Ruf Rt 12

Ruf Rt 12 S

Ruf Rt 12 S interior

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 engine based on the previous 996 series Turbo engine provides between 530 and 560 PS (523 and 552 bhp; 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) option, produces around 685 PS (676 bhp; 504 kW) at 7000 rpm and 880 N⋅m (649 lbf⋅ft) at 4000 rpm on "S" trim;[1] or 730 PS (720 bhp; 537 kW) at 7000 rpm and 940 N⋅m (693 lbf⋅ft) at 3500 rpm on "R" trim;[2] targeting customers demanding more performance and hardcore handling than Porsche 911 Turbo and GT2. The bored and destroked 3.8 revs to 7500 rpm and has completely different driving characteristics in comparison to the Porsche 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.[3] 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.

RUF Rt 12 S engine

The Rt 12 has a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 2.8 seconds and 219 mph (352 km/h) top speed with standard gearing,[4] 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[5]) 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 504 kW (685 PS; 676 bhp) and 880 N⋅m (649 lb⋅ft) of torque form to a speed in excess of 360 km/h (224 mph).[6] 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.

The base price of a Ruf Rt 12 is €224,300 ($287,799.33; model “s” upgrade €100,000 cost).[7]

• Official site for Rt 12 S and Rt 12 R
• Google Video 4 minutes of Rt 12 footage, German language[Link Broken]
• Pistonheads review of the Rt 12
• RUF RT12 @ Bruntingthorpe [HD]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ruf Rt 12.