The Ruf RGT is a sports car made by Ruf Automobile of Germany.

Ruf RGT
Ruf RGT first generation
Overview
ManufacturerRuf Automobile
Production2000–present
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutRear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission6-speed manual

First generation (2000–2004)

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Ruf RGT (first generation)

The first-generation Ruf RGT was introduced in 2000 using an engine and chassis based on the Porsche 996. The original 3.6L version could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 190 mph (306 km/h).

Second generation (2005–2011)

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Ruf RGT (2007) rear

When the Porsche 997 debuted, Ruf bored out the 3.6 L engine to 3.8 litres (231.9 cu in), modified the exhaust and catalytic converters, and replaced the ECU and air filter. The new power output was 445 bhp (332 kW), reducing the 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time from 4.6 to 4.2 seconds (or even 4.1, according to some sources),[citation needed] and increasing top speed by 7 mph to 317 km/h (197 mph).

Ruf also added a performance suspension system, using Bilstein components, as well as high-performance Brembo disc brakes, measuring 13.8 in (351 mm) in front and 13 in (330 mm) in the rear.

The car's appearance is also changed, using a bodykit that includes a polyurethane front air dam and carbon fibre doors, mirrors, engine lid, and spoiler, all of which reduce the car's weight to 2,932 lb (1,330 kg). The car is fitted with 19 inch Ruf-designed Superleggera wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. Finally, the RGT is customized with interior trim of the customer's choice, including Recaro seats and the deletion of unnecessary parts to save weight.

RGT-8

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In 2010, an updated version of the 997 RGT, was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The car was powered by a completely new, Ruf-designed 4.5-litre V8 engine with a 180° flat-plane crankshaft. The engine is based on the architecture of BMW's S65 V8. It features four valves arranged spherically together with multipoint fuel injection which ensure optimal mixture conditions while the dry sump oil system supplies the necessary lubrication. Ruf made the RGT-8 as light as possible by installing aluminum doors, an aluminum hood, a carbon fibre engine cover, and a carbon fibre rear spoiler. Like the flat-6 versions, the new RGT-8 also includes ceramic brakes, an integrated roll-cage, and 19-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires.

Specifications

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(Data shown is for the 997 RGT 3.8L model)

  • Weight: 2,932 lb (1,330 kg)
  • Power: 445 hp (332 kW; 451 PS) @ 7600 rpm
  • Torque: 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m) @ 5100 rpm
  • Specific output: approx. 117.1 hp (87 kW) per litre
  • Power-to-weight ratio: approx. 6.59 pounds (2.99 kg) per horsepower
    • 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 4.2 seconds
    • Top Speed: 197 mph (317.0 km/h)[1]

Third generation (2012–present)

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2012 Ruf RGT (left) next to a Ruf CTR3

In 2012, the latest version of RGT-8 was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. However, this model is an all-new car based on Porsche 991 rather than an update. As with the previous version, the new RGT-8 uses the same 4.5-litre V8 engine with power and torque output of 550 PS (405 kW; 542 hp) at 8500 rpm and 369 lb⋅ft (500 N⋅m) of torque at 4000 rpm. The top speed is 318 km/h (197.6 mph). The cost of the RGT-8 is approximately €200,000, not including the price of the Porsche 991 donor car.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Road & Track July 2007 "Pumped Up Porsches"". roadandtrack.com. Archived from the original on 2008-05-17. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
  2. ^ "Ruf Reveals 991-Based RGT-8 V8-Powered Porsche 911, Stretched Panamera [Geneva Auto Show]". Road and Track magazine. March 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
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