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.