All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid Wins 2026 Wards Engine Award

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The 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid has earned a major industry accolade ahead of its U.S. market launch, with its innovative e-POWER hybrid system named one of the winners of the 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems awards. The recognition highlights Nissan’s alternative approach to hybrid technology, combining electric-motor-driven wheels with a gasoline engine that generates electricity rather than mechanically driving the vehicle.

The new Rogue Hybrid marks the first application of Nissan’s e-POWER technology in the United States and introduces a distinctive powertrain concept to the highly competitive compact SUV segment. Unlike conventional hybrids, which can use both an internal combustion engine and electric motors to propel the vehicle, the Rogue Hybrid relies on electric motors to drive the wheels in all driving situations.

Nissan says the system has been engineered to deliver smooth acceleration, quieter operation and improved efficiency, with the Rogue Hybrid SR targeting an estimated 38 mpg combined. The SUV is scheduled to reach U.S. dealerships in fall 2026, initially in an all-wheel-drive SR configuration, before the broader model lineup arrives in early 2027.

The award marks the 25th time a Nissan vehicle has been recognized by Wards, reinforcing the manufacturer’s long-standing investment in powertrain development and electrification.

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid: Why Its e-POWER System Won a Wards Award

The Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems awards recognize powertrains available in the U.S. market, evaluating factors that include engineering innovation, power delivery, torque and efficiency.

For the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid, the defining feature is its e-POWER architecture. Rather than using a traditional hybrid transmission to connect the gasoline engine to the wheels, the system uses the combustion engine primarily as an onboard electricity generator.

The electric motors then provide propulsion, delivering the immediate response associated with electric vehicles without requiring drivers to plug the SUV into an external charging source.

This distinction is central to Nissan’s strategy. The company aims to combine the driving characteristics of an electric vehicle with the convenience of a gasoline-powered vehicle, eliminating the need to plan journeys around public charging infrastructure.

Ponz Pandikuthira, senior vice president and chief product and planning officer at Nissan Americas, said the new Rogue Hybrid was developed to combine the practicality and technology of the brand’s best-selling Rogue with a hybrid powertrain designed to provide smoother, quicker and quieter performance.

The Wards recognition provides an early endorsement of that engineering approach as Nissan prepares to introduce e-POWER to American customers.

Nissan e-POWER Explained: An Electric-Drive Hybrid Without Plug-In Charging

The 2027 Rogue Hybrid introduces the latest evolution of Nissan’s e-POWER technology, which the company has developed across three generations since 2016.

Nissan reports that nearly two million e-POWER-equipped vehicles have been sold across 68 countries since the technology’s introduction. The U.S.-market Rogue Hybrid represents a significant expansion of the system into one of the world’s most competitive SUV markets.

The e-POWER system uses a dedicated gasoline engine to generate electricity, while electric motors drive the wheels directly. Depending on operating conditions and battery charge, the engine can start when electricity is needed and shut off when the battery has sufficient charge.

This arrangement differs from conventional hybrid systems, in which the gasoline engine can directly propel the wheels through a transmission or other mechanical connection.

Because the Rogue Hybrid’s wheels are driven by electric motors, acceleration does not depend on conventional gear changes. The result is intended to be a more linear and responsive driving experience, particularly during acceleration from low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic.

Nissan describes the architecture as a 5-in-1 system, integrating key components into a compact arrangement designed to improve efficiency and packaging.

The company has also tuned the latest e-POWER system specifically for North American driving conditions, including typical speeds, road surfaces and customer driving habits.

For buyers who appreciate the smoothness of electric propulsion but are not ready to switch to a fully electric SUV, this approach could offer an appealing middle ground.

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid MPG: Up to 38 MPG Combined

Fuel economy will be an important factor in determining the Rogue Hybrid’s competitiveness against established hybrid compact SUVs.

According to Nissan’s estimates, the 2027 Rogue Hybrid SR delivers:

  • 41 mpg in city driving
  • 36 mpg on the highway
  • 38 mpg combined

These figures are manufacturer estimates and should be distinguished from final EPA-certified ratings.

The city figure is particularly relevant to the e-POWER concept. Electric motors can deliver torque immediately, while the gasoline engine can operate as a generator under conditions intended to support efficient energy production.

In congested traffic, the system’s ability to shut off the engine when it is not required to generate electricity can also contribute to quieter operation.

