At the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 13, 2023, German automaker Ruf unveiled its latest innovation, the B8 flat-eight engine. This marks a significant evolution for Ruf, which has transitioned from a Porsche tuner to an independent manufacturer.
The Evolution of Ruf
Founded in the late 20th century, Ruf began its journey by modifying Porsche vehicles. The company achieved recognition with the launch of the BTR in 1983, which was the first Ruf vehicle to receive its own identification number. Over the years, Ruf has introduced several models, including the mid-engine CTR3 in 2007, showcasing its ability to innovate beyond Porsche's designs.
Recent models, like the SCR and Rodeo, feature Ruf's own all-carbon monocoque chassis, while still drawing inspiration from the classic Porsche 911 design. The shift to a new engine format indicates a bold step in Ruf's engineering capabilities.
Technical Details of the B8 Engine
The new B8 engine, which was demonstrated at Goodwood, is mounted in a modified CTR3 mule named the “Erprober” (German for “tester”). Driven by renowned racer Tanner Faust, this engine is designed to perform at high levels, generating over 1,000 hp (745 kW) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque.
