Ruf Rt 12

Last updated
RUF RT 12
Rt12.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer RUF
Production2004–2012
Body and chassis
Class Sports car (S)
Body style 2-door coupé
Layout Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive / four wheel drive
Platform Porsche 911 (997)
Related
Powertrain
Engine 3.8 L twin-turbocharged RUF RTurbo 590 Flat-6 [1]
Transmission 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Length4,495 mm (177.0 in)
Width1,882 mm (74.1 in)
Height1,270 mm (50.0 in)
Curb weight 1,500 kg (3,307 lb)
Chronology
Successor Ruf RTR

The RUF RT 12 is a sports car built by RUF Automobile of Germany and based on the 997-generation Porsche 911.

Contents

Model information

Ruf Rt 12 S (the car retains the standard cooling ducts found on the 911 Turbo) 2008 Porsche 911 997 Turbo RUF RT 12 - Flickr - The Car Spy (10).jpg
Ruf Rt 12 S (the car retains the standard cooling ducts found on the 911 Turbo)
Interior 2008 Porsche 911 997 Turbo RUF RT 12 - Flickr - The Car Spy (6).jpg
Interior

Ruf introduced the model in Autumn 2004 at the Essen Motor Show as the first of their offerings built on Porsche's then new 997 platform. A twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre flat-six engine based on the previous 996 Turbo's engine is rated between 530 and 560 PS (523 and 552 hp; 390 and 412 kW) options while the bored-out to 102 mm (4.02 in) and destroked to 76.4 mm (3.01 in) for a total displacement of 3.7 L; 228.6 cu in (3,746 cc). The engine is rated at 685 PS (676 hp; 504 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 880 N⋅m (649 lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm on "S" trim; or 730 PS (720 hp; 537 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 940 N⋅m (693 lbf⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm on "R" trim. Modifications include replacement of the VTG turbochargers with KKK units, a cast alloy intake manifold, gas-flowed cylinder heads, larger throttle bodies, and 102 mm Mahle pistons with custom built camshafts. The turbochargers have a boost of 1.3 bar (18.9 psi). [2] [3] The engine has a redline of 7,500 rpm.

The Rt 12 features specially developed Ruf bodywork, giving the vehicle a unique appearance while functioning to increase downforce, improving high speed stability. Large cross-drilled brakes are included, although some debate has arisen as to how much of an upgrade the system provides over the factory-optional ceramic brakes (PCCB) that Porsche offers on "S" model 997s. Due to doubts over the PCCB system, Ruf chose not to opt them for the Rt12. [4] In addition, Ruf replaced the factory "active" suspension system with a static system of their own design. A system with hydraulic control, developed together with Öhlins, which can raise ride-height in situations such as driveway entries is available as an option. The Rt12 exterior is distinguished from the standard Porsche 997 Turbo by the air tunnels on the rear haunches supplying allegedly cooler air for the twin turbochargers than the lower tunnels in the Porsche.

In total, 13 cars were made. Rear-wheel-drive was available as an option. All but two customers have ordered their Ruf Rt 12 with AWD.[ citation needed ]

Performance

Engine 2008 Porsche 911 997 Turbo RUF RT 12 - Flickr - The Car Spy (1).jpg
Engine

The Rt 12 has a 0-97 km/h (60 mph) time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 352 km/h (219 mph) with standard gearing, [5] very similar to the RUF CTR2's 217 mph record from 1996. This gave it superior straight-line performance when compared to similar sports cars such as the Ferrari Enzo, Porsche Carrera GT, and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Comparable sports cars include the McLaren MP4-12C (which is faster off the line but has a slightly lower top speed.) [6]

Although the top speed is officially reported as 352 km/h (219 mph), there is a taller gearing option which is reported to boost the car's power output figured to in 685 PS (676 hp; 504 kW) and 880 N⋅m (649 lb⋅ft) of torque form to a speed in excess of 360 km/h (224 mph). [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porsche 911 (930)</span> German turbocharged sports car variant

