Inspired by the classic 1967 Porsche 911 Targa, the new ‘Roadster’ from the German Porsche tuning specialist Ruf features a two-piece removable carbonfibre roof...

Remember the eRuf Greenster, which Ruf revealed at the 2009 Geneva Salon? That too, had classic Targa styling, but in the case of the ‘Greenster’, the big news was that it was electric – with a battery that Ruf claimed could be recharged in less than an hour using a 400-volt power source. The Greenster, we’re told, will be produced in small numbers during 2011.

Back to the Ruf Roadster, and we see a solid rollover bar and the option of removing just one half of the carbonfibre roof. The rear section, in canvas with a polyglass window, can be left in place or opened independently of the roof.

The engine choice is a naturally aspirated 394bhp flat-six (0-62mph in 4.6 seconds) or a 552bhp turbocharged version of the same. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with the option of dual-clutch transmission and four-wheel drive.

Prices start at 195,000 euros plus taxes.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Ruf