On the highway, fuel consumption will depend on speed, road conditions, temperature, vehicle load and other factors. The final EPA ratings will provide a standardized basis for comparison with rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid.

The Rogue Hybrid’s combination of electric-motor propulsion and gasoline-powered electricity generation could appeal to drivers who want the smooth response of an electric vehicle without relying on external charging.

However, real-world fuel economy and the total cost of ownership will ultimately determine how attractive the new Nissan is compared with conventional hybrids and plug-in alternatives.

Nissan Rogue Hybrid Introduces Smooth Stop and One-Pedal Driving

Beyond its powertrain architecture, Nissan is emphasizing technologies intended to make the Rogue Hybrid easier and more comfortable to drive in everyday conditions.

One of the key additions is Smooth Stop, which Nissan describes as a first-in-class feature. The system automatically modulates braking pressure as the vehicle approaches a complete stop, helping reduce head-toss and making deceleration feel more controlled.

The technology addresses a familiar issue in stop-and-go driving: the abrupt sensation passengers can experience during the final phase of braking.

By adjusting brake pressure near the end of a stop, Smooth Stop is designed to create a more seamless transition from motion to rest.

The Rogue Hybrid also features Nissan’s e-Pedal technology, which the manufacturer identifies as unique in its class. The system enables one-pedal driving by using regenerative braking to slow the vehicle when the driver lifts off the accelerator.

Under appropriate conditions, e-Pedal can bring the SUV to a complete stop without requiring the driver to press the brake pedal for every deceleration event.

Regenerative braking converts some of the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy, which can be returned to the battery. This helps recover energy that would otherwise be dissipated primarily as heat through conventional braking.

One-pedal driving can be particularly useful in urban traffic, where frequent acceleration and deceleration are common. It can also reduce the amount of pedal switching required from the driver.

Together, Smooth Stop and e-Pedal demonstrate that Nissan is focusing not only on fuel economy but also on the quality of the driving experience.

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid AWD SR: First Model Arrives in Fall 2026

Nissan plans to introduce the 2027 Rogue Hybrid to U.S. dealerships in fall 2026, initially offering the all-wheel-drive SR equipped with the SR Technology Package.

Availability will be limited during the initial launch phase, according to the company.

The wider lineup, comprising SV, SR and Platinum grades, is expected to arrive in early 2027. Nissan has announced a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $35,490 for the SV grade.

The difference in timing means customers interested in the initial SR model may face a more restricted choice of configurations before the full range becomes available.

The three-grade lineup should eventually provide a broader range of equipment and comfort options, although final specifications and pricing for individual versions should be confirmed with Nissan as the launch approaches.

The Rogue is an important model in Nissan’s U.S. portfolio, making the introduction of e-POWER strategically significant. The compact SUV category is crowded with established hybrid competitors, and a new powertrain concept could help the brand distinguish its latest offering.

The initial all-wheel-drive SR configuration also positions the Rogue Hybrid as a practical option for buyers who want an electrified SUV with additional traction capability.

Nissan e-POWER vs Conventional Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

The Rogue Hybrid’s architecture raises an important question: how does e-POWER differ from the hybrid systems already available in the compact SUV market?

In a conventional hybrid, the gasoline engine can typically drive the wheels directly, with electric motors providing assistance or propulsion under certain conditions. Some systems can also operate in electric-only mode for limited periods.

In a battery-electric vehicle, an external charging source replenishes the battery, and electric motors provide propulsion without an onboard gasoline engine.

Nissan’s e-POWER system takes a different route. The gasoline engine generates electricity, while the electric motors are responsible for driving the wheels. The vehicle does not require external charging in normal use.

This gives the Rogue Hybrid a driving experience intended to resemble that of an electric vehicle while retaining the refuelling convenience of a gasoline-powered model.

The approach also introduces a conversion step: gasoline energy is converted into electricity before being used for propulsion. Depending on operating conditions, this can involve different efficiency trade-offs compared with a conventional hybrid or a fully electric vehicle.

Consequently, e-POWER should not automatically be assumed to be more efficient than every competing system. Actual fuel consumption, operating conditions and EPA ratings will determine how it performs against rivals.

Its strongest selling point is the combination of electric-motor-driven wheels, smooth acceleration and the ability to refuel at conventional gasoline stations.

For drivers who are interested in electric driving characteristics but do not want to depend on charging infrastructure, that combination could be especially attractive.

What the Wards Award Means for Nissan’s Electrification Strategy

The 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems recognition comes as Nissan continues to develop alternatives to conventional gasoline powertrains.