The Porsche 930 is a turbocharged variant of the 911 model sports car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Porsche between 1975 and 1989. It was the maker's top-of-the-range 911 model for its entire production duration and, at the time of its introduction, was the fastest production car available in Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porsche 911 (996)</span> Fifth generation of the Porsche 911 sports car

The Porsche 996 is the fifth generation of the 911 model sports car manufactured by the German automaker Porsche from 1997 until 2006. It was replaced by the 997 in 2004, but the high performance Turbo S, GT2 and GT3 variants remained in production until 2006. The 996 had little in common with its predecessor, with the first all new chassis platform since the original 911 and a new water-cooled engine. Technically, it was a major change, a complete break from the original car other than the overall layout.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porsche 911 (997)</span> Sixth generation of the Porsche 911

The Porsche 997 is the sixth generation of the Porsche 911 sports car manufactured and sold by the German automobile manufacturer Porsche between 2004 and 2013. Production of the Carrera and Carrera S coupés began in early 2004, all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S began to be delivered to customers in November 2005, the Turbo and GT3 derivatives went on sale in late 2006 and the GT2 in 2007. In addition to the coupé and cabriolet versions, Targa versions of the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S were also available, which carry on with the "glass canopy" roof design used since its first application on the 993 until the 991, which reverted to the classic targa top layout used on the early 911 Targas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porsche Boxster and Cayman (987)</span> Second generation of the Porsche Boxster and first generation of the Porsche Cayman sports cars

The Porsche 987 is the internal designation for the second generation Porsche Boxster sports car. It made its debut at the 2004 Paris Motor Show alongside the 911 (997) and went on sale in 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf CTR2</span> Motor vehicle

The Ruf CTR2 is a 2-door sports car built by German automobile manufacturer Ruf Automobile from 1995 to 1997 as the successor to the CTR Yellowbird, but based on Porsche's Type 993 generation 911.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porsche 911 GT3</span> Porsche sports car

The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance homologation model of the Porsche 911 sports car. It is a line of high-performance models, which began with the 1973 911 Carrera RS. The GT3 has had a successful racing career in the one-make national and regional Porsche Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge series, as well as the international Porsche Supercup supporting the FIA F1 World Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf CTR</span> Motor vehicle

The Ruf CTR also known as the CTR Yellowbird or simply Yellowbird, is a limited-production, high performance sports car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Ruf Automobile. Introduced for the 1987 model year and based on the Porsche 911, the CTR featured an enlarged and highly tuned version of Porsche's 3.2 litre flat-six cylinder engine, lightened body panels, an integrated roll cage, upgraded suspension and braking systems, a custom-designed transmission, and several unique trim pieces such as polyurethane bumpers, and the use of the side-mounted oil filler necessitated by relocating the oil tank forward to clear the intercooler on that side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porsche 911 GT2</span> Motor vehicle

The Porsche 911 GT2 is a high-performance, track-focused sports car built by the German automobile manufacturer Porsche from 1993 to 2009, and then since 2010 as the GT2 RS. It is based on the 911 Turbo, and uses a similar twin-turbocharged engine, but features numerous upgrades, including engine enhancements, larger brakes, and stiffer suspension calibration. The GT2 is significantly lighter than the Turbo due to its use of rear-wheel-drive instead of all-wheel-drive system and the reduction or removal of interior components. As a result, the GT2 is the most expensive and fastest model among the 911 lineup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gemballa</span> German automobile manufacturing and tuning company

Gemballa GmbH is an automobile manufacturing and tuning company based in Leonberg, Germany, specializing in customization and aftermarket parts mainly for Porsche cars. Gemballa was founded by and named after Uwe Gemballa in 1981.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf CTR3</span> Motor vehicle

The Ruf CTR3 is a mid-engined sports car produced by German car manufacturer Ruf Automobile. The CTR3 was unveiled at the Bahrain International Circuit on the 20th anniversary of the original Ruf CTR on April 13, 2007 in conjunction with the opening of a new Ruf factory at the circuit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf RK</span> Motor vehicle

The Ruf RK Coupe and RK Spyder are mid-engine sports cars made by Ruf Automobile in collaboration with Italian design house Studiotorino. The RK Spyder was introduced in 2005 in Turin and the RK Coupe was introduced the following year in 2006 in California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf RTurbo</span> Motor vehicle

The Ruf RTurbo is a sports car built by Ruf Automobile of Germany and introduced in 2001. It is based on the 996 generation Porsche 911. It was offered with a choice of 520 hp (388 kW), 550 hp (410 kW), and 590 hp (440 kW) engines. The RTurbo could be had as either a complete Ruf car with unique VIN or a conversion for an existing 996 retaining the original Porsche VIN.

The Ruf R Kompressor is a sports car introduced in 2006 and built by Ruf Automobile of Germany. Like certain other Ruf models, The R Kompressor was offered both as a complete ground-up car with a unique Ruf VIN or as conversion for an existing 997 retaining the original Porsche VIN.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf BTR</span> Motor vehicle

The Ruf BTR is a sports car built by German automobile manufacturer Ruf Automobile. The BTR began production in 1983 and was based on the Porsche 911 available in a narrow 911 or optional wide body configuration akin to the 930 Turbo. The BTR was the first Ruf production sports car with a company specific VIN.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf Turbo R</span> Motor vehicle

The Ruf Turbo R, sometimes stylized as TurboR, is a sports car built by Ruf Automobile of Germany. It is based on the 993 generation Porsche 911 Turbo. It was introduced in 1998 after the discontinuation of the CTR2, however Ruf still wanted a supercar offering to be available and so the Turbo R became the supercar offering from Ruf for the 1998 model year and endured a very short production run of only one year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TECHART 997 Turbo</span> Motor vehicle

The TechArt 997 Turbo, also known as simply the TechArt Turbo, is a high-performance sports car based on the Porsche 997 Turbo. TechArt has modified the car extensively, fitting it with a body kit, interior modifications, and significant engine tuning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porsche 911</span> Sports car produced by Porsche

The Porsche 911 is a two-door 2+2 high performance rear-engined sports car introduced in September 1964 by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. It has a rear-mounted flat-six engine and originally a torsion bar suspension. The car has been continuously enhanced through the years but the basic concept has remained unchanged. The engines were air-cooled until the introduction of the 996 series in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf RTR</span> Motor vehicle

The Ruf RTR is a sports car produced by Ruf Automobile of Germany. Introduced in 2013 on the 40th anniversary of the Ruf Turbo, the RTR is based on the 991 generation Porsche 911 and pays homage to the original Ruf Turbo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf BTR2</span> Motor vehicle

The Ruf BTR2 is a sports car produced by Ruf Automobile. Based on the Porsche 993 Carrera, it succeeded the original BTR. The BTR2 was among the fastest road cars of its time, attaining a top speed of 308 km/h (191 mph).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf SCR</span> Sports car manufactured by Ruf Automobile

The Ruf SCR is a sports car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Ruf Automobile. The SCR was based on the Porsche 911 SC and the changes made to its engine enabled it to have similar performance to the 930 Turbo, despite having a naturally aspirated engine.

References

  1. Zuchowski, Matt (10 May 2016). "2011 Ruf Rt 12 R vs 2015 Ruf RtR - Ruf's Finest 911s". Super Street Online. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  2. Hall, Nick (24 June 2011). "First Drive: Ruf RT12 R". Motor Trend . Retrieved 12 July 2020.
  3. "RUF RT-12 R". ultimatecarpage.com. March 7, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  4. Hide Comments (2002-02-01). "Road Tests - Ruf RTurbo (2/2002)". ROADandTRACK.com. Archived from the original on 2009-06-09. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
  5. "Ruf AutomobileRuf Automobile GmbH - Manufaktur für Hochleistungs-Fahrzeuge - Automobile". Ruf-automobile.de. Archived from the original on 2009-12-17. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
  6. Road & Track: 2012 McLaren MP4-12C: A road and track drive of the 592-bhp twin-turbo V-8 successor to the McLaren F1 - http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/road-tests/2012-mclaren-mp4-12c-1
  7. "History". ruf-automobile.de. Retrieved June 28, 2018.