Windsor Star

RUF and Gemballa plan to turn out off-road-ready Porsche 911s

- ALEX REID

Two of the biggest names in Porsche tuning are competing for the title of King off the Streets, it seems, revealing their respective 4x4 Porsche 911 concepts in midmarch.

The Rodeo is powered by a flat-six engine turning out 510 horsepower, or 700 hp when two turbocharg­ers are added. The power goes to all four wheels, unlike in RUF’S standard cars, which are purely rear-wheel drive. A knob in the centre console allows the driver to set the torque split on the fly.

Gemballa’s offering is a little more extreme, although it’s just a rendering at this point. Based on the 991-generation Porsche 911, the body has been tweaked with Gemballa’s signature side scallops and a huge rear wing.

It’s called the Avalanche, and with those knobby tires, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it travelling upward on a snowy mountain before cascading back down, true to its name. Performanc­e numbers haven’t been released, but the brand offers an 818-hp upgraded flat-six engine in its other vehicles, so it’s possible it could be used here as well. We should note this car is totally separate from the retro Porsche-inspired supercar being developed by Marc Philipp Gemballa,

son of the famous brand’s founder. He plans to release his own concept soon — pending the outcome of the lawsuit against him, that is. Deliveries for the Gemballa are expected to be carried out within 24 months, while the RUF is not certain to make production yet.

Driving.ca

 ?? RUF GEMBALLA ?? The Porsche 911-based RUF Rodeo will deliver up to 700 hp to all four wheels.
The Gemballa Avalanche is expected to hit the market within 24 months.
RUF GEMBALLA The Porsche 911-based RUF Rodeo will deliver up to 700 hp to all four wheels. The Gemballa Avalanche is expected to hit the market within 24 months.

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