RUF BTR2

In 1993, Porsche inveiled their new 911, thoroughly breaking the traditional 911 mould. Badged the 993, the new car would lead Porsche back into large sales numbers and large profits.

RUF saw the new 993 as the ideal basis for their new BTR, and quickly set about discreetly modifiying the car to usual high RUF standards.

New Decade, New Model
The 993 was a completely new model for Porsche, and RUF had to adapt its tuning procedures for the new car. As like its predecessor RUF decided that the new BTR would only be turbocharged, but would not feature the lairy bodywork normally fitted to RUF cars. Subtle modifications were the name of the game, and RUF began by raising the power output of the 3.6 litre flat-six.

Porsche purists yearned for 911 Turbo performance in the new 993 Carrera shell, and as Porsche had not announced that it would be producing a turbocharged variant of its new 911, RUF saw a gap in the market, and pushed power output of the engine up to 420bhp. This was done by adding a pair of turbochargers, as well as modifying the Bosch ignition system. Brand new pieces were designed and fabricated - namely the camshafts and exhaust system. An extra oil cooler and an intercooler were attached to the lump to keep cooling under control.

These modifications boosted the power to 130bhp more than the standard Carrera, so RUF also had to turn its attention to the brakes and suspension. Altered springs and dampers, based loosely on the original items, lowered the car by 30mm, and larger ventilated discs were fitted to the front. The standard Cup wheels were replaced with the long-living RUF design, now forged and in 18-inch diameter.

RUF was able to base the BTR on both two- and four-wheel drive derivatives of the 993, so in essence created the GT2 model long before Porsche themselves.

The Exterior and Interior
In complete contrast to the rather serious mechanical equipment, RUF kept the exterior looking understated - and some would go as far to say 'dull'.

The RUF demonstrator was fitted with a small bodykit, featuring deeper sills and bumpers, as well as an extended rear wing to cover the newly-fitted intercooler. Small ventilation vents were cut into the front bumper, just below the bonnet - a feat echoed by Porsche with the 996 GT2.

However, such staid appearances could be lifted by a colour scheme - which was tailored to meet the needs of the customer.

As with all RUFs, the BTR shared a lot of its cabin with its Porsche brother - in this case the 993. However, RUF would fit its Integrated Roll Cage to order, which hugged the A and B pillars and also the sills, and was trimmed over so as to make it invisible. RUF-specific seats could be fitted, topped off with trimming as specified by the customer.