The man in charge at RUF has fond memories of the original Porsche 911 Targa, with its fixed roll-bar, removable roof panel and plastic rear screen. Inspired by the 1967 original, the RUF Roadster brings the concept up to date with modern materials and performance.
The roof panels are made of carbon fibre and the rear window is flexible, three-layer 'polyglass'. Various combinations are possible: fully closed; open, except for the roll-over bar; roof off and rear window in place; or with just the rear window removed.
Power comes from a 395bhp, six-cylinder boxer engine with a 552bhp turbocharged unit also available. A six-speed manual gearbox and nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard with dual clutch transmission and four-wheel drive available as options.
Prices for the Roadster start at around £173,000 depending on local taxes and currency conversions. Next year RUF plans to offer an electric version.
John Lambert - 20 Oct 2010