RUF Redefines Performance: From Desert Trails to Track Supremacy
RUF's Unconventional Path: Embracing Off-Road Adventures
For decades, RUF Automobile has carved a distinct niche within the prestigious Porsche landscape, evolving 911 platforms into extraordinary machines bearing their own iconic emblem. From the legendary Yellowbird of the late 1980s to the contemporary CTR Anniversary, the German marque has consistently specialized in meticulously crafted sports cars that seamlessly merge the essence of Porsche with their bespoke creations. A notable pivot occurred in 2020 when RUF unveiled the Rodeo concept, an audacious off-road iteration of the classic 911 silhouette, diverging significantly from their signature low-slung, high-velocity designs. What initially premiered as a conceptual showcase has now transitioned into a fully realized production model, with the inaugural customer vehicle delivered at Monterey Car Week's esteemed 'The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering' event.
The Pioneering Rodeo: A New Breed of All-Terrain Performance
The initial production unit of the Rodeo utilizes the same advanced carbon-fiber monocoque chassis found in RUF's contemporary high-performance vehicles, yet it is specifically engineered to excel in terrains far more challenging than conventional paved surfaces. Adorned in a striking Jordan Black finish, its deep exterior hue is complemented by pristine white center-lock forged wheels, functional roof rails, distinct model designations, and an aggressive quad-stacked exhaust system. This design ethos positions it as a formidable counterpart to the Porsche 911 Dakar, exuding an even more pronounced sense of rugged sophistication. Its assertive posture is enhanced by integrated bash bars, pronounced wide fender flares, and an expanded track width – an increase of 1.6 inches at the front and a substantial 5.6 inches at the rear – compared to the standard SCR. Illumination is provided by RUF's cutting-edge Bi-LED headlights and LED taillights, seamlessly integrating modern precision with its robust, adventurous form. The chassis benefits from a significant 9.5-inch elevation relative to the SCR, incorporating an in-house designed double-wishbone pushrod suspension system. This setup boasts adjustable all-wheel drive and ceramic brakes at each corner. Powering this formidable machine is a 3.6-liter turbocharged flat-six engine, generating an impressive 610 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This meticulous configuration allows the Rodeo to offer unparalleled off-road capability while preserving the raw, engaging, and analog driving experience synonymous with the RUF brand. To commemorate this landmark delivery, Aloisa Ruf has personally curated a limited series of hand-painted Rodeo jeans, each distinctively numbered.
Sharing the Spotlight: CTR3 EVO and Tribute Command Attention
The Rodeo was not the sole highlight RUF presented at Monterey. The CTR3 EVO, resplendent in Howe White, also found its first discerning owner at The Quail. Positioned as the swiftest vehicle in RUF's current stable, it is propelled by a potent 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, unleashing 800 horsepower and 730 pound-feet of torque. This immense power is efficiently delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. With a top speed reaching 236 mph, the CTR3 EVO firmly establishes itself in the exclusive realm of modern supercars. Its carbon-fiber bodywork and sophisticated aerodynamic enhancements, including a prominent rear wing, a meticulously designed diffuser, and an aggressive front splitter, guarantee exceptional stability at extreme velocities. Alongside these marvels, RUF showcased the production-ready Tribute, slated for a 2026 release. This model is powered by a newly developed air-cooled 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six, producing a robust 550 horsepower. Conceived as an homage to the venerable history of the 911, the Tribute proudly stands as the only production air-cooled automobile currently offered by an original equipment manufacturer. Collectively, the Rodeo, CTR3 EVO, and Tribute powerfully illustrate the remarkable breadth of RUF's engineering prowess – spanning from an adventure-ready off-roader to a state-of-the-art track weapon, and finally, a heartfelt tribute to automotive heritage.