First test drive: RUF RT12. Part I

[Erik]

Apparently the owner said ”I want a car that becomes famous.”
His wish might very well come true considering the car will decorate
a first page or two in the world of car magazines.
Red and wild, finally it stands there before us: RUF RT12.
RUF RT12 is Ruf Automobiles’s version of the latest Porsche 997.
But instead of a normal aspirated engine they are using a tuned engine from the
996 Turbo with at least 650 hp.
The best of all: this privately owned Monster is to our disposal for two days…

The test drive starts with me in the passenger seat and the man responsible for building the RT12s behind the wheel.
It doesn’t take long before we travel at a hair raising speed (200 km/h+) on these small and twisty roads. The Autobahn is still miles away.
I’m perfect in these bucket seats and the pattern of the fabric goes really well with the carbon fibre interior.
When the engine is warm is time for me to pilot this Beast.
It’s always nervous to drive a car like this; you do all you can to avoid embarrassing stalls.
But the RT12 is surprisingly easy to drive.
Well, off we go. I’m very keen on feeling the acceleration of this car (to say the least!)
My spontaneous feeling is FEAR. I’m scared, but I definetly don’t want to get out!
This car is insane and will just keep on. There is absolutely nothing stopping me as long as I
keep the pedal to the metal. This is without doubt the fastest car I have ever driven.
But is it really a car? I’m rather thinking Ruf is selling an experience on four wheels.
Lovely to look at and feel, and just pure insanity when it comes to acceleration.
Without blinking you have 200 km/h on the odometer, but you will like to brake again just to relive the acceleration again.
Compared with the RUF R Turbo (550 and 590 hp Nardo) I had expected more turbolag and push, but the power is delivered almost like a n/a engine, linear.
There can’t be too many engines like this around.
To test the engine I try 5:th and 6:th gear from low speed and floor it.
To my surprise the car accelerates without protest and quite fast as well.
I wonder how many GTI:s you can overtake on 5:th gear only? :D
The handling feels superb, but to test the limits on a public road like this (too many damn farmers!) feels too dangerous considering the stakes.
My only complaint is that the car would travel a bit better with Ohlins rather than the Bilsteins mounted. Especially the return feel a bit better with the Ohlins. And with the Ohlins you can lift the car to avoid body damage.

Sound…yes, lovely tunes stream out of the four 80 mm pipes at the back.
I am happy that Ruf chose to let some road and engine noise enter the cockpit.
Comfort is a nice thing, but there’s nothing that beats a bit of racy feeling.

Part II to come next...

Day turns into night…We measure the performance and go flat out on the Autobahn


All pics (c) by myself.

What comes here? All of a sudden the BMW M6 seems a bit uninteresting.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-2.JPG

In front of Kirchenheim castle.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-3.JPG

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-4.JPG

In your face!

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-10.JPG

From behind. 4x80 mm tips

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-5.JPG

The owner of the castle. She has 52 rooms. How many do you have?
She looks as excited as myself behind the wheel I think.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-6.JPG

In front of the Ruf showroom

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-9.JPG

RUF RT12 and BMW M5

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-11.JPG

The original RUF Yellowbird. This is number 8 finding a new owner.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-12.JPG

In front of the RUF workshop

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-13.JPGhttp://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-22.JPG

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-14.JPG

This car is EVIL!

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-15.JPG

Some details

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-16.JPG

Nice key. Yes I would like to keep that in my pocket.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-17.JPG

Rear wing unpainted so that people should notice the material it’s made of.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-19.JPG

Getting rid of the ugly IC intake of the 996TT isn’t a bad idea after all…
I wonder what the design of the 997TT will be?

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-20.JPG

BIG brakes

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-21.JPG


Next...

Performance hunting in the night… (note the smoke from the tires)

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-7.JPG

BMW M6 vs. RUF RT12.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-8.JPG

[BBGT2]

Erik,

YOU are my hero, my GOD is that thing sexy and from what it sound like from your report SHE moves like crazy :dance: !!!!!
Thanks for the report and cant wait to hear about the Autobahnen report.

Bajo:addict:

[SpinEcho]

:love: :love: :MTM: :bow:

What a monster!

Excellent write up as always, Eric. You lucky b@st#rd!

[mr]

erik -> really great report including wonderfull photos!!!


You lucky b@st#rd!
... -> yes you are!!!!


rgds
mr

[Aronis]

Can I send my down payment now?

How long is the waiting list?

Mike

[switchcars]

That is incredible....I bet it stomped the M6!

[Erik]

Originally posted by Aronis
Can I send my down payment now?
How long is the waiting list?


I think there are almost 20 people who did what you are thinking already.
There were 4 cars being built when I was there, all individual. This car is really hand made. :mech:
I'll be glad to help if you are truly interested. :hahahehe:

[Klint]

Nice Work, Erik! Bravo.:thumb:

[Julz RS4]

Thanks Erik for these awesome Ruf RT12 pictures and for your great report ! :thumb: :applause:

You are really lucky or you have good relations...or both ! :king:


Which model you have tested, the 2WD or the 4WD?


I can't wait for part 2 !! :revs:

[gnomik007]

And whats the price tag on such beast? I am sure that convertible version should also be available,right?

[fastdrive]

really great review
The ruf produce the dreams not cars
I have a little question i see an boxster ruf in first picture,but for now ruf dont annoucend nothing about it,i know the make a joint-venture whit an small italian for a concept based on the new boxster for the motor of the carrera s whit 400 hp
You have detail about it?

[eazy]

Originally posted by fastdrive
really great review
The ruf produce the dreams not cars
I have a little question i see an boxster ruf in first picture,but for now ruf dont annoucend nothing about it,i know the make a joint-venture whit an small italian for a concept based on the new boxster for the motor of the carrera s whit 400 hp
You have detail about it?

It's called the RK Spyder.

Here the link to the offical site of RUF:
http://www.ruf-automobile.de/english/aktuell/aktuell1.htm

And here some nice pics: ;)
http://www.fast-autos.net/studiotorino/studiotorinorkspyder.html

There were build 2 special cars for Alois Ruf and Alfredo Stola.
The one from Alois Ruf will produce 420PS :hahahehe:

greetz

eazy

[Erik]

RUF R Turbo - convertible and 4 sale.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Sept-3000.JPG

At last we ended up at Nürburgring. Cannonball 8000

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-23.JPG

8:05 RS6 instructing us how to drive as fast as possible.
Chasing a Gumball Porsche in our 320d automatic...

Hertz BMW vs. Gumball Porsche
0 - 1, but we'll be back...

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Erik-24.JPG

Two cars you can't get in the :harass: USA. M3 CSL and GT3 RS.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/Ringen-RS4-2005-1.jpg

Kelleners M6 from Finland

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/Ringen-RS4-2005-2.jpg

Cannonball 8000 RS6 Avant

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Sept-3001.JPG

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Sept-3002.JPG

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RUF-Sept-3003.JPG