…they're not Porsche, they're ruff . Since 1977, a small factory located in the city of Pfaffenhausen (yeah…), Germany, has been dedicated to manufacturing authentic performance machines from Porsche chassis. Everything else is manufactured by Ruf — with the exception of a few elements that derive directly from Porsche (similar to the chassis).
Continuing to trace the brand's history, it was in 1981 that the German State granted Ruf the status of “car manufacturer”. In 1983 it left its small factory located in that city with a name difficult to pronounce (Pfaffen… ok, that!), the first model with VIN by Ruf. Founded in 1923, Ruf was dedicated to making… buses. Unlikely? Perhaps. Remember that there is a reputable Italian brand that, before making dream cars, made tractors. Life takes many turns.
As we were saying, the Ruf showroom was one of the most appreciated by us at the Geneva Motor Show — a show that ends this weekend.
Meet the Ruf models on display at the Swiss event:
Ruf SCR 4.2
THE Ruf SCR 4.2 was the brand's biggest star in Geneva — an absolute debut. The 4.2 engine delivers 525 hp at 8370 rpm and 500 Nm of maximum torque at 5820 rpm. Weight saving was one of Ruf's main concerns — power we're talking about... — the other was day-to-day usability. The German brand swears together that it is possible to make a road trip in the Ruf SCR 4.2 with the same feeling at ease when attacking a circuit.
Power: 525 hp | Streaming: 6-speed manual | Vel. Max: 322 km/h | Weight: 1190 kg
Ultimate Ruf
Ruf's 3.6 flat-six turbo engine develops a massive 590 hp at 6800 rpm and an impressive 720 Nm of maximum torque. The body panels are produced in carbon in an autoclave (at high pressure and high temperature). Thanks to these panels the gravitational center of the Ruf Ultimate is lower and consequently the cornering speed increases. Power is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Power: 590 hp | Streaming: 6-speed manual | Vel. Max: 339 km/h | Weight: 1215 kg
Ruf Turbo R Limited
The "limited" at the end of the name leaves no room for doubt: it is a limited version (only seven models will be produced). The 3.6 l twin-turbo engine develops 620 hp at 6800 rpm. This model is available with all-wheel and rear-wheel drive. The maximum speed is 339 km/h.
Power: 620 hp | Streaming: 6-speed manual | Vel. Max: 339 km/h | Weight: 1440 kg
RUF RtR narrow
RtR stands for “reputation turbo racing”. From the base of the 991 Ruf produced a unique model with handcrafted body panels and an integrated rollbar. Tires 255 at the front and 325 at the rear are responsible for digesting the 802 hp of power and 990 Nm of maximum torque of the RtR. The maximum speed exceeds 350 km/h.
Power: 802 hp | Streaming: 6-speed manual | Vel. Max: 350 km/h | Weight: 1490 kg
Porsche 911 Carrera RS
It is not a Ruf but its presence deserves to be mentioned. After all, it's one of the most wanted and valued 911s ever. State? Immaculate.