The history of RUF Automobile

Watch the video of the history of RUF as told by Alois Ruf Jr., and the high-performance German automobiles the car company creates since 1939.

The history of RUF Automobile as told on RUF Automobile’s website:

1974

Upon the death of Alois Ruf, Sr. in 1974, his son, Alois Ruf, Jr., took over the directorship of the company and vowed to continue its development and philosophy of innovation and quality.

1977

The first RUF enhanced the Porsche model made its debut in 1975. Two years later, the turbo-charged 911 engine, which was enlarged to 3.3 liters by RUF through the use of larger pistons, had a distinct performance increase compared to the standard Porsche Turbo model. The power transfers through a prototype of the RUF 5-speed-gearbox to the rear wheels.

1978

The development of a 217 bhp 3.2-liter version of the six-cylinder naturally aspirated 3.0-liter engine Porsche offered (which was far below its true performance potential). This conversion was favorably received by sports car enthusiasts worldwide and resulted in numerous orders.

1981

Recognizing that one of the weaknesses of the Porsche turbo was its four-speed transmission, RUF Automobile responded to customer demand in 1981 with their own five-speed. It provided distinct performance advantages and driving pleasure for the owners of the turbo-charged six-cylinder engine.

1981

RUF Automobile received the prestigious and coveted Manufactures’ Certification from the German Federal Vehicle Offices

1983

The company’s first “work of art,” representing the culmination of RUF engineering advancements for the 911, was brought together with the introduction of the RUF BTR. This model, with a 3.4-liter turbo engine of 374 bhp and five-speed transmission, was available in either a narrow body or turbo body configuration.

1984

The RUF BTR breaks the 300 km/h limit in a “World’s fastest cars”- test of the American car magazine “Road & Track.” The sports car measures 306 km/h in Ehra-Lessien.

1985

Together with Dunlop in 1985, RUF designed 17-inch wheels using the Dunlop RunFlat System. These ingenious technological advancements provided for maximum safety during high-speed motoring.

1987

New developments continued, and the CTR and BTR became available with a six-speed RUF transmission. The six-speed transmission was also offered to retrofit.

1987

Developments continued at an increasing pace, and the newest RUF high-speed sports car, the CTR, received its certification for normal road use. This incredible car, a 469 bhp twin-turbo coupé, exceeded the top speed world record for production cars on the Nardo Racetrack at a rate of 342 km/h!

1988

RUF became an approved manufacturer with the U.S. authorities for safety and emissions (NHTSA and EPA).

1988

New developments continued, and the CTR and BTR became available with a six-speed RUF transmission.

1991

Following the success of the 17-inch wheel design, further work led to the introduction of 18 and 19-inch wheels, which incorporated the same safety features as were originally on the CTR.

1991

The RUF BR followed with a single turbo debutante with an increase of 40 bhp overstock to 360 bhp.

1992

In 1992 the RUF BTR became available with the Electronic Clutch System, or EKS, which was developed in partnership with Fichtel and Sachs. EKS provides all the advantages of being able to enjoy the sportiness of shifting gears but without the tiresome clutch pedal in pesky stop-and-go traffic or high-speed conditions. It is sporty yet comfortable, with consistently flawless clutch engagement.

1993

The Ruf Carrera Turbo (RCT) is presented. The turbo engine delivers a maximum power of 370 hp. Smooth power delivery and driving flexibility are what the RCT is known for worldwide. Motronic and double ignition facilitates ecological fuel consumption. The “big brother,” RCT EVO, is available with a maximum power of 425 hp one year later.

1993

Two new mono turbo engines with 3.6 and 3.8-liter cubic capacity will be presented at the same time. As a novelty, they have a modern Motronic, which allows a more accurate allocation of fuel and thus more favorable exhaust gas and fuel consumption.

1996

For the first time ever, carbon brake discs and 19” forged magnesium wheels are used in a road-legal sports car. The RUF CTR 2 engine even meets the stringent U.S. emissions standard with excellent performance and many favorable press reports. The 3.6-liter flat-six twin turbo’s peak power output was tuned to 520 bhp at 5,800 rpm. Beyond its aerodynamic value, the CTR 2’s rear wing served as an airbox with an integrated inlet to feed the twin intercoolers. Beginning a new tradition, the RUF CTR 2 had an integrated roll cage completely fit into the interior of the car,

1997

For the Porsche 993 twin-turbo, RUF offers with its TurboR an increase in performance to 490 bhp since 1997. In numerous tests against the best high-powered sports cars, this car was the winner in the sector of drivability, performance, and maximum speed.

1999

The RUF 3400 S, unveiled at this year’s Essen Motor Show, enhanced the power available to the Boxster line. The 3400 S produces 310 bhp by using an upgraded Carrera engine.

