Ruf Rt 12

Infobox Automobile


name=Ruf Rt 12
manufacturer=Ruf (modified Porsche)
class=sports car
production=2004-present
successor=
body_style=2-door coupé
layout=Rear-engine, rear wheel drive (all wheel drive an option)
engine=convert|3.8|L|cuin|1 twin-turbocharged flat-6
transmission=6-speed manual
wheelbase=
length=
width=
height=
weight=
related=Porsche 997,
Porsche 911 Turbo
similar=
designer=

The Ruf Rt 12 is a sports car built by Ruf Automobile of Germany and based on the 997-Generation Porsche 911 Carrera S.

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 convert|650|bhp|abbr=on; 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. [ [http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=30&page_number=2 ROADandTRACK.com - Road Tests - Ruf RTurbo (2/2002) ] ] 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.

AWD is available as an option. All but two customers have ordered their Ruf RT 12s with AWD.

Performance

The Rt 12 is among the fastest production cars in the world, with a 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds and 219 mph (350 km/h) top speed with standard gearing, [ [http://www.ruf-automobile.de/content.php?seite=seiten/modelle.php&archiv=&jahr=&details=1 Ruf AutomobileRuf Automobile GmbH - Manufaktur für Hochleistungs-Fahrzeuge - Automobile ] ] giving it superior straight-line performance when compared to the current generation of supercars, such as the Ferrari Enzo, Porsche Carrera GT and Mercedes-McLaren SLR. Other vehicles such as the Dauer 962 Le Mans, Bugatti Veyron and McLaren F1 have higher top speeds, but each of these examples is considerably more expensive and only the Veyron is still in production.

Although the top speed is officially reported as convert|219|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on, there is a taller gearing option which is reported to boost the car's figures in convert|650|bhp|abbr=on form to a speed in excess of convert|225|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on. 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

As of May 2006, the Rt 12 base price is 194,500 Euros (approx US$ 250,000). The 560 and convert|650|bhp|abbr=on engine options are €6,100 and €29,800 respectively. Various options are available, such as hydraulically adjustable suspension, taller sixth gear and a concealed, integrated roll cage. The Rt 12 can be configured to €259,800 (approx US$ 334,000) which includes the convert|650|bhp|abbr=on engine and all major factory options.

Impressions

As with many modern Ruf cars and their Porsche equivalents, the Rt 12 is praised for its exceptional ability to act as a practical every day car despite its supercar performance figures. The car is usable in town and is capable of pulling at convert|30|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on in sixth gear despite the high pressure turbos. The car is reported to have excellent stability and handling to match its engine output.

References

External links

* [http://www.ruf-automobile.de/content.php?seite=seiten/modelle.php&archiv=&jahr=&details=1 Official site]
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1877188541544667183 Google Video 4 minutes of Rt 12 footage, German language]
* [http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=105&i=12366 Pistonheads review of the Rt 12]