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In recent years, tickets to the Goodwood Festival of Speed have become some of the most coveted among car enthusiasts worldwide. As the event continues to evolve into an unofficial global motor show, more automakers are seizing the opportunity to showcase their latest and most ambitious creations. This year, RUF has chosen the festival as the stage for the world premiere of its new Boxer-8 engine prototype — a powerplant the company claims produces more than 1000 horsepower. Here’s everything we know so far.

Although RUF often bases its vehicles on Porsche models, it’s important to note that the two companies operate independently. Porsche itself has experimented with flat-eight engines over the years, achieving notable success in motorsport during the 1960s. The flat-eight configuration powered race cars such as the 907, 908, 910, and 910/8, and even played a role in Porsche’s short-lived Formula 1 programme. However, despite its racing pedigree, Porsche has never introduced a flat-eight engine in any of its production vehicles.

RUF, on the other hand, has previous experience with eight-cylinder units in models like the RGT-8 and Dakara, both of which used a more conventional flat-plane V8 design. The company’s latest development, internally codenamed “Erprober” (which translates to “Tester”), has been engineered entirely in-house — marking a major milestone for the German manufacturer.

“There are moments in a company’s journey that shape its future,” explained Alois Ruf. “For RUF, the Boxer 8 represents one of those pivotal points. A boxer-eight has never featured in our lineage, nor in anyone else’s in this specific form, so we decided to begin a new chapter in automotive history. We’re eager to let the engine speak for itself at Goodwood.”

The all-new flat-eight engine displaces 4.8 litres, with opposing pistons sharing a single crankshaft — a key characteristic of the boxer layout. Equipped with twin turbochargers, the unit is capable of generating more than 1000 horsepower and an impressive 739 lb-ft of torque. While RUF has yet to release detailed technical specifications, the engine promises to be a remarkable feat of engineering.

Rather than simply displaying the engine as a static exhibit, RUF has gone a step further by fitting it into a modified CTR3 for an on-track demonstration. Professional driver Tanner Foust will pilot the flat-eight-powered machine up the iconic Goodwood Hillclimb twice daily from Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12. Attendees will also be able to admire the car up close in the Supercar Paddock throughout the event. Simply put, this is one performance you won’t want to miss.