2000

The new millennium still sees RUF covering niche markets for customers with special requirements. That’s why the 385 bhp RUF RGT, which is built on the basis of the 996 Carrera, comes with a normal aspirated engine with a dry oil sump and a separate oil tank. It was certified for sale in the United States.

2001

RUF offers the 520 bhp upgrade for the 996 Turbo. Additionally, RUF created the next more powerful RUF Rturbo having 550 bhp and 590 bhp.

2001

Following along with their turbo traditions, RUF launches the Rturbo. The Rturbo is a car with 520 bhp and capable of a top speed of over 345 km/h. Customer options are nearly limitless: they have the choice of Carrera body shell, wide-body turbo shell, or sport version (extreme wide-body). There is also the option for an Rturbo cabriolet.

2002

RUF created the logical evolution of the 3400 S, the 3600 S. Powered by the optimized 3.6-liter naturally aspirated engine of the 996 Carrera (with up to 345 bhp). The 3600 S betters the concept of the comfortably powerful roadster even further through the combination of a uniquely designed exhaust system, rear carbon fiber undertray, and advanced frontal aerodynamics.

2002

The more powerful RUF Rturbo having 550 bhp in 2002 and having 590 bhp in 2003 is now available.

2004

In spring, the sports version of the RUF RGT having 395 bhp and principally being made for the American market revived the philosophy of the pure sportiness of the 911 Carrera from 1973: A light construction along with a naturally aspirated engine

2004

For modern sports cars, there is often not enough ground clearance, especially in city traffic. RUF began offering a sport suspension that is hydraulically height-adjustable and offers 50 millimeters more ground clearance by pressing a button at speeds up to 60 kilometers per hour.

2004

For the water-cooled Boxster S 3,4l, Cayman S, 996 3,6l und 997 Carrera-Modelle without DFI engines, RUF offers the completely independent RUF supercharger-kit with power outputs between 430 and 465 PS.

2004

At the Essen Motor Show in November this year, RUF presents the RUF Rt 12. This latest RUF turbo is based on the 997 Carrera, with a 650 bhp 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine.

2005

For drivers of the Porsche 911 Turbo- RUF offers engine upgrades between 520 und 650 PS. The aerodynamic upgrade “Rt 12 “is available, for 911 Turbo and Carrera drivers

2005

In June RUF and STUDIOTORINO present in Turin, the RUF RK Spyder with a 3.8-liter Compressor engine, that provides 420 bhp.

2006

The world premiere of the RUF RK Coupé based on a body made by STUDIOTORINO and a 440 PS strong 3,8-Liter-supercharged-engine takes place in California.

2006

RUF is affiliated to the VDA (The German Association of the Automotive Industry).

2007

The aerodynamics package “3400K” is the suitable exterior package for the Boxster and Cayman drivers, in addition to the supercharger power upgrade.

2007

RUF presented the prototype of the latest super sports automobile from Pfaffenhausen: the RUF CTR 3. The RUF CTR3 is an independent development with technical highlights like the 700 hp bi-turbo mid-engine with a sequential shift six-speed gearbox. The mid-engine design provides exceptional balance and agile handling while the longer wheelbase provides better driving stability at high speed.

2007

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of experience as an international authorized car manufacturer, RUF built the edition model 3400 K – a Compressor sports car that is available in two body versions: as a Coupé and a Roadster.

2008

In October, RUF presents the first German electric automobile: the prototype eRUF.

2009

For Porsche Cayenne drivers, there is a conversion program “Dakara” available. In addition to the engine performance increases for gasoline engines, there are also for the first time at RUF performance enhancements for the diesel models available. You can choose from 288 to 310 hp.

2009

RUF announces for the further development of the eRUF the cooperation with Siemens AG. The new eRUF roadster’s output is 270 kW (367 bhp) and a torque of more than 900 Nm. It accelerates in only five seconds from 0 – 100 km/h, the top speed is 250 km/h. The cruising range is 250 km.

2009

The successor of the Rt 12, the Rt 12 S, is introduced. The “S” has a piece of advanced standard equipment with an integrated roll cage and a ceramic brake system. The output of the twin-turbo engine was upgraded to 504 kW / 685 hp. The top speed is at 360 km/h and a maximum torque of 880 Nm.

2009

The luxury SUV of RUF is called Dakara. The exterior and interior live up to the highest expectations. The 911 front lights give a sports automobile look to the Dakara. Wider fenders and the 22” five-spoke aluminum wheels make it look authoritative. The V8 turbo engine has 441 kW (600 bhp).

