Ruf creates V8-powered Porsche 911

This awesome Frankenstein’s monster is brought to you by the folks at Ruf – a German ‘manufacturer’ that creates its own vehicles using Porsche parts (sort of like Saleen to the Ford Mustang.) Rather than continue with increasingly powerful versions of the turbocharged flat-six engines that it specializes in, Ruf decided that increasing capacity was the only way to move forward.

The Porsche V8 from the Panamera/Cayenne was too large and bulky to fit, so Ruf created its own. The result is a 4.5-litre ‘flat-crank’ V8 that produces 550-hp at 8,500 rpm but weighs significantly less than the old six-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels, which are upgraded 19-in Ruf models with a racecar-style single-nut hub. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard.

As in every Ruf, there’s an integrated roll-cage which increases ‘chassis stability and passive safety.’

There will also be an optional Frère package that includes different front fenders, nose and dashboard components. Ruf says the styling “was inspired by the 550 Coupé with which Paul Frère, the Belgian race driver (and legendary automobile journalist!), won the best of class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1953.”

RUF RGT-8 production starts in 2011.

For more information, visit the official Ruf website.