For decades, RUF has earned its reputation by refining and reimagining Porsche-based performance cars, but at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the German manufacturer shifted the spotlight away from complete vehicles and onto an entirely new engine. Making its public debut was the B8, an all-new twin-turbocharged boxer-eight that represents one of the most significant engineering projects in the company’s history.

Designed and developed entirely in-house, the 4.8-litre flat-eight produces more than 1,000 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. Housed within a bespoke gravity-cast aluminium crankcase, the engine is paired with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox, staying true to RUF’s long-held belief that ultimate driver engagement still matters, even at four-figure power outputs. According to company owner Alois Ruf, a boxer-eight has never previously existed in this form, making the B8 the beginning of an entirely new chapter for the Bavarian manufacturer.

Rather than unveiling the engine on a display stand, RUF chose to let it speak for itself. Hidden beneath a subtly stretched CTR3 prototype known internally as the Erprober, meaning “Tester”, the B8 tackled the famous Goodwood hillclimb with Tanner Foust behind the wheel. The CTR3’s wheelbase has been extended by 100 mm to accommodate the larger powertrain, while a bespoke livery inspired by the legendary CTR Yellowbird hints at the engineering hidden beneath the bodywork.

The prototype itself is not intended for production. Instead, it serves as a rolling development platform for technologies that will underpin RUF’s next generation of performance cars. Thousands of kilometres of testing still lie ahead as engineers continue refining durability, drivability and outright performance before the B8 reaches its final destination.

Be sure to check out the video below with the sound turned up to experience the latest chapter of RUF engineering for yourself.