RUF’s Rodeo 911 Off-Roader Concept Is A Thorn In The Cayenne’s Side

If you’re a Porsche purist and you’ve never appreciated the Cayenne, then perhaps an off-road version of a classic 911 model will be more to your liking.

That’s exactly what Porsche-tuner RUF had in mind when they decided to build this so-called Rodeo Concept, loosely based on both the CTR Anniversary, as well as the SCR models. It features a four-wheel drive system, all-terrain tires and a modded suspension.

The concept was designed to accommodate either normally aspirated or turbo-charged RUF flat-six engines. “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 carswith the love of western culture–an appreciation I foundwhile studying in Oklahoma, USA. This car is inspired by some of our favorite people and our love for the countryside.”

Watch: Jay Leno Takes A Look At Three Iconic RUF CTR Models

But why is it called ‘Rodeo’, you might wonder? Well, because it was inspired by the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance, as well as by Ralph Lauren and his 2011 Western Collection, hence the Westernized exterior design. This is more of a flat dirt terrain type of vehicle, as opposed to something you’d use to climb difficult mountain paths – its ground clearance isn’t THAT impressive.

With little known about the concept as of right now, we can only speculate regarding its fate. Of course, should there be a demand for something like this, we wouldn’t put it past RUF to build a few customer cars.

Believe it or not, this is not the first off-road focused Porsche 911 we’ve ever seen. It might be the most fashionable, but in terms of capability it’s got nothing on that Smash Customs-tuned 911, unveiled back in 2017 at SEMA.

That one had a full roll cage, bucket seats, independent front and rear suspension with Exit shock absorbers and twin shocks on every corner. Then again, apples and oranges.