RUF, maker of deranged Porsche-based supercars, is to make its own bespoke V8 engine for the next generation of its 911-based RGT model. The new car - called the RGT-8 is set to go on sale in 2011.
The new motor - designed from scratch by RUF - is a flat-crank, dry-sump, 4.5-litre naturally aspirated V8. The new engine develops 542bhp at 8500rpm and 369lb ft at 5400rpm.
RUF is keen to stress that it has focused on making its new mill compact and light (presumably a pre-emptive strike against those who may argue that an eight-cylinder engine is going to be unnecessarily heavy compared with an ordinary 911's flat six). With the V8 weighing in at less than 200kg, you have to conclude that RUF hasn't done a bad job, either...
Although RUF has thrown engine away, the car itself is still based on the Porsche 911, although the styling has been tweaked and an integrated roll cage inserted. The RGT-8 also runs on single-nut centre-lock 19-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres. Ceramic brakes help put a stop to proceedings.
For those who want more extreme styling, RUF will also offer what it calls a 'Frere Package'. This consists of a new front bumper, nose and dashboard components, and has apparently been inspired by the Porsche 550 coupe with which Paul Frere, the Belgian race driver, won best of class at the 1953 Le Mans 24 hours.
Spec fiends can check out the full technical details on RUF's new car (and engine) below:
Body
2 seated coupé with integrated roll-cage
2 racing type bucket seats
Aluminium doors and front hood
Carbon fibre engine cover and rear spoiler
Engine
Lightweight-8-Cylinder-90°-engine with racing DNA
180° crankshaft "Flatcrank"
4,5 Liter displacement
Power output 404 kW (550 bhp) @ 8500rpm
Maximum torque 500 Nm @ 5400rpm
Aluminium crankcase and cylinder heads
Water cooled, cylinderheads and engineblock cross flowed
4-valve system with spherical layout
4 camshafts with hydraulically timed valve system for in- and outlet
Dry sump oil lubrication with two windage trays for each of the 4 chambers
Individual chamber oil suction with 2 suction intakes
Waterpump, generator and AC compressor are directly driven of the Engine (no belts), located at the lowest position
Sequential fuel injection system
Individual cylinder ignition coils
Electronic engine management system
Electronic throttle control system per bank with 2 butterflies
3-Way catalytic converters with stereo closed loop lambda control
On-Board-Diagnosis for continuous monitoring of the exhaust system
Rear wheel drive with 6 speed manual gearbox
Chassis:
Electronic stability control system, ABS, traction control,
automatic limited-slip differential
RUF high performance brakes with ceramic discs,
perforated and air cooled
Front brake disc diameter 380 mm
Rear brake disc diameter 350 mm
Forged RUF alloy wheels with single central retaining nut
Front : 9Jx19 with 245/35 ZR 19
Rear : 12Jx19 with 325/30 ZR 19
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires