While the idea of stuffing a V-8 engine into a Porsche 911 is nothing new—owners have been doing it for ages, and RUF even offered one in 2010—the idea that Porsche almost did exactly that itself is something not everyone might know. Here, we get a look at the secret prototype for a factory-built 911 with V-8 power.

Built for testing in 1984, the prototype, developed during work on the Type 965, uses a 32-valve Audi V-8 engine, though Porsche is said to have planned its own V-8 engine design if it had moved forward with production.

The V-8 965 was intended as a more affordable, higher volume successor to the 959 supercar, complete with all-wheel drive and active suspension. Porsche’s then-new R&D boss Ulrich Bez (now CEO of Aston Martin) killed the project in December, 1988, however, due to manufacturing complexity and rapidly rising costs.

the link: https://autos.yahoo.com/news/porsche...180709769.html

 

2010 Geneva Motor Show: RUF RGT-8 V-8 Powered Porsche 911
By Nelson Ireson

RUF RGT-8 V-8 powered Porsche 911

HI-RES GALLERY: RUF RGT-8 V-8 powered Porsche 911

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Anyone familiar with the Porsche 911 has probably seen a RUF-modified version, even if they didn't know what they were looking at. For those in the know, however, RUF's various takes on the 911 have been impressive works of modification--from the all-electric eRUF Greenster to the 685-horsepower RT12. The latest in the line, the RGT-8, made its debut this week at the Geneva Motor Show, and it sports V-8 power.
Heresy, you say? It may well be--dumping the famous flat six for a right-angle mill takes some guts, but the V-8 that replaces it definitely has some prodigious figures. The 4.5-liter unit turns out 550 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 370 pound-feet of torque at 5,400 rpm. And the new V-8 is designed in-house by RUF.

Hemispherical four-valve cylinders, a 180-degree "Flatcrank," dry-sump lubrication and a total weight of under 440 pounds make for a compact, race-oriented engine. Paired to a short-throw six-speed gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels, the RGT-8 is no longer pure Porsche, but it should still satisfy even the most demanding of performance purists.
Ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, 19-inch RUF alloy wheels, custom bodywork, an integrated roll-cage, and an available Frere package inspired by the 550 Coupe raced by Belgian Paul Frere, round out the RGT-8's features. Hit up the second page for the full spec sheet.