RUF Automobile, renowned for its extremely involved and masterfully executed Porsche restomods, has brought a next-generation vehicle to the recently concluded Monterey Car Week. Called the Ehra, it previews what the company’s next several custom cars will look like.
The name Ehra is pronounced the same as “era” and references the Ehra-Lessien Proving Grounds in Germany. Back in 1987, RUF’s legendary CTR Yellowbird coupe managed to accelerate on that track to a record-breaking 340 km/h (211 mph), becoming the world’s fastest street-legal production car with modifications. Among other things, it cemented the tuner’s elite status and brought it popularity for decades to come.
But while the CTR Yellowbird prioritized sheer acceleration above all else, the Ehra bets big on sharp handling and driver’s enjoyment. It features a carbon-fiber monocoque body with enormously flared arches and slammed double-wishbone suspension at both ends. The Fuchs-style wheels allow a glimpse behind the spokes, revealing yellow performance brake calipers.
RUF is never one to leave good enough alone, and the Ehra is no exception. Its 3.6-liter flat-six engine has been thoroughly rebuilt to deliver 650 PS (641 hp / 478 kW) and up to 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was tasked with delivering the momentum to all four wheels, but drivers can freely choose where to vector the torque at any given moment.
The restomod specialist warns that availability will be limited, but doesn’t provide any specific numbers or price estimations.