Ruf Reveals New 1000 Plus HP Twin Turbo Flat Eight Engine at Goodwood Festival of Speed
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The German performance car maker Ruf has introduced an all new engine at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it is unlike anything the company has built before. Called the B8, this brand new twin turbocharged flat eight engine produces more than 1,000 horsepower and marks a major step forward for the brand.
The engine is currently installed in a specially modified Ruf CTR3 prototype, where it will make its public debut during the famous Goodwood Hillclimb.
Ruf's First Flat Eight Engine
Ruf has always been closely associated with Porsche inspired performance cars and high performance flat six engines. This time, however, the company has gone in a completely different direction.
The new B8 is a 4.8 litre twin turbocharged horizontally opposed eight cylinder engine that has been designed and developed entirely in house by Ruf.
According to the company, the engine produces:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.8 litre Twin Turbo Flat Eight |
| Layout | Horizontally Opposed Boxer |
| Power | Over 1,000 hp |
| Torque | 737 lb ft (999 Nm) |
| Transmission | Six speed Manual |
| Status | Prototype |
Ruf has not released additional technical specifications yet, as the engine is still under development.
Why This Engine Is Special
Boxer engines are becoming increasingly rare in today’s automotive market.
At present, only a handful of manufacturers continue using them in production vehicles. Porsche still offers flat six engines in the 911, while Subaru continues to use flat four engines across most of its petrol lineup.
Now Ruf has taken the concept much further by creating a powerful flat eight designed specifically for future high performance models.
Built for the CTR3 Prototype
The B8 engine currently sits inside a specially modified Ruf CTR3 prototype.
To fit the larger powertrain, Ruf increased the vehicle’s length by 3.9 inches. The engine is paired with a six speed manual gearbox, something enthusiasts will certainly appreciate considering the enormous power output.
The prototype also wears a special Blossom Yellow inspired livery that pays tribute to the legendary 1987 Ruf CTR Yellowbird. The graphics on the body also highlight the car’s new eight cylinder engine.
Designed Completely In House
Ruf says the B8 has been engineered entirely by its own team rather than being based on an existing Porsche engine.
During the reveal, the company showcased the engine alongside chief engineer Marc Brunner and founder Alois Ruf, highlighting the importance of the project for the brand.
At the moment, the B8 remains a development platform. Ruf describes it as a dedicated testbed for technologies that will appear in a future production model.
Goodwood Festival of Speed Debut
The B8 powered CTR3 prototype is making its public debut at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Professional racing, rally and stunt driver Tanner Foust will drive the car during the event’s Supercar Run, completing two hill climbs each day between July 10 and July 12.
The runs will give enthusiasts their first opportunity to hear the new flat eight engine under full acceleration.
Will the B8 Enter Production?
Ruf has confirmed that the B8 engine is not yet production ready. However, the company also made it clear that this engine is being developed for a future Ruf production car.
Although no launch timeline has been announced, the prototype suggests the wait may not be very long.
A New Chapter for Ruf
Ruf built its reputation with legendary machines like the CTR Yellowbird, which famously reached 211 mph in 1987 and became one of the world’s most respected performance cars.
The new B8 engine shows that Ruf is still willing to push engineering boundaries. With more than 1,000 horsepower, a manual transmission and a unique flat eight layout, it could become one of the most exciting performance engines to reach production in the coming years.
Sources & References
1. Official RUF Automobile
RUF Automobile Official Website
Official website of RUF Automobile featuring its vehicles, engineering projects, and company news.
2. Official Goodwood Festival of Speed
Goodwood Festival of Speed Official Website
Official source for Festival of Speed news, schedules, entry lists, and event information.
3. Official Goodwood 2026 Entry List (PDF)
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026 Entry List (PDF)
Official 2026 participant list confirming the RUF B8 prototype and Tanner Foust’s appearance.
4. Car and Driver
Detailed report covering the RUF B8 flat eight engine, specifications, and Goodwood debut.
5. Road & Track
US automotive publication covering the engineering details and background of the new RUF B8 engine.
6. MotorTrend
Covers the B8 prototype, six speed manual transmission, and Goodwood Festival debut.
7. Motor1
First look at the RUF B8 prototype and its future production potential.
8. Hagerty
Explains the significance of the all new boxer eight engine and its place in RUF’s history.
9. The Drive
Description: Reports on the new 4.8 litre twin turbo flat eight and its future production plans.
10. Automotive Powertrain Technology International
Automotive Powertrain Technology International Coverage
Technical coverage focused on the engineering and development of the RUF B8 engine.
Ruf B8 Flat Eight Engine FAQs
What is the Ruf B8 Flat Eight engine?
The Ruf B8 is a newly developed 4.8 litre twin turbocharged flat eight boxer engine created entirely in house by Ruf. It is the company's first flat eight engine and was unveiled at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
How much power does the Ruf B8 engine produce?
Ruf says the B8 produces more than 1,000 horsepower and 737 lb ft (999 Nm) of torque, making it the most powerful engine the company has publicly revealed.
Which car uses the Ruf B8 engine?
The new engine is currently fitted to a specially modified Ruf CTR3 prototype. The car serves as a development platform for testing the new powertrain before it enters production.
What transmission is paired with the Ruf B8?
The B8 engine is connected to a six speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to enjoy full control despite the engine's massive power output.
Why was the Ruf CTR3 prototype modified?
Ruf lengthened the CTR3 prototype by 3.9 inches to create enough space for the larger flat eight engine while maintaining the car's mid engine layout.
Why is the Ruf B8 engine important?
Boxer engines are becoming increasingly rare. While Porsche continues using flat six engines and Subaru uses flat four engines, Ruf has introduced an all new flat eight, making it one of the few modern horizontally opposed eight cylinder engines.
Is the Ruf B8 engine ready for production?
No. Ruf has confirmed that the B8 is still a prototype. The engine currently serves as a dedicated testbed for technologies that will be used in a future production model.
Who developed the Ruf B8 engine?
According to Ruf, the engine was designed and engineered entirely in house. Chief engineer Marc Brunner and company founder Alois Ruf presented the project during its public unveiling.
Who drove the Ruf CTR3 prototype at Goodwood?
Professional racing, rally and stunt driver Tanner Foust drove the B8 powered CTR3 prototype during the Supercar Run at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Will the Ruf B8 engine be used in future production cars?
Yes. Ruf has confirmed that the prototype is being used to develop technologies for a future production model, although the company has not announced an official launch date.