The company has spent nearly a decade expanding e-POWER into international markets, and the introduction of the technology in the United States represents an important next step.

The Rogue Hybrid provides a high-volume vehicle platform through which Nissan can introduce the system to American consumers. Rather than launching e-POWER in a niche model, the company is bringing it to the compact SUV category, where fuel economy, passenger comfort and everyday usability are major purchasing considerations.

Winning a Wards award before the model reaches dealerships also gives Nissan an opportunity to highlight the engineering behind the vehicle during the launch period.

The recognition does not, by itself, establish that the Rogue Hybrid will outperform every rival in fuel economy, reliability or ownership costs. Those questions will require independent testing and longer-term customer experience.

Nevertheless, the award highlights the technical distinction of a powertrain that departs from the conventional hybrid formula.

With the 2027 Rogue Hybrid, Nissan is betting that American buyers will value the smoothness of electric propulsion without wanting the charging requirements associated with a battery-electric SUV.

Source: Nissan

NEW CARS

Maserati GT2 Stradale Fuoriserie Celebrates MC12 Racing Glory at Villa La Massa Excellence 2026

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Maserati is bringing its motorsport heritage into the spotlight at Villa La Massa Excellence 2026, showcasing a bespoke Maserati GT2 Stradale Fuoriserie inspired by the legendary MC12 and its remarkable success in international GT racing. Taking place from October 16 to 18 at the historic Villa La Massa estate near Florence, Italy, the prestigious concours d’elegance will unite two generations of Trident performance in a celebration of racing history, Italian craftsmanship and exclusivity.

The special GT2 Stradale Fuoriserie has been commissioned for a collector and created through Maserati’s personalization program. Finished in metallic Blu Victory with distinctive white motorsport details, the one-off configuration pays tribute to the MC12, the race car that helped return Maserati to international GT competition in 2004 and established one of the most successful chapters in the marque’s modern history.

Alongside the historic MC12, the bespoke GT2 Stradale will demonstrate how Maserati continues to translate its racing experience into road-going supercars. With 640 horsepower, a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of just 2.8 seconds and a top speed exceeding 320 km/h, the GT2 Stradale combines track-focused engineering with the elegance expected of a high-performance Italian grand tourer.

Maserati GT2 Stradale Fuoriserie: A Bespoke Tribute to the MC12

The centerpiece of Maserati‘s appearance at Villa La Massa Excellence 2026 is a uniquely specified GT2 Stradale created through the brand’s exclusive Fuoriserie customization program.

Rather than relying on a conventional factory color and trim combination, the owner worked with Maserati’s creative team to develop a configuration inspired by the achievements of the MC12 in the FIA GT Championship and the World GT1 Championship.

The exterior is finished in metallic Blu Victory, a color selected to celebrate the titles won by the MC12 in the World GT1 Championship. The blue finish is complemented by a large Bianco Pastello Trident emblem on the matte-carbon-fiber roof, while the rear wing features white Maserati lettering.

Additional motorsport-inspired details reinforce the connection with the brand’s competition cars. A white number panel incorporates the Italian flag, the word Italy and the number 33 in red. Black anodized center-lock wheels, paired with Bianco Pastello emblems, complete the distinctive exterior treatment.

The bespoke theme continues inside the cabin. Blue Alcantara upholstery is combined with black stitching on the Trident emblems embroidered into the headrests, while additional black Alcantara surfaces feature blue stitching.

Every detail contributes to the impression of a road car designed to reflect the spirit of a racing machine. The result is more than a cosmetic customization package: it is a personal interpretation of Maserati’s motorsport history, created around the tastes of an individual collector.

One particularly meaningful detail is found beneath the engine cover. Andrea Bertolini, Maserati’s Reference Driver and Racing Advisor, personally signed the engine bay at the owner’s request, adding a direct connection to the people who helped establish the MC12’s competitive legacy.

Maserati MC12: The Racing Legend Behind the GT2 Stradale

To understand the significance of the GT2 Stradale Fuoriserie’s specification, it is necessary to look back to 2004, when Maserati returned to international GT racing after a 37-year absence.

The MC12 became the foundation of that comeback. Developed as a high-performance supercar with a dedicated competition program, it established Maserati as a dominant force in international GT championships during the following years.

Between 2004 and 2010, the MC12 recorded 22 victories and secured 14 titles, including two Constructors’ Cups, five Drivers’ Championships and six Team Championships, according to Maserati.

