Manufacturer Ruf Class Sports car (S) Related | Production 2004–present Body style 2-door coupé | |
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Layout Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive / four wheel drive | ||
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 introduced the model in Fall 2004 at the Essen Motor Show as the first of their offerings built on Porsche's new 997 platform. A twin-turbocharged, 3.6 litre flat-six cylinder engine based on the previous 996 series Turbo engine provides 530 and 560 bhp options while the bored-out 3.8 litre option produces around 685 bhp (511 kW) to 730 bhp (540 kW) depending on trim; targeting customers demanding more performance and hardcore handling than Porsche 911 Turbo and GT2.
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. Alois Ruf Jr, the company's owner, is doubtful of the lifetime of the PCCB system which seems to explain this choice of brake system. In addition, Ruf chose to replace the factory "active" suspension system with a static system of their own design. A Ruf system with hydraulic control, developed together with Öhlins, which can raise ride-height in situations such as driveway entries is available as an option. Optically the RT 12 can be best distinguished from the standard Porsche 997 Turbo by the air tunnels on the upper rear body supplying allegedly cooler air for the twin turbos than the lower tunnels in the Porsche.
13 were made and RWD is available as an option. All but two customers have ordered their Ruf Rt 12 with AWD. As of 2012, two trims of Rt 12 are available. The Rt 12 S is the standard model while Rt 12 R has GT wing for extra downforce. Both can be ordered with AWD or RWD.
Performance
The Rt 12 is amongst some of the fastest production cars in the world, with a 0-60 time of 2.8 seconds and 219 mph (350 km/h) top speed with standard gearing, very similar to the RUF CTR2's 217 mph record from 1996. This gave it superior straight-line performance when compared with similar supercars Ferrari Enzo, Porsche Carrera GT and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (the SLR ceased production in 2010). Comparable supercars include the McLaren MP4-12C (which is faster off the line but has a slightly lower top speed) and the Ferrari 458 Italia.
Although the top speed is officially reported as 219 mph (352 km/h), there is a taller gearing option which is reported to boost the car's figures in 685 bhp (511 kW) form to a speed in excess of 227 mph (365 km/h). Since every Rt 12 is manufactured to customer specification with a variety of major choices such as rear or all wheel drive, suspension systems and engines, the actual weight and performance figures vary between each individual car.
Cost
The base price of a Ruf Rt 12 is €224,300 ($287,799.33).