This New RUF SCR is 510 Horsepower of Naturally Aspirated Goodness, But It’s Not-a-911

One look at the RUF SCR’s underlying structure will tell you that it is not a 911. This new special, which just debuted at Geneva, is something else entirely. Like the new RUF CTR, which debuted last year, it is based on a proprietary chassis full of very un-Porsche traits. The SCR is based on the same tubular structure as the new CTR, and uses the same pushrod-actuated suspension layout. Like the CTR, it’s also heavier than a classic 911. At 1250 kilograms it outweighs the original 1978 SCR by some 140kg, or roughly 12.6%. Fortunately the new SCR doesn’t just make 12.6% more power than the original, it makes over 100% more.

To be clear, the RUF SCR has had several iterations, and up ’til now all have been based on 911s. The most recent SCR was the 4.2-liter 993 based car that debuted last year. The original, also 911 based, debuted all the way back in 1978. While the new car shares its general layout and look with the others, under the skin it’s all RUF.

The new SCR appears to share its chassis and integrated roll cage with the new CTR. Like the CTR, the chassis is a carbon fiber monocoque, and the body is all carbon fiber. The suspension incorporates pushrod actuated coilovers with what looks like wishbones at both ends. The coilovers themselves are made by Sachs.

Power comes from a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six which produces 510 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque; the former at a screaming 8,270RPM. Power is sent to the rear wheels only by a conventional 6-speed manual transmission. This whole package is starting to sound a bit like my current favorite 911 variant: the GT3 Touring.

When the new CTR debuted last year we offered some criticism, which I think was justified. The new CTR simply didn’t up the game enough from the groundbreaking original, despite the remarkable new chassis. While the new SCR shares its name with a past RUF model, it takes the spirit of the 217 horsepower original and hoists it into the stratosphere.

Hopefully RUF, or a generous owner, allows the SCR to go toe-to-toe with a 991.2 GT3 Touring. Not many cars can truly hang with a GT3, but it looks like RUF may have built a worthy rival with the SCR.

Pricing has not been posted online by RUF themselves, though reports of 15 SCRs built per year starting at €650,000 (~$807k US) have appeared elsewhere since the car debuted at Geneva yesterday. Fingers crossed it will be US and California legal as well.