Its achievements extended to endurance racing. At the 24 Hours of Spa, the MC12 secured victories in 2005, 2006 and 2008, alongside second-place finishes in 2007 and 2009. Those results helped establish the model as one of the defining GT racing cars of its era.

Among the drivers associated with the MC12’s success, Andrea Bertolini played a particularly important role. His achievements included winning the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship, reinforcing his place in Maserati’s modern racing history.

Bertolini’s signature on the bespoke GT2 Stradale therefore carries significance beyond its collectible appeal. It links the contemporary road car directly to the competitive achievements that inspired its design.

The MC12 remains an important reference point for Maserati because it demonstrated how racing success could strengthen a brand’s identity. Its influence is evident in the GT2 Stradale, which carries forward the same ambition to combine Italian design, advanced engineering and genuine motorsport credentials.

Maserati GT2 Stradale Performance: 640 HP and More Than 320 km/h

Although the MC12 provides the historical inspiration, the GT2 Stradale represents Maserati’s current approach to road-going performance.

The model is derived from the Maserati GT2 competition car, which marked the Trident’s return to racing in closed-wheel championships. Developed to bring the experience gained on the circuit to public roads, the GT2 Stradale combines motorsport-derived engineering with the refinement and design expected of a modern Maserati.

Power comes from the brand’s 3.0-liter Nettuno V6 engine, producing 640 horsepower. Maserati quotes a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed exceeding 320 km/h.

Those figures place the GT2 Stradale firmly in supercar territory. However, its character is shaped by more than engine output.

Reduced weight, track-developed aerodynamics and technical solutions derived from competition help distinguish the GT2 Stradale from more conventional high-performance road cars. The objective is to provide a sharper, more focused driving experience while retaining the elegance and usability associated with Maserati.

The car is produced at the historic Viale Ciro Menotti plant in Modena, reinforcing its connection to the company’s Italian manufacturing heritage.

Maserati describes the GT2 Stradale as its most performance-focused road-going model ever produced. Its development reflects the challenge of adapting a racing car’s engineering principles to a vehicle that must also function outside the circuit.

The GT2 Stradale Fuoriserie displayed at Villa La Massa brings these characteristics together with a highly personalized appearance. Beneath the bespoke paintwork and interior finishes lies a car whose identity is fundamentally linked to track performance.

Maserati Fuoriserie: Personalization Meets Italian Craftsmanship

The GT2 Stradale’s distinctive specification highlights the role of Maserati Fuoriserie, the brand’s customization program for customers seeking a more individual interpretation of their cars.

The process begins with a dialogue between the customer and Maserati’s creative team. From there, the owner can personalize a range of elements, including exterior colors, interior materials, finishes and equipment.

The objective is to create a vehicle that reflects the owner’s preferences while remaining consistent with Maserati’s design language and craftsmanship.

The Blu Victory GT2 Stradale demonstrates how this approach can draw on the company’s history without simply reproducing a historic model. Its color scheme, racing number panel, Italian flag details and signature Alcantara interior establish a clear connection with the MC12, while the underlying vehicle remains a modern super sports car.

Fuoriserie forms part of BOTTEGAFUORISERIE, an exclusive project centered on the relationship between tradition, innovation and craftsmanship.

For the collector car market, this type of customization offers a different form of exclusivity from limited-production numbers alone. The vehicle becomes distinctive through a combination of personal choices, specialist finishes and a story that connects the owner to the manufacturer’s heritage.

In the case of the GT2 Stradale Fuoriserie, that story is rooted in Maserati’s return to competition and the championships that followed.

Villa La Massa Excellence 2026: Maserati Takes Its Supercar to the Track

The fourth edition of Villa La Massa Excellence takes place from October 16 to 18, 2026, at the historic estate overlooking the Arno River outside Florence.

The event celebrates automotive excellence through a concours d’elegance format that brings together significant vehicles in an atmosphere of Italian culture, design and craftsmanship. For Maserati, the setting provides an opportunity to present both a landmark from its racing past and a contemporary expression of its performance philosophy.

On Saturday, October 17, the MC12 and GT2 Stradale Fuoriserie are scheduled to appear in the Car Show and Contest. The program includes a parade through the estate’s gardens followed by the award ceremonies.

The event continues on Sunday, October 18, when the GT2 Stradale will take part in the Mugello Track Experience, travelling to the Mugello Circuit for the closing parade.

