The Ruf Rodeo Concept explores the off-road capabilities of the 911.
It was in 1978 that Porsche built the 911 SC Safari rally car for the East African Rally.
With its raised suspension, extra headlights and safety features, the car became an instant classic, but although the idea of an off-road 911 was realized in the 80s in the 959, it never made it from the world of motorsport to the showroom. It never waited.
Many explored the concept with great success until legendary Porsche tuner Ruf introduced the Rodeo concept.
Unveiled on Monday at Ruf's headquarters in Pfaffenhausen, Germany, the Rodeo concept is essentially the company's latest CTR supercar, but with beefed up suspension, all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and extra body protection. This means there's a carbon fiber tube in the middle and a flat-six at the rear."
According to Ruf, when the car goes into production, it will be offered with either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged engine. If the twin-turbocharged option is chosen, the car will be powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged six with 700 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque.
What about all that extra paraphernalia? It comes from a love of cowboy culture that Ruf's marketing director, Esto Ruf, developed while living in Oklahoma.