It was introduced in 1998 after the discontinuation of the CTR2 (another 993 generation based car), however Ruf still wanted a supercar offering to be available and so the Turbo R became the supercar offering from Ruf for the 1998 model year and endured a very short production run of only one year.

[citation needed] The Turbo R is powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.6 L (3,600 cc) flat-six engine from the Porsche 993 Turbo reworked by Ruf to produce 490 hp (365 kW) at 5500 rpm and 650 N⋅m (479 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 4500 rpm.

[1] Computer-controlled all-wheel drive is standard and power is sent to the wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission.

[2] The suspension was modified with firmer springs and larger anti-roll bars to accommodate the extra power and the brakes were reworked by Ruf as well.

On the exterior the Turbo R is differentiated by a Ruf body kit, 18 inch wheels, aero mirrors and removed rain gutters.