Electric Cars

A truly unique vehicle, the Ruf Project Dragon, distinguished by its exclusive Dragon Fire Orange finish, is poised to be a highlight at Gooding Christie's upcoming Retromobile New York sale in November 2026. This exceptional, factory-commissioned automobile, which integrates elements from the renowned CTR2 Sport with a bespoke design tailored to a single client's vision, represents a significant moment for collectors. It underscores Ruf's infrequent ventures into one-off creations, making its appearance at auction a notable event for those monitoring the collector car market.

This remarkable car, crossing the auction block on November 20 and 21, comes with an estimated value ranging from $6 million to $8 million and will be sold without a reserve. Such an offering is rare for Ruf, a company that typically focuses on variations of existing models rather than entirely singular commissions. The Project Dragon stands as a testament to Ruf's engineering prowess and their capacity to fulfill highly individualized requests, setting it apart from their more common offerings.

The Project Dragon is far from a mere modification or restoration of an existing Porsche 911. It was meticulously constructed as a bespoke order, integrating the mechanical specifications of the Ruf CTR2 Sport within a body and interior crafted to the precise desires of its original owner. David Brynan, a Senior Specialist at Gooding Christie's, highlighted that the car embodies the ethos of Ruf's legendary Yellowbird and CTR2 models, which were instrumental in establishing the manufacturer's reputation for blending subtle aesthetics with outstanding performance capabilities.

The exterior design was conceptualized by Tony Hatter, celebrated for his contributions to the 993-generation Porsche 911. His direct involvement imbues the Project Dragon with a direct link to Porsche's own design heritage. The car's coachwork is made entirely of bespoke carbon fiber, uniquely developed for this vehicle rather than being adapted from an existing Ruf platform, further emphasizing its exclusivity and custom nature.

Brynan underscored the vehicle's unique status as "one of the few one-off automobiles ever created by Ruf." He further elaborated that it is "a unique expression of the company's engineering expertise and willingness to realize an individual customer's vision." This comment emphasizes the vehicle's unparalleled nature within Ruf's history, which typically sees the company producing numerous variants on established platforms, such as the 928R and other prototypes, rather than truly unique, single-commissioned projects.

Underpinning its unique design, the chassis is equipped with high-performance carbon ceramic brakes and a Bilstein PSS10 suspension system, complemented by a Ruf-integrated roll cage. These specifications suggest a vehicle built for rigorous driving, rather than just display, despite its almost untouched condition. Power is delivered by a custom air-cooled engine, generating 621 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, placing the Project Dragon squarely within the high-performance category of Ruf's road-going vehicles. With only 759 miles recorded at the time of its cataloging, the car remains in an almost new state, reflecting its limited use since completion.

The projected auction price, ranging from $6,000,000 to $8,000,000, acknowledges both the advanced engineering and the singular character of this vehicle. The decision to offer it without a reserve is expected to heighten interest among serious collectors, ensuring it will go to the highest bidder regardless of the final price. Gooding Christie's Retromobile New York Auctions will occur on November 20 and 21, 2026, as part of the broader Retromobile New York event at the Javits Center, which spans from November 19 to November 22. This particular car is slated as a live auction item, distinguishing it from online-only sales and reinforcing its prestige.

The upcoming auction of the Ruf Project Dragon marks a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire an automobile that embodies both exceptional engineering and an unparalleled level of bespoke craftsmanship. Its unique design, high-performance capabilities, and the prestige associated with Ruf's limited production philosophy make it a significant piece for any discerning enthusiast.

In a significant move that underscores a long-standing alliance, Porsche has bolstered its stake in Manthey to 67 percent. This strategic enhancement coincides with Manthey's thirtieth anniversary, a period marked by its dedicated work in refining Porsche's sports cars for unparalleled track performance. To commemorate this three-decade milestone, Manthey has proudly presented two distinct limited-edition racing machines, demonstrating the pinnacle of its engineering prowess.

Manthey Unveils 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport MR 30 and 911 GT3 Cup MR 30 at Hockenheim

The exclusive 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport MR 30 and 911 GT3 Cup MR 30 were officially introduced during the DTM season's grand finale at Hockenheim. These vehicles transcend mere celebratory designs; they are purpose-built racing cars that integrate decades of Manthey's insights from customer racing, particularly in areas like aerodynamics, cooling systems, suspension tuning, and weight reduction. For the 718 model, this represents a significant final iteration, especially as Porsche transitions away from internal combustion engine (ICE) Cayman production.

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport MR 30 is equipped with a formidable 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine, generating an impressive 493 horsepower. Its construction features extensive carbon-fiber components and specialized wheels, contributing to a weight reduction of 12.5 pounds (5.7 kilograms) compared to the standard model. The exterior has been meticulously redesigned, incorporating new fenders, hood, front bumper, splitter, rear bumper, rear lid, and a distinctive wing. Enhanced front flics and a carbon-fiber diffuser optimize downforce, while an innovative central radiator layout and improved brake cooling ensure peak performance during endurance events. This model also boasts unique anniversary graphics, a numbered plaque, and custom headrest embroidery, all adorned in Manthey’s signature white and red livery.

The more potent 911 GT3 Cup MR 30, based on the 992.1-generation 911 GT3 Cup, features a water-cooled 4.2-liter flat-six engine, delivering 552 horsepower—a notable increase in displacement over the standard Cup car's 4.0-liter unit. Power is efficiently transmitted to the rear wheels via a sequential six-speed gearbox. Manthey has meticulously refined its aerodynamics and cooling, leveraging its vast experience from Nürburgring customer races. The bodywork extensively utilizes recycled carbon-fiber components for the front wings, hood, rear body panels, wheel-arch extensions, and rear wing. A central radiator design enhances airflow and mitigates damage risk, while enlarged brake-cooling inlets maintain optimal temperatures under extreme conditions. Further enhancements include a six-way adjustable coilover suspension, revised front and rear suspension geometry, and expanded track widths—an increase of 0.8 inches (20 millimeters) at the front and nearly 2 inches (50 millimeters) at the rear. Lightweight forged wheels reduce an additional 8.3 pounds (3.8 kilograms), and exclusive anniversary details differentiate it from the regular Cup MR.

Manthey plans to produce only 15 units of each special edition, making them exceptionally exclusive. Orders will be accepted until October 30, with allocations following. Deliveries for the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport MR 30 are set for November, and the 911 GT3 Cup MR 30 will follow in the first quarter of the coming year. Although pricing details are not yet public, these vehicles are explicitly designed for serious competition and discerning customers, with availability confirmed for the United States market.

This unveiling by Manthey highlights not just a celebration of its past achievements but also a clear vision for the future of high-performance motorsport. The dedication to engineering excellence and the meticulous attention to detail in these anniversary models serve as a testament to Manthey's enduring legacy and its vital role in enhancing Porsche's racing pedigree. It also signals a fascinating future as Manthey potentially extends its expertise to Porsche's forthcoming electric vehicles, as hinted by their previous work on the Taycan. This blend of tradition and innovation ensures that Manthey will continue to push the boundaries of automotive performance, offering unparalleled machines for the world's most demanding circuits.