Ruf Rodeo vs. 911 Dakar: An Off-Road Rivalry Explored

The definition of a supercar was fundamentally rewritten on the manicured lawns of The Quail during Monterey Car Week, not with another hyper-low hypercar, but with a machine built for the opposite environment. Ruf Automobile has officially unveiled the first customer-ready Rodeo, a 610 horsepower, manual-transmission, carbon-fiber off-road beast that is as shocking in its engineering as it is in its appearance.

Based not on a modified Porsche 911 but on a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque chassis, the Rodeo stands apart as a unique, ground-up creation. The debut model, finished in a deep Jordan Black, presents an aggressively wide and tall stance, immediately signaling its serious intent. As reported by Carscoops on August 18, 2025, this vehicle is “the only off-road-ready vehicle of its kind,” a claim backed by its radical construction and rally-bred specifications.

Engineering a Rally-Inspired Revolution

The Rodeo’s purpose is etched into every design element. Integrated front and rear bash bars are ready for impacts, while pronounced fender flares house a significantly wider track than its Ruf SCR sibling—142 mm wider at the rear and 41 mm wider at the front. This gives the vehicle an incredibly planted, rally-ready footprint designed for high-speed stability on loose surfaces.

At its heart lies a 3.6-liter turbocharged water-cooled flat-six engine, a powerhouse that delivers a staggering 610 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. In a world increasingly dominated by automatic transmissions, Ruf defiantly offers a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. This sends power through a fully adjustable all-wheel-drive system, allowing the driver to tailor the torque split between the axles for any terrain, from tarmac to sand.

Uncompromising Off-Road Performance

The chassis technology matches the powertrain’s audacity. The Rodeo features a sophisticated pushrod-activated coilover suspension with active dampers and double-wishbone geometry. This setup provides a colossal 9.5 inches (242 mm) of ride height, enabling it to conquer obstacles that would halt any conventional supercar. Bringing this immense performance to a stop are carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers and 350 mm discs at all four corners.

The Rodeo was not the only highlight from Ruf at the prestigious event. The company also showcased a customer-spec CTR3 Evo, a 800 hp monster, and the Ruf Tribute, a 550 hp nod to its air-cooled heritage. However, it was the Rodeo that stole the spotlight, representing a bold new direction for high-performance vehicles.

The new Ruf Rodeo is more than a car; it is a statement. It defiantly rejects the notion that ultimate performance is confined to pristine asphalt, combining race-bred carbon fiber construction, a thrilling manual transmission, and brutal horsepower with genuine, uncompromising off-road capability. It challenges enthusiasts to explore the road less traveled, but to do so at speeds never before thought possible. For those seeking the ultimate driving adventure, the path forward is now clear.

Must Know

What is the top speed of the Ruf Rodeo?
While Ruf has not released an official top speed figure, the Rodeo’s 610 horsepower and aerodynamic profile suggest a potential top speed well exceeding 180 mph. However, its off-road suspension and tire setup are primarily optimized for high-speed stability on loose surfaces rather than outright top speed on a track.

How much does the Ruf Rodeo cost?
Ruf Automobile has not publicly disclosed the starting price for the Rodeo. Given its bespoke carbon fiber monocoque chassis, extremely limited production, and extensive performance engineering, it is positioned as an ultra-exclusive, multi-million-dollar vehicle for a select group of collectors.

Is the Ruf Rodeo based on a Porsche?
No, the Rodeo is not simply a modified Porsche. While it uses a flat-six engine architecture synonymous with the brand, it is built upon a proprietary carbon fiber monocoque chassis developed entirely by Ruf Automobile. This makes it a unique, ground-up creation from the renowned German manufacturer.

What makes the Ruf Rodeo’s transmission special?
In an era where dual-clutch automatics are the norm for high-performance vehicles, the Ruf Rodeo is offered with a standard six-speed manual transmission. This provides a more engaging and connected driving experience, which is a core philosophy for Ruf and highly valued by driving purists.