The change of setting is particularly appropriate for a car developed around track performance. After appearing among historic and exceptional automobiles at the concours, the GT2 Stradale will return to a circuit environment where its engineering can be appreciated in its intended context.

The program also reinforces the central theme of Maserati’s appearance: the relationship between heritage and modern performance. The MC12 represents the racing success that shaped the brand’s identity, while the GT2 Stradale demonstrates how that experience continues to influence its road cars.

Maserati MC12 vs GT2 Stradale: Two Generations of Racing DNA

Although separated by different eras of engineering and automotive technology, the MC12 and GT2 Stradale share a common philosophy.

The MC12 established Maserati’s modern motorsport credentials through its success in international GT racing. Its victories and championship titles helped revive the company’s competition identity and created a lasting reference point for subsequent performance models.

The GT2 Stradale represents a more contemporary interpretation of that philosophy. Its 640-hp Nettuno V6, advanced aerodynamics and track-focused engineering deliver a road car shaped by the technical experience of Maserati’s GT2 racing program.

The bespoke Fuoriserie configuration strengthens that connection through visual references to the MC12’s championship-winning era.

Yet the two cars also represent different expressions of exclusivity. The MC12 is celebrated for its historical significance and competition record, while the GT2 Stradale Fuoriserie adds the personal story of a collector who commissioned a vehicle tailored to a specific vision.

Together, they illustrate how motorsport heritage can influence both the engineering and emotional appeal of a modern supercar.

For Maserati, the objective is not simply to revisit past achievements. It is to demonstrate that the values behind those achievements—performance, precision, design and Italian craftsmanship—remain relevant to the company’s current models.

Source: Maserati

Auctions

1998 RUF Project Dragon: One-of-One Supercar Heads to Auction for Up to $8 Million

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The 1998 RUF Project Dragon, a unique, bespoke creation inspired by the legendary RUF CTR2 Sport, is set to become one of the most intriguing lots at the upcoming Retromobile New York auction. Offered by Gooding Christie’s on November 20–21, the extraordinary air-cooled performance car carries an estimated value of $6 million to $8 million, with no reserve price.

Built by German performance specialist RUF, the Project Dragon combines the unmistakable character of the brand’s iconic air-cooled sports cars with decades of engineering development, contemporary materials and an entirely individual design. For collectors of rare Porsche-based performance machines, it represents an opportunity to acquire a genuinely unique automobile from one of the most respected names in high-performance engineering.

The auction will take place at the Javits Center in New York, marking Gooding Christie’s debut as the official auctioneer for Retromobile New York.

RUF Project Dragon: A Unique Interpretation of the CTR2 Sport

The origins of the RUF Project Dragon can be traced to the CTR2 Sport, one of the defining models in the company’s history. However, rather than simply recreating the original car, RUF developed a bespoke automobile that preserves the CTR2’s distinctive character while incorporating modern engineering techniques and manufacturing processes.

The project began with a particularly significant piece of RUF history: the last remaining body-in-white chassis retained by the company from the CTR2 era. This unfinished, unpainted structure provided the foundation for an ambitious commission that had occupied the imagination of a dedicated collector for decades.

The owner eventually worked directly with RUF founder Alois Ruf and his team to transform that long-held vision into reality. The design process also involved Tony Hatter, the renowned automotive designer responsible for shaping the Porsche 911 of the 993 generation.

The result is not simply a restored classic or a modern reinterpretation of an established model. The Project Dragon is a one-off automobile that combines the proportions and personality of the CTR2 with the technical knowledge RUF has accumulated over subsequent decades.

630 HP From a Bespoke Air-Cooled Engine

At the heart of the RUF Project Dragon is a custom-built, air-cooled engine producing 630 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. That output places the car firmly within the territory of modern high-performance supercars, while its air-cooled architecture maintains a direct connection to the mechanical philosophy that helped establish RUF’s reputation.

The engine is part of a comprehensive engineering package developed specifically for this vehicle. According to the factory documentation, the bespoke construction extends across virtually every major component, including the bodywork, powertrain, suspension, braking system, wheels and interior.

Weight-conscious construction is a central element of the Project Dragon’s design. Its carbon-fiber bodywork is complemented by an integrated RUF roll cage, while carbon-ceramic brakes provide the stopping power expected of a car with this level of performance.

