Ruf BTW C4 Turbo with a Surprise

Something a little different this time around

This was an interesting piece of equipment that found its way to us in the early days of H&S Motorsport (~2016/17). The RUF EKS (Elektronische Kupplungssteuerung) or the Electronic Clutch Control. This was a literal delete of the clutch pedal while still using the same manual gear selector. This 1991 RUF BTR C4 Turbo was a truly special thing. Using a combination of sensors, this set up drove just like a manual would without the driver needing the clutch. Engine speed, gearbox speed, throttle position and a torque sensor for the gear selector made this whole unit come together. A seperate control unit was powering the system found under the driver’s seat. Mercedes had a similar set up even before this (pre-90s) with the “hydrak” system. Overall, the already special car was made pretty unique with this. It came to us with a malfunction in the system, rendering it hard to sell. We made contact with RUF and worked with them over the phone for a few days besides deciding their unit was best being sent back to them for repairs. I still think about this car today. It was a neat piece of automotive history and a seemingly random job for us at the time.

Ruf’s classic wheel choice makes the already striking 964 look even more spicy