Skip advert
Advertisement

Ruf SCR 2018 revealed at Geneva motor show

Combines a retro skin and carbon core with a 503bhp naturally aspirated flat-six and manual gearbox

Ruf has revealed the latest of its retro-styled, but all-new models at the Geneva motor show. Following the CTR Yellow bird that was shown last year, aside from the colour change, Ruf’s newest model has lost the turbos and its iconic nomenclature and transformed into the naturally aspirated Ruf SCR 2018. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Although Ruf is best known for its heavily turbocharged 911-shaped cars, it has long been making naturally aspirated-powered cars too, most bearing the name SCR. The new SCR continues that convention and behind the rear axle sits a naturally-aspirated 4-litre flat-six engine that produces 503bhp at 8270rpm and 347lb ft of torque at 5760rpm. Although Ruf hasn’t quoted an acceleration figure for its new car, it has revealed it has a top speed of 199mph.

> Read our review of the Ruf SCR 4.2

If the prospect of a high-revving atmospheric flat-six and a top speed just shy of 200mph didn’t seem thrilling enough, power is sent to the rear wheels only via a six-speed manual gearbox.

Like the CTR 2017 that Ruf showed at last year’s Swiss motor show, the new SCR is based around a full carbonfibre monocoque chassis. It is not, as its old-school 911 shape might suggest, based on a 90s Porsche chassis just with composite bodywork on top. Its predecessor, the SCR 4.2, was an engineering feat; Ruf took a 993 shell elongated the wheelbase, but kept the overall length of the car the same, then added radiators up front to cool the water-cooled 4.2-litre Mezger flat-six in the back.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

> Find out more about Ruf’s CTR 2017

The new SCR’s underpinnings are even more impressive, though. There’s not a hint of old 911 in its make-up, it has been designed, engineered, developed and built all by Ruf. Like last year’s CTR, the SCR has a central carbonfibre tub reinforced with an integrated roll cage that supports the roof. Bonded to the main composite structure are the front and rear subframes that support double-wishbone suspension with pushrod actuated dampers. The rear also holds the engine and gearbox.

The outer body is then fully constructed from carbonfibre, the brakes are carbon ceramic and there are also fixed-back hound’s-tooth Recaro seats, all helping keep the weight of the entire car down to an impressive 1250kg.

> Take a look behind the scenes of Ruf’s factory

Unlike its close relative, the CTR 2017, the SCR does not have a big whale-tale fixed-rear wing. Instead there’s a retractable rear wing, like on modern 911 Carreras and the 911 GT3 Touring.

The rear wing isn’t the only departure from Ruf’s typical look. Instead of the blocky, functional five-spoke alloys that are seen on most of the company’s cars, the SCR 2018’s wheels have five twin-spokes. They still look just as purposeful however, with their centre-lock attachment as well as being wrapped in Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tyres.

As Ruf has proved over the pas 37 years as an independent manufacturer, it’s capable of creating truly impressive and exciting vehicles. The SCR 2018, with its blend of high-tech carbonfibre construction and involving manual gearbox and atmospherically fed engine, promises to be one of the most thrilling and engaging car’s Ruf has ever created.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Porsche 984 Junior – dead on arrival
Porsche 984 Junior
Features

Porsche 984 Junior – dead on arrival

This miniature marvel could have seen Porsche enter the ’90s with a truly affordable entry-level sports car
11 Jan 2024
Why Rennsport Reunion is the world's best Porsche gathering
Rennsport Reunion 2023
Features

Why Rennsport Reunion is the world's best Porsche gathering

It’s the world’s greatest gathering of racing Porsches. We join the legions of fans – and the legendary drivers and engineers – at Laguna Seca for the…
3 Dec 2023
Kamm 912c 2023 review – the £274,000 four-cylinder Porsche 911
Kamm 912c
Reviews

Kamm 912c 2023 review – the £274,000 four-cylinder Porsche 911

The flat-four Porsche 912 was once seen as the 911’s poor relation. Budapest-based firm Kamm aims to unlock its ultimate potential
10 Oct 2023
New Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport: the race car that you can't race
Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport
News

New Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport: the race car that you can't race

Taking Porsche’s latest GT3 race car as a base, the Rennsport is a derestricted, fully uncorked track car destined for 77 customers
5 Oct 2023
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025
Nissan GT-R 2025 – front
News

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025

The R35 Nissan GT-R refuses to die – this latest version gets engine enhancements and subtle cosmetic tweaks
15 Mar 2024
MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven
MST Mk1 Ford Escort
Reviews

MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven

The MST Mk1 is a brand new, 50-year-old, road-going rally car. It looks the business, but does it deliver? Strap yourself in…
15 Mar 2024
Aston Martin DBX707 v Ferrari Purosangue – flagship super SUVs go head-to-head
Aston Martin DBX707 v Ferrari Purosangue
Features

Aston Martin DBX707 v Ferrari Purosangue – flagship super SUVs go head-to-head

Everything about them is supersize, from their kerb weights to their power outputs. But they’re also hugely enjoyable – and quite different in charact…
16 Mar 2024