In the world of performance cars, few names capture the imagination quite like RUF. From its quiet home in Pfaffenhausen, Germany, this small but legendary manufacturer has spent decades blending motorsport engineering, meticulous craftsmanship, and bold vision into machines that honor tradition while breaking new ground. On the winding country roads of Bavaria, two of RUF’s most fascinating creations recently came together: the Rodeo and the SCR. Different in character yet equal in presence, both deliver driving experiences that perfectly embody what RUF is all about.
The bright orange RUF Rodeo is a machine born for adventure, equally at home on tarmac and off-road trails, while the dark green RUF SCR embodies pure driving joy on twisting roads, reviving the magic of naturally aspirated performance in a state-of-the-art package. Capturing this rare duo in all their glory, spotter Rina K. Photography had the chance to create a stunning photoshoot of the pair in Bavaria. Interestingly, it wasn’t the first time she crossed paths with the SCR, back in 2023 she spotted the very same car carving its way up the breathtaking Oberalppass in Switzerland, a setting perfectly suited to its purist character.
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The RUF Rodeo: Spirit of adventure, engineered for extremes
The RUF Rodeo takes its inspiration from the brand’s history at Pikes Peak, the legendary hill climb where cars, drivers, and engineers are pushed to their absolute limits. That spirit of adventure has been poured into a machine that changes the way we think about off-road performance.
At the heart of the Rodeo is a carbon monocoque chassis, a piece of cutting-edge engineering that makes the car lighter, stronger, and more precise. But the Rodeo is more than just clever tech, it’s about breaking the rules. It’s the only car in the world that combines a rear-mounted engine, manual gearbox, and carbon monocoque with true off-road ability.
With its raised ride height and a custom suspension setup featuring double wishbones and push-rods at all four corners, the Rodeo offers incredible stability and agility no matter the surface. From rocky trails in the mountains to open countryside, it’s built to deliver a driving experience you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Specifications:
• Engine: 3.6-liter flat-six
• Power: 610 PS (455 kW) @ 7,100 rpm
• Torque: 760 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Top Speed: 250 km/h
• Weight: 1,350 kg
• Fuel Tank: 71 liters
• CO₂ Emissions: 329 g/km
• Efficiency Class: G
With worldwide production limited, the Rodeo is as exclusive as it is capable, a testament to RUF’s craftsmanship and commitment to innovation.
The RUF SCR: A Modern classic for purists
While the Rodeo stands for adventure and go-anywhere ability, the RUF SCR is all about pure driving pleasure on the road. First shown again as a prototype in 2018, the SCR takes the spirit of RUF’s classic sports cars and brings it into the modern age with the company’s latest engineering know-how.
At its core is a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, producing 510 PS all the way up at 8,270 rpm. It’s paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a lightweight carbon monocoque chassis, keeping the total weight down to just 1,250 kg. The result is a driving feel that very few modern cars can come close to.
Performance is nothing short of thrilling: a top speed of 320 km/h, instant throttle response, and handling sharpened by the car’s low weight. Confidence comes from the integrated IRC safety cage, powerful carbon-ceramic brakes, and a chassis designed for precision and balance.
The SCR isn’t just another sports car, it’s a machine built for drivers who love the raw sound of a naturally aspirated engine, the engagement of a manual gearbox, and the pure joy of being in control.
Specifications:
• Engine: 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six
• Power: 510 PS (375 kW) @ 8,270 rpm
• Torque: 470 Nm @ 5,760 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Top Speed: 320 km/h
• Weight: 1,250 kg
• Fuel Tank: 85 liters
• CO₂ Emissions: 324 g/km
• Efficiency Class: G
The result is a driver’s car in its purest form, an agile two-seater that blends motorsport technology with a retro-inspired design language.
Rodeo and SCR: Two interpretations of RUF excellence
While they serve different purposes, the RUF Rodeo and RUF SCR embody the same philosophy: pushing boundaries while staying true to the essence of driving.
• The Rodeo carves a new path for off-road capable sports cars, combining exclusivity, power, and rugged adaptability.
• The SCR revives the timeless thrill of a naturally aspirated sports car with cutting-edge engineering and lightweight construction.
Put side by side, the Rodeo and the SCR show just how wide RUF’s vision really is, one built for wild trails and open landscapes, the other for carving up mountain passes and flying down the autobahn. From its small hometown of Pfaffenhausen to roads all around the world, RUF continues to build cars that stir passion and set new standards for what performance can be.
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