RUF Tribute is a 558PS homage of the 964 911
If the CTR3 Evo revealed last week was an all-you-can-eat buffet of RUF goodness, the Tribute is the company's attributes distilled into their purest form as it celebrates 60 years of perfecting Porsches.
Based on the 964 911, its looks are beautifully retro and its proportions delightfully usable. Still, under the skin, it’s a thoroughly modern design utilising a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis that’s as light as it is strong – expect it to tip the scales at less than 1,300kg.
It’s the same chassis previously seen on the CTR Anniversary, and it gives RUF an incredibly solid base from which it can hang double-wishbone suspension and horizontally mounted dampers that reduce unsprung mass by taking weight off the wheel assembly.
Much like its underpinnings, the engine is an old-school design thoroughly modernised. A familiar air-cooled 3.6-litre flat-six, it has three valves per cylinder and variable valve timing and lift for improved breathing. A fly-by-wire throttle and Bosch engine management system allow for precise mapping and dry sump lubrication ensures oil always gets where it’s needed, no matter the Gs you’re pulling.
And, be in no doubt the Tribute can pull some Gs. Chubby turbos and dual intercoolers see to that, serving up 558PS (410kW) at an impressive 6,750rpm and a massive 553lb ft (750Nm) of torque at usable 4,500rpm.
And the performance? RUF hasn’t given us figures, but when the 517PS (380kW) RUF SCR does 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, 0-124mph in 11.9 and screams to a 199mph top speed, you can expect the Tribute to be usefully quick.
RUF has also neglected to provide a price (or confirm if it will build the Tribute), but if you can convince the company to sell you one, don’t expect much change from £1 million.
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