The Ruf Tribute isn’t just another high-end sports car—it’s a heartfelt homage to the Porsche 911’s air-cooled roots, blending nostalgic design with state-of-the-art engineering. Unveiled in production form at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, this limited-run gem from German manufacturer Ruf Automobile celebrates the 911’s 60th anniversary. While Ruf has long been synonymous with tuning Porsches, the Tribute stands as a fully independent creation, complete with its own chassis and engine. Priced at around $1.7 million, it’s aimed at collectors who crave the raw thrill of classic 911s but demand modern performance. Recent news highlights its impressive engineering feats, including passing stringent emissions and safety tests, making it road-legal worldwide despite its air-cooled heart.
Exterior Design: Sleek, Retro-Inspired Lines
Drawing inspiration from the iconic 964-generation 911, the Tribute boasts compact dimensions that evoke the purity of older models. Measuring 165.6 inches long, 71.6 inches wide, and 49.8 inches tall with a 92.2-inch wheelbase, it’s smaller and more agile than today’s bloated supercars. The body is crafted entirely from carbon fiber, contributing to its lightweight build. Styling cues include a classic ducktail spoiler, round headlights, and a minimalist profile that screams vintage Porsche. At its debut, the show car featured a striking green-over-gold paint scheme with matching wheels, turning heads at Monterey. It’s not flashy, but elegant—perfect for those who appreciate subtle sophistication over aggressive aerodynamics.
Engine and Powertrain: The Heart of the Beast
At the core of the Tribute is Ruf’s crowning achievement: a bespoke 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged air-cooled flat-six engine, developed in-house over years of meticulous work. This isn’t a repurposed Porsche mill—it’s entirely new, with a billet aluminum block (at least in prototypes), dual-overhead cams, and a unique three-valve-per-cylinder setup (two intake valves and one larger exhaust for better heat management). Output stands at 543 to 550 horsepower (depending on the source) at 6,750 rpm, with torque peaking at 551 to 553 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm. Features like variable valve timing and lift, a two-stage resonance intake manifold, fly-by-wire throttle, and Bosch engine management ensure it’s both powerful and refined. Dual intercoolers and twin catalytic converters help it meet modern emissions standards, while a belt-driven fan maintains that authentic air-cooled look and sound.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed manual gearbox—because true enthusiasts demand the engagement of rowing gears. The dry-sump lubrication system keeps things cool during hard driving, and the engine revs eagerly to around 8,300 rpm, delivering that signature flat-six wail. In news from the reveal, Ruf emphasized the engineering challenge of creating an air-cooled turbo engine in 2025, calling it a “feat” that honors the past while pushing boundaries.
Performance and Handling: Supercar Thrills with Classic Soul
With a curb weight of just 2,800 pounds (about 1,270 kg), the Tribute promises blistering performance. Top speed is rated at 200 mph (322 km/h), though acceleration figures like 0-60 mph haven’t been officially released—expect it to be in the low-3-second range given the power-to-weight ratio. The chassis is a modular carbon-fiber monocoque with aluminum subframes front and rear, shared with Ruf’s CTR Anniversary and SCR models. Suspension duties are handled by double-wishbone control arms all around, paired with inboard pushrod-actuated KW coil-over shocks and adaptive dampers for on-the-fly adjustments.
Braking comes courtesy of massive carbon-ceramic rotors clamped by six-piston calipers up front (painted yellow on the show car), ensuring fade-free stops even on the track. It rolls on 19-inch forged wheels wrapped in high-performance tires, striking a balance between road comfort and corner-carving precision. Early impressions from related models like the SCR suggest the Tribute will feel urgent and connected, like a blend of old-school 911 responsiveness with GT3-level grip. No full driving reviews are out yet, but enthusiasts at the debut raved about its potential, with one commenter noting Ruf builds “some of the best-looking 911s.”
Interior and Comfort: Minimalist Luxury with a Nod to Heritage
Stepping inside the Tribute feels like entering a time capsule with modern twists. The cabin is understated, prioritizing driver focus over gadgetry. Upholstery features supple green leather accented by green, white, and black plaid inserts—almost tweed-like for a cozy, retro vibe. Carbon-fiber accents are minimal: a single stripe across the dash, plus inserts on the steering wheel and door sills. The seats are supportive buckets designed for long hauls or track days, though specific materials like Alcantara or adjustability aren’t detailed yet—expect customization options given Ruf’s bespoke approach.
Features include a digital gauge cluster with a cylinder-head temperature readout (a clever air-cooled touch), and a physical key ignition positioned on the left side of the steering wheel, just like classic Porsches. It’s not overloaded with screens; instead, it emphasizes tactile elements for an analog experience. Comfort-wise, the compact cabin offers decent space for two, but don’t expect family-car roominess. News from the Monterey reveal praised the interior’s simplicity, calling it a refreshing departure from tech-heavy modern sports cars.
Full Specifications: At a Glance
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the Tribute’s specs in table form for easy reference:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L twin-turbo air-cooled flat-six, 543-550 hp @ 6,750 rpm, 551-553 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm, DOHC, variable valve timing/lift, 3 valves/cylinder, Bosch ECU |
| Transmission | 7-speed manual, rear-wheel drive |
| Chassis | Carbon-fiber monocoque with aluminum subframes |
| Suspension | Double-wishbone control arms, pushrod-actuated KW coil-overs, adaptive dampers |
| Brakes | Carbon-ceramic rotors, 6-piston front calipers |
| Wheels/Tires | 19-inch forged wheels, high-performance tires |
| Dimensions | Length: 165.6 in, Width: 71.6 in, Height: 49.8 in, Wheelbase: 92.2 in |
| Weight | ~2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) |
| Performance | Top speed: 200 mph (322 km/h); 0-60 mph: Est. low 3s |
| Fuel/Other | Dry-sump lubrication, dual intercoolers, twin cats |
These specs combine data from multiple sources, with production models set for fine-tuning.
Pricing and Availability: Exclusive and Expensive
Starting at approximately $1.7 million (converted from Euros), the Tribute is in hypercar territory, rivaling the likes of a McLaren Senna or Bugatti. Ruf plans to hand-build 50 to 100 units over the next five years, with deliveries kicking off in 2026. Production is limited to about 30 cars annually across their lineup, so expect long waitlists—orders were already pouring in at the debut. Customization is key, allowing buyers to tweak colors, interiors, and more. In recent news, Ruf confirmed the car has cleared U.S. safety standards via virtual simulations and emissions testing, broadening its appeal to global markets.
Conclusion: A Worthy Tribute or Overpriced Nostalgia?
The Ruf Tribute masterfully revives the air-cooled 911 spirit in a package that’s faster, lighter, and more capable than its ancestors. Its engine is a triumph of engineering, the handling promises pure joy, and the interior strikes a perfect balance of luxury and minimalism. While full road tests are pending, initial buzz positions it as a must-have for Porsche purists tired of water-cooled turbos. At $1.7 million, it’s not for everyone—vintage 911s at auctions can cost similar, but they lack this car’s modernity. If you’re chasing the ultimate blend of heritage and performance, the Tribute is unparalleled. Just act fast; with limited production, it’s destined to become a legend.