If you’re a Porsche purist and you’ve
never appreciated the Cayenne, then perhaps an off-road version of a classic
911 model will be more to your liking. That’s exactly what Porsche-tuner RUF
had in mind when they decided to build this so-called Rodeo Concept, loosely
based on both the CTR Anniversary, as well as the SCR models. It features a
four-wheel drive system, all-terrain tires and a modded suspension.
The concept was designed to accommodate
either normally aspirated or turbo-charged RUF flat-six engines. “When we began
building our own automobiles it was all for the thrill of the drive,” said
Estonia Ruf, marketing director of RUF Automobile GmbH. “The Rodeo Concept
combines that passion for carswith the love of western culture–an appreciation
I foundwhile studying in Oklahoma, USA. This car is inspired by some of our
favorite people and our love for the countryside.”
But why is it called ‘Rodeo’, you might
wonder? Well, because it was inspired by the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance,
as well as by Ralph Lauren and his 2011 Western Collection, hence the
Westernized exterior design. This is more of a flat dirt terrain type of
vehicle, as opposed to something you’d use to climb difficult mountain paths –
its ground clearance isn’t THAT impressive.
With little known about the concept as of
right now, we can only speculate regarding its fate. Of course, should there be
a demand for something like this, we wouldn’t put it past RUF to build a few
customer cars.
Believe it or not, this is not the first
off-road focused Porsche 911 we’ve ever seen. It might be the most fashionable,
but in terms of capability it’s got nothing on that Smash Customs-tuned 911,
unveiled back in 2017 at SEMA. That one had a full roll cage, bucket seats,
independent front and rear suspension with Exit shock absorbers and twin shocks
on every corner. Then again, apples and oranges.
