The Ruf RT12, often hailed as a true automotive masterpiece, sits at the pinnacle of high-performance sports cars.
Founded in 1939, Ruf is a renowned German automotive manufacturer specialising in creating custom and enhanced versions of Porsche models. The Ruf RT12 is a fine example of their legacy of excellence and innovation.
In this detailed review, we will explore the key features, performance, design and driving experience of the Ruf RT12 to understand why it has become such an iconic car in the world of supercars.
If you are a fan of exceptional cars, you’ll love what you are about to read.
Exterior Design
The Ruf RT12 boasts a design that seamlessly blends elegance and aggression. At first glance, it may resemble a Porsche 911, but Ruf’s unique blend of aesthetics and performance-oriented elements makes it stand out.
The Ruf RT12’s exterior features excellent aerodynamic precision, with a front bumper that directs airflow to enhance stability at high speeds. The rear wing and diffuser contribute to downforce, providing a secure grip on the road, particularly when cornering at high speeds. Ruf retains the classic Porsche lines but adds subtle enhancements like flared wheel arches and distinctive Ruf badges. This results in a car that looks both elegant and aggressive.
To improve performance, Ruf incorporates lightweight materials wherever possible, such as carbon fibre for specific body panels. This reduces weight and improves handling. Ruf offers a wide range of customization options, allowing buyers to personalize their RT12 to their liking. There are numerous choices, from paint colours to wheel designs, for making your RT12 unique and truly yours.
Interior Comfort and Technology
When you step inside the Ruf RT12, you’ll be greeted by a luxurious cabin that offers a design inspired by motorsport. The focus of the design is on driver-centric controls and an immersive experience.
The interior is beautifully appointed with premium materials, such as leather, Alcantara and carbon-fibre trim and the craftsmanship is impeccable. The car’s performance capabilities are complemented by a sense of luxury.
The driving position is well-designed, with a well-placed steering wheel and easily accessible controls. The seats are comfortable and supportive – making long drives a pleasure.
While the car’s primary focus is on performance, it comes with a modern infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, navigation and smartphone connectivity. This addition is useful for daily driving.
Driver assistance features are minimal, given the car’s focus on performance. However, essential safety systems like ABS, stability control and airbags are included to ensure a secure driving experience.
Performance
The Ruf RT12 is not just a good-looking car with comfortable interiors; it packs a punch with its high-performance capabilities.
At the core of the RT12 lies a 3.8-litre flat-six engine, which is a direct descendant of Porsche’s own powerplant. Ruf, however, takes it up a notch by incorporating a twin-turbocharger setup, which boosts the power output to a staggering 650 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. This results in a top speed that exceeds 220 mph and blistering acceleration.
Thanks to the abundance of power and a responsive dual-clutch transmission, the RT12 can go from 0 to 60 mph in just over three seconds. The acceleration is not just fast; it’s relentless.
The Ruf RT12’s precise and sharp steering, combined with the all-wheel-drive system, results in a handling experience that’s both intuitive and exhilarating. The car feels planted and predictable – even when pushed to its limits.
With high-performance brakes and advanced braking systems, the RT12 can come to a halt from high speeds with confidence and precision.
Ruf fine-tunes the suspension for a balance between sporty handling and daily comfort. The adaptive dampers allow for different driving modes, making the RT12 adaptable to various road conditions.
The Ruf RT12 produces a soundtrack that’s music to any car enthusiast’s ears. The flat-six engine, combined with the turbochargers, creates a unique symphony of exhaust notes that are both aggressive and melodious.
Driving Experience
Driving the Ruf RT12 is an experience that’s difficult to put into words. It’s a visceral ride that rewards the driver with instant power and exceptional grip. The acceleration is eye-watering, and the torque surge from the twin-turbochargers is addictive. Overtaking on the highway is a breeze, which is just one of the many benefits of driving this car.
When taking the RT12 into a corner, it feels glued to the road. The all-wheel-drive system ensures that power is distributed efficiently to all four wheels, offering exceptional stability. You can attack corners with precision and confidence. The steering is communicative and provides ample feedback, adding to the immersive driving experience.
