The Driver’s Seat: Henry Catchpole on the TAG Turbo and RUF CTR 911s

Hagerty Media

Sometimes a Porsche 911 with a McLaren Formula 1 engine in the back just isn’t enough. Because more is always better, we paired the amazing TAG Turbo with the wild 700hp RUF CTR. And just in case the duo wasn’t eye-catching enough on its own, Broad Arrow happened to have access to both in one of the most fabulous Porsche paint colors—Mint Green (mintgrün, code 22R). These are some extra-strong mints!

Henry Catchpole certainly had his hands full with this pair at Anglesey circuit, but both delivered unforgettable experiences. The TAG Turbo is one of 11 cars made by Lanzante in tribute to an original Porsche mule. That factory car was built to test the famous turbocharged V-6 that McLaren used in its Formula 1 cars from 1983 to 1987, winning three drivers’ championships and two constructors’ championships. The engine in this particular car, AP87, was used by Alain Prost for three races, with a best result of third place at the 1987 Hungarian Grand Prix.

The original RUF CTR is a legend thanks to the 1980s Yellowbird and the film Fascination on the Nürburgring. This is the modern iteration of that car, now with 700hp and a carbon-fiber chassis (you can find out more about the chassis in our recent RUF film featuring the SCR). With a seven-speed manual gearbox and 649 lb-ft of turbocharged torque going to the rear wheels, it certainly lives up to the legend of its wild forebear.

Both cars are fabulously finished and very distinct to drive. The TAG Turbo is incredibly well-sorted and not as unruly or one-dimensional as it might sound. Equally, the RUF has a real smoothness and air of usability to it in spite of the crazy numbers. As icing on the cake, both of these six-cylinder engines were originally designed by the legendary Hans Mezger. Which one would you choose?

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Comments

    I did not know about the mule with the F1 Turbo V6. That thing spits fire all day in the video. Very cool cars.

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