The suspension system uses Bilstein PSS10 components, selected to deliver the handling precision required of a purpose-developed performance machine. The wheel package is equally distinctive: OZ Racing produced bespoke center-lock wheels exclusively for the Project Dragon.

Together, these components demonstrate the extent of RUF’s involvement. Rather than assembling a collection of existing performance upgrades, the company created an integrated package around a single client’s vision.

Dragon Fire Orange Makes This RUF Impossible to Replicate

One of the car’s most immediately recognizable features is its exterior finish. Known as Dragon Fire Orange, the color was developed exclusively for the Project Dragon, reinforcing its status as a genuine one-off commission.

The finish complements the car’s carefully evolved bodywork, which draws inspiration from the CTR2 Sport without simply reproducing its original appearance. The overall approach remains faithful to RUF’s established design philosophy: purposeful proportions, understated aggression and engineering that takes precedence over unnecessary visual decoration.

This restraint is an important part of the car’s appeal. RUF has built its reputation on creating exceptional performance automobiles that retain the fundamental character of their Porsche origins while developing a distinct identity of their own.

The Project Dragon takes that philosophy further by giving a collector the opportunity to influence the design and specification of a car that could never be duplicated in precisely the same form.

Nearly New Condition With Just 1,223 Kilometers

Despite its 1998 designation and its connection to the CTR2 era, the Project Dragon was delivered in March 2024. At the time the auction catalog was prepared, the car had covered just 1,223 kilometers, leaving it in virtually as-new overall condition.

Its factory documentation provides a detailed record of the vehicle’s bespoke construction, including the design, bodywork, engine, suspension, brakes, wheels and interior. For prospective buyers considering a multimillion-dollar collectible, this documentation adds an important layer of provenance to an already unusual automobile.

The combination of a unique specification, a documented development process and minimal mileage makes the Project Dragon particularly compelling. Unlike a conventional limited-production model, its appeal rests on the fact that there is no standard production version against which another example can be compared.

Its value will ultimately be determined by the collector market, but the car’s individuality, engineering pedigree and connection to RUF’s history give it several characteristics sought after at the highest level of the classic and exotic car market.

Gooding Christie’s Targets $6 Million to $8 Million

Gooding Christie’s will offer the RUF Project Dragon without a reserve at its November 20–21 auction at the Javits Center in New York. The estimated value is between $6 million and $8 million, placing it among the most significant RUF offerings expected to attract attention from international collectors.

A no-reserve auction means the car will be sold to the highest bidder, regardless of whether the final price reaches the lower end of its published estimate. That arrangement introduces an element of uncertainty into the sale while potentially increasing interest among buyers looking for an opportunity to acquire an exceptionally rare automobile.

According to David Brynan, Senior Specialist at Gooding Christie’s, the Project Dragon embodies the qualities that made the RUF Yellowbird and CTR2 legendary.

Brynan describes the car as a continuation of RUF’s tradition of combining understated styling with extraordinary performance. He also highlights the importance of the owner’s collaboration with Alois Ruf and Tony Hatter, explaining that the project reflects both the company’s engineering expertise and its willingness to realize an individual collector’s vision.

For RUF enthusiasts, that connection is particularly significant. The Yellowbird and CTR2 helped establish the company as a serious alternative to conventional high-performance manufacturers, demonstrating how extensive engineering development could transform the character and capabilities of Porsche-derived automobiles.

The Project Dragon applies that same philosophy to a unique, contemporary commission.

RUF’s Growing Reputation at Major Collector Car Auctions

The upcoming sale also builds on Gooding Christie’s established experience with RUF automobiles. Over the past five years, the auction house has developed a strong track record in the segment, setting auction records for individual RUF models as well as for the brand itself at events in Florida and Pebble Beach.

That experience provides an important context for the Project Dragon’s market debut. Demand for historically significant performance cars increasingly extends beyond traditional factory-produced models, with collectors also showing interest in exceptional coachbuilt automobiles, bespoke commissions and vehicles that tell a distinctive engineering story.

RUF occupies an unusual position in this market. Although closely associated with Porsche, the company has developed its own identity through extensive engineering work, distinctive powertrains and vehicles that go beyond conventional tuning packages.

The Project Dragon represents an especially concentrated expression of that approach. It combines the heritage of the CTR2, a bespoke air-cooled engine, modern materials and a documented development process shaped around one collector’s ambitions.

Its eventual auction result could therefore become an important reference point for the valuation of similarly exclusive RUF creations.

Source: GoodingChristies via YouTube