RUF Automobile GmbH, the Pfaffenhausen, Germany-based manufacturer and creator of bespoke sports cars that combine performance and suitability for everyday use, has unveiled the first production RUF SCR and something completely different, the RUF Rodeo Concept. The RUF SCR features a 4.0L normally aspirated flat-six engine producing 510HP with 470 Nm of torque and it weighs-in at 1,250 kg. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and the car’s spoiler generates high downforce, keeping the RUF SCR stable at its top speed of 199 mph. The RUF Rodeo Concept was inspired by the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance and its founder – and friend of RUF – Bruce Meyer, as well as by Ralph Lauren and his 2011 Western Collection, and RUF enthusiast and collector Phillip Sarofim who has roots in Texas. The car features the same carbon fibre monocoque chassis as the CTR Anniversary and the SCR, but with a four-wheel drive system to tackle off-road use, larger all-terrain tires, longer-travel suspension and more. The Rodeo Concept can accommodate either a normally aspirated or turbo-charged RUF flat-six engine. “When we began building our own automobiles it was all for the thrill of the drive,” said Estonia Ruf, marketing director of RUF Automobile GmbH. “The Rodeo Concept combines that passion for cars with the love of western culture – an appreciation I found while studying in Oklahoma. This car is inspired by some of our favorite people and our love for the countryside.”
Audi PR minions say that its new 2020 RS Q8 "combines the genes of a high-performance RS model with the practicality of an SUV and the dynamic design of an Audi coupe." The monster SUV has a bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 591HP and 590 lb-ft of torque. The RS Q8 accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and achieves a top track speed of 155 mph (or 190 mph when equipped with the RS ceramic brakes). Apropos of pretty much nothing, the RS Q8 is currently the fastest production SUV to lap the Nürburgring with an official time of 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds. How much? The MSRP is $113,000. The price excludes the $995 destination charge, taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price. (So beware.)
AE Song Lyrics of the Week:
I went home with a waitress the way I always do
How was I to know she was with the Russians, too?
I was gambling in Havana, I took a little risk
Send lawyers, guns, and money
Dad, get me out of this, hiyah!
An innocent bystander
Somehow I got stuck between a rock and a hard place
And I'm down on my luck
Yes, I'm down on my luck
Well, I'm down on my luck
I'm hiding in Honduras, I'm a desperate man
Send lawyers, guns, and money
The shit has hit the fan
Send lawyers, guns, and money
Send lawyers, guns, and money
Send lawyers, guns, and money, hiyah!
Send lawyers, guns, and money, ow!
"Lawyers, Guns and Money" by Warren William Zevon from the album "Excitable Boy" (1978), © Zevon Music/Universal Music Publishing Group. Watch a video here.
*This is about a troubled youth visiting Cuba who writes home to his father for help. The reference to "I'm hiding in Honduras" may refer to the short exile of famous American short story writer O. Henry (Will Porter). In 1894, while working as a bank teller in Austin, Texas, Porter embezzled $5,000. He fled to New Orleans and then Honduras to avoid prosecution. At that time, U.S. companies began their major export of Bananas from Honduras to the U.S., so the New Orleans-Honduras route was a well traveled one. Porter stayed in Honduras for eleven months but returned to Austin to be near his terminally ill wife. He was arrested an served time in jail. Zevon once stated that this was based on a true story. He and his manager were partying in Mexico, when the "party" decided to take to the road and it looked liked it was "about to hit the fan." Zevon's manager feigned a phone call: "Send lawyers." Zevon jumped in: "And guns... and money." (Courtesy of songfacts.com)