RUF Rt12 Coupé 3.8-L Rear Drive 2007
January 1, 2007
To call RUF Auto Centre an aftermarket tuner would be a decided misnomer. Although it offers performance makeovers that include everything from shift knobs to complete engine conversions for most Porsche models, the company has enjoyed automobile manufacturer certification in Germany and the United States for at least two decades. RUF buys chassis direct from the factory and builds about 25 to 35 cars a year with its own serial numbers.
The latest model, based on a Porsche 997 platform, is the Rt12. It comes in rear- or all-wheel drive coupe or convertible, with a choice of 3.6-liter or 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged and intercooled RUF engines producing 560 and 650 hp, respectively. A fully upholstered, integral roll cage is included on the coupe. Massive brake rotors (380 mm in front and 330 mm in rear) with 8-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers, 19-inch wheels, and aggressive aero bodywork are also part of the Rt12 package, which can exceed 217 mph when equipped with the 3.8-liter engine. RUF reports that its most popular conversion work involves modifying 996 Turbo engines, installing coil-over sports suspension, and RUF body kits, but the latest product development is a 3.8-liter engine conversion for Boxster S and Cayman S.
PRICE: $298,700 (approx. conversion cost)
ENGINE: 3.8-liter 6-cylinder twin turbo with two intercoolers
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual/5-speed automatic optional
POWER: 650 hp at 7,000 rpm
TORQUE: 642 ft lbs at 500 to 4,000 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3,310 pounds
0-60 MPH: 3.2 seconds
TOP SPEED: 217+ mph
PROS: Pushes the envelope
CONS: The cops will see you coming
brought to you by:
advertisement