2011

The refined bi-turbo Boxer engine of the Rt 12 R generates 537 kW (730 hp) at a maximum torque of 940 Nm and comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The weight-reduced model has the right features for motorsports and has been conceived for club events on the racetrack.aS

2011

The current 911 Turbo engine (997 series) is the first factory-equipped with a gasoline direct injection. We give the 911 Turbo a power boost to 620 hp. In a test of “Auto Bild Sportscars,” he notes with measured 2.72 seconds in the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h a new editorial team record.

2012

The Rt 35 Anniversary sends its Turbo power only to the rear wheels. The engine produces 630 hp and is available with the double-clutch-transmission ensuring outstanding performance and driver comfort. The name is derived from RUF’s 35-year history and expertise with turbo-charged engines.

2012

The CTR3-Clubsport has a special look with accents of carbon fiber at the fenders, sills, boot lid, and the air duct on the roof. A rigid rear spoiler completes the Clubsport package. With its outstanding handling characteristics and power output (777 hp maximum power), the CTR 3 Clubsport is the top model of the RUF car range.

2013

Through continuous improvement, the S series now packs an additional 20 bhp, so output currently totals 650 bhp. RUF’s integrated roll cage has been specially developed and configured to form a key element of the car’s standard equipment. The roll cage is constructed of high-strength steel and provides increased torsional rigidity and a high degree of passive safety for passengers. For better drivability, higher downforce, and balanced handling in fast curves, the Rt 35 S now sports a fixed, aerodynamically-optimized rear wing.

2015

For open-air enthusiasts, we now offer the Turbo Florio, the perfect symbiosis of the turbo engine and safety convertible. Leaving nothing to be desired, it combines the benefits of a civilized RUF Turbo chassis with a staggering 645 hp power output, along with the heady pleasures of top-down motoring. The roll-over safety bar that separates the convertible top from the fixed rear glass window determines the overall appearance and character of this car.

2015

The RGT 4.2 maintains a long tradition of Ruf supercars with its fabulous driving performance. Unveiled in 2000, the first RGT was characterized by its powerful, torquey normally-aspirated flat-six engine. With all-up weight significantly reduced and a sports-oriented suspension system, the RGT was an extremely impressive machine. In 2015, the RGT remains true to its original concept, though its external appearance is clearly more athletic. The wheel arches are more bulbous, and the front facade presents huge round air intakes for more effective cooling. Propulsion is provided by its virile 4.2-liter six-cylinder, normally-aspirated engine, developing 525bhp and 500Nm of torque, featuring dry-sump lubrication with external oil tank. Without a doubt, a proper driving machine.

2016

The Ruf Turbo R limited is A tribute to our world-famous “Turbo R” that debuted in the year of 1998 almost two decades ago. The six-cylinder boxer base engine is a twin-turbo engine, which develops from 3.6 liters no less than 620 hp at 6800 rpm/min. The power flows through a single-plate dry clutch on the manual transmission six-speed gearbox with an integrated limited-slip differential for the rear-wheel drive. On request, the Turbo R Limited is also available with all-wheel drive. The performance instills awe. Fully extended, the Turbo R Limited has a top speed of 339 km /h- 212MPH like its predecessor.

2016

The Ruf Turbo R limited is A tribute to our world-famous “Turbo R” that debuted in the year of 1998 almost two decades ago. Winning the renowned world’s fastest car event, that was organized by Road & Track, reaching the overall top speed of 339Km/h – 212MPH. Limited means, in this case, seven because only seven RUF TURBO R Limited will be manufactured.

2017

A power-to-weight ratio of only 3.46 lbs per horsepower is a first-ever rear-wheel drive bespoke carbon fiber monocoque chassis. An incredibly powerful engine are only some of the ingredients that make the latest CTR such a compelling work of automotive art. Design inspiration comes directly from the 1987 Yellow Bird’s focus on aerodynamic efficiency. The silhouette, narrow body, rear air inlets, and fascias are all direct nods to company heritage. Technological sophistication starts with the skin, which is made entirely of carbon fiber. For the first time, the chassis beneath that surface – also made of carbon fiber – is a proprietary RUF design. The front crash structure is built with lightweight, steel as is the integrated roll cage that is both designed to maximize occupant safety. In total, the extensive use of modern materials allows for an extremely light dry weight of 1,200 kg (2,640 lbs).

The current models of RUF are:

RUF GT,
Ruf Modern,
RUF SCR,
RUF CTR Anniversary,
RUF Turbo Florio,
RUF TURBO FLORIO,
RUF CTR3 Clubsport,
RUF CTR3 CLUBSPORT,
Modern Classic Models,
RUF R56.11,
RUF TurboR,
RUF TURBOR,
RUF Modern Classic,
RUF RCT EVO