheThu, 25 Sep 2008 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: A four-part history of RUF]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/05/video-four-part-history-of-ruf/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/05/video-four-part-history-of-ruf/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/05/video-four-part-history-of-ruf/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alois rufAloisRufhistory of RufHistoryOfRufPorscheRufRuf PorscheRuf videoRufPorscheRufVideoMon, 05 Nov 2007 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Ruf celebrates anniversary with special-edition 3400K]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/04/ruf-celebrates-anniversary-with-special-edition-3400k/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/04/ruf-celebrates-anniversary-with-special-edition-3400k/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/04/ruf-celebrates-anniversary-with-special-edition-3400k/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3400 k3400 k coupe3400 k roadster3400K3400KCoupe3400KRoadsterboxstercaymanrufWed, 04 Jul 2007 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[RUF gives Carrera GT owners a lift]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/ruf-gives-carrera-gt-owners-a-lift/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/ruf-gives-carrera-gt-owners-a-lift/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/ruf-gives-carrera-gt-owners-a-lift/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carreragtrufsuspensionMon, 25 Jun 2007 07:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Full official specs, new photos of the RUF CTR 3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/full-official-specs-new-photos-of-the-ruf-ctr-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/full-official-specs-new-photos-of-the-ruf-ctr-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/full-official-specs-new-photos-of-the-ruf-ctr-3/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CTR 3Ctr3RUFRUF CTR 3RufCtr3Thu, 12 Apr 2007 20:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ruf set to launch <strike>Cayman-based</strike> CTR3 supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/11/ruf-set-to-launch-cayman-based-ctr3-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/11/ruf-set-to-launch-cayman-based-ctr3-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/11/ruf-set-to-launch-cayman-based-ctr3-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caymanctr3rufWed, 11 Apr 2007 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[ 997 goes through the Ruf]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/02/997-goes-through-the-ruf/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/02/997-goes-through-the-ruf/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/02/997-goes-through-the-ruf/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911997PorscheRUFSat, 02 Dec 2006 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA Gallery: Greatest Supercar Display ever from Michelin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/sema-gallery-greatest-supercar-display-ever-from-michelin/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/sema-gallery-greatest-supercar-display-ever-from-michelin/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/sema-gallery-greatest-supercar-display-ever-from-michelin/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bugatti VeyronBugattiVeyronCaparo T1CaparoT1Drew PhillipsDrewPhillipsFiskerKoenigsegg CCXKoenigseggCcxMcLaren F1MclarenF1MichelinPagani ZondaPaganiZondaRUFSaleen S7 ttSaleenS7TtFri, 03 Nov 2006 18:24:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDIOTORINO unveils Cayman-based RK Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/18/studiotorino-unveils-cayman-based-rk-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/18/studiotorino-unveils-cayman-based-rk-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/18/studiotorino-unveils-cayman-based-rk-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

STUDIOTORINO RK Coupe
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).

RUF 3.8L KompressorThe 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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfredo stolaAlfredoStoladino 246 gtDino246Gtferrari dinoFerrariDinoporsche 904porsche caymanPorsche904PorscheCaymanrk coupeRkCouperufstudiotorinoFri, 18 Aug 2006 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[RUF announces first car building operation in Arab world]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/14/ruf-announces-first-car-building-operation-in-arab-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/14/ruf-announces-first-car-building-operation-in-arab-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/14/ruf-announces-first-car-building-operation-in-arab-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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 9th 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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArabArab WorldArabWorldRUFRuf GmBHRufGmbhTue, 14 Mar 2006 13:00:00 EST