RUF Rodeo looks ready for Safari rally

RUF Automobiles has released pictures of a new off-road concept that pays tribute to the original Porsche 911 rally cars that once competed in the brutal Safari rally in the seventies and eighties.

The concept, based on the 964-series 911 (made between 1989-1993), is more than a quick re-skin of an old car because beneath the RUF creation is the car-maker's carbon-fibre monocoque chassis.

The same architecture was used on the 2017 RUF 'Yellowbird' CTR concept that weighed just 1200kg and churned out a mighty 522kW.

Instead of obsessing of hot-lapping the Nurburgring, the Rodeo has a more relaxed attitude to going fast, with a jacked-up ride height, front nudge bar, practical roof rack – for extra carrying-capacity – and a boot lid-mounted spade for when you venture a little too far off-road.

Not that the Rodeo isn't blisteringly quick – it's available with either a 4.0-litre flat-six-cylinder that generates 367kW and 465Nm or an even more powerful twin-turbo 3.6-litre that punches out 478Nm and 830Nm of torque.

The latter should be enough for a 0-100km/h sprint of less than 3.0 seconds – even with the a six-speed manual transmission.

Cementing its off-road credentials, the Rodeo gets proper all-wheel drive and motorsport-inspired dampers to cope with the roughest conditions.

Inside, the German tuner admits its latest creation is more Beverly Hills' rodeo Drive than rally-bred hero.

That explains the cowboy-inspired brown leather and Navajo-inspired fabrics.

Despite its rustic feel, look closer and you'll spot the cool aluminium pedal box, and sprinkling of carbon-fibre hinting at its state-of-the-art construction below the skin.

Commenting in his latest creation RUF marketing chief, Estonia Ruf, said: “When we began building our own automobiles it was all for the thrill of the drive. The Rodeo Concept combines that passion for cars with the love of western culture – an appreciation I found while studying in Oklahoma, USA. This car is inspired by some of our favourite people and our love for the countryside.”

There's no word how many Rodeos RUF plans to build, nor has it revealed what's believed to be a seven-figure price tag for the ultra-limited Safari rally 911 homage.