Ruf Automobile Rt12

Self-confidence

Porsche introduced the 997 series of the 911 in the summer of 2004. Shortly afterwards, Ruf presented its own interpretation of the new model, the Rt12, demonstrating a whole new level of self-confidence: For the first time, they did not simply make an existing Porsche model faster, but gave it a new, self-developed body. Well, you have to look closely, the most obvious changes are in the air intake for the twin turbo (smaller openings positioned further back) and the (smaller) rear spoiler. Ruf also dispensed with Porsche’s active PASM suspension, as the company in Pfaffenhausen was not convinced that this system was mature enough. In co-operation with the specialists from Öhlins, Ruf developed its own hydraulic system.

Of course, most of the work was put into the engine, which still came from the 996 Turbo. The bore was increased to 102 millimetres, while the stroke was reduced to 76.4 millimetres. This resulted in a displacement of 3746 cm3 – and in an initial phase an output of 685 hp at 7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 880 Nm at 4000 rpm. The R was even more powerful: 730 hp at 7000 rpm, 940 Nm at 3500 rpm. Ruf replaced the VTG turbos with KKK products and Mahle forged special pistons. A top speed of 352 km/h was specified for the weaker version, and the Rt12 claimed to be able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. Customers had the choice between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, but only two buyers opted for the purest form of driving pleasure; in total, only 13 examples were built up to 2012. No, we don’t have a reasonable explanation for the designation either.

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VIN: W09BD03899PR06123
Engine: M96/7064203708

Auction: RM Sotheby’s, Miami 2025, estimate 400’000 to 600’000 Dollar. With these informations: «Each example of the Rt12 was thoroughly personalized to the specifications of the buyer, and it is believed that fewer than 15 examples were completed by RUF in total during the model’s five-year availability. This Rt12 offered here was finished at RUF’s Pfaffenhausen, Germany factory in the spring of 2009 and reportedly delivered to a very prominent business leader and car collector in South Korea. In his older years, the South Korean business tycoon had a well-known penchant for being driven around in two-seat sports cars, as opposed to an executive class saloon or limousine. This particular car’s five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission provides an interesting clue towards this “passenger” theory. It was specified in a striking color combination of Candy Apple Red Metallic over ivory leather with additional carbon fiber accents, red brake calipers, and standard seats. As just one of the tycoon’s many exotic cars, this Rt12 remained sparingly used during his decade of ownership. As such, since having been acquired by another individual and exported from South Korea in December 2020, this Rt12 displayed just 4,007 kilometers (~2,489 miles) since new at time of cataloguing.»

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Chassis-Number: W09BD0382CPR06147
Auction: Broad Arrow, Monterey 2024, estimated price 800,000 to 1,000,000 dollars. This 2012 vehicle looks like an S, but is an R with all-wheel drive. It only has 8500 miles on the clock.

This story is part of our attempt to provide some overview of the Ruf automobiles; it is an ongoing process that can be observed here (just in German so far, sorry). We have more exciting vehicles in our archive.