The braking system is strong and confidence-inspiring, allowing you to scrub off speed with ease. Whether you’re on a race track or navigating through tight city streets, the brakes perform flawlessly.
Despite its track-ready performance, the Ruf RT12 can be used as a daily driver. The adjustable suspension allows you to switch between comfortable and sporty settings, making it adaptable to different driving scenarios.
One aspect that adds to the driving experience is the exclusivity of owning a Ruf RT12. It’s a rare sight on the road, which means you’re not just driving a high-performance car; you’re driving a piece of automotive history.
Price and Value
The Ruf RT12 represents the pinnacle of sports car engineering and this level of performance and exclusivity comes at a price. Typically, the base price for a Ruf RT12 is around $300,000. However, this is just the starting point. Various customisation options and performance upgrades can significantly increase the price.
While it’s undeniably a substantial investment, it’s worth considering the value you get in return. The Ruf RT12 offers a level of performance and exclusivity that few other cars can match.
Additionally, Ruf’s reputation for craftsmanship and quality ensures that your investment is well-spent.
Fuel Efficiency
Given the performance-oriented nature of the Ruf RT12, it’s no surprise that fuel efficiency is not a strong suit.
The twin-turbocharged flat-six engine consumes fuel at a rate that matches its performance figures. In typical driving conditions, you can expect relatively low miles per gallon – especially if you take advantage of the car’s performance potential.
Safety
While the Ruf RT12 is not known for its advanced safety features, it still comes with essential systems to ensure the driver’s safety. For instance, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) stops the wheel from locking up during heavy braking, enabling the driver to retain control over the vehicle. Additionally, stability control helps to prevent skidding or loss of control during aggressive manoeuvres.
To protect the occupants in the event of a collision, the Ruf RT12 comes equipped with front and side airbags. High-performance tires that provide optimal grip and handling are also included. However, drivers should ensure they perform proper tire maintenance regularly, to ensure their safety.
It should also be noted that the Ruf RT12 is a high-performance sports car that demands a high level of skill and responsibility from the driver. Reckless or inexperienced driving is not forgiving, so owners must have advanced driving skills and exercise caution – especially when pushing the car to its limits.
Maintenance and Reliability
The Ruf RT12 is a high-performance vehicle with an extensively modified engine for increased power. Therefore, potential buyers should consider the maintenance and reliability of the car.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep the RT12 in top condition. This includes oil changes, brake inspections and other routine services.
Due to the car’s unique modifications and components, it is suggested to have it serviced by qualified professionals who are familiar with Ruf vehicles. Ruf has authorized service centres to maintain the car’s performance and reliability.
Ruf is known for its craftsmanship and engineering expertise. The RT12 is built with high standards, but being a high-performance car, it might require more frequent attention and maintenance than a typical commuter vehicle.
Ruf provides a limited warranty on their vehicles, but it is important to check the details and duration of the warranty when purchasing an RT12.
Resale Value
The resale value of a Ruf RT12 can be influenced by various factors, including the specific model, customisation, mileage and market demand.
Generally, rare and well-maintained vehicles tend to retain their value better. The exclusivity and reputation of Ruf can also positively impact resale value.
Conclusion
The Ruf RT12 is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. It seamlessly combines the classic appeal of the Porsche 911 with Ruf’s signature performance enhancements – resulting in a car that’s as breathtaking to look at as it is exhilarating to drive. The 650-horsepower twin-turbocharged engine delivers astounding acceleration and the all-wheel-drive system ensures exceptional grip and stability. While the Ruf RT12 is undoubtedly a high-performance sports car, it also offers a level of luxury and customisation that makes it suitable for daily use.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the substantial price tag, the cost of ownership and the need for responsible and skilled driving. The car’s exclusivity and rarity make it a collectable item for automotive enthusiasts, ensuring that it will stand the test of time as a classic in the world of high-performance sports cars.
Overall, the Ruf RT12 is not just a car; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of speed, precision and craftsmanship. Whether you’re on the open road or carving through winding mountain passes, the Ruf RT12 promises an unforgettable journey. It’s a car that combines raw power and elegance in a way that few others can match and it will undoubtedly continue to captivate the hearts of automotive enthusiasts for generations to come.
