Twenty years after the feat of the first RUF CTR1 “Yellow Bird”, which managed to turn around the Nurburgring circuit in just 8 minutes and 24 seconds, and ten years after the appearance of the CTR2, in 2007 RUF presents the CTR3 with great changes compared to the previous models.
The first big difference of the CTR3 is that it has the engine located ahead of the rear axle, not behind like the Porsche 911. Based on the Porsche Cayman, this out-of-the-box car impacts with its design that brings together elements from the Cayman and others from the Porsche Carrera. The designer responsible was Ben Soderberg, who also neatly embodied the Tuningspirit.
The elementary feature of RUF cars is their sports concept, since everything is done with the purpose of using the car in conditions of maximum demand for performance. This is why the engine feels so well in the central position, because of the great balance and balance obtained. The maneuverability improvements are overwhelming.
The bodywork was specially designed to provide maximum stability at high speeds. The materials used for its construction are Kevlar, carbon fiber, aluminum and steel. In addition to the chassis with substructures, the RUF CTR3 has a tubular frame cage to ensure maximum impact safety.
After 30 years of experience with turbocharged engines, RUF chose the Porsche Boxer 6-cylinder engine and took it to 3,746 cm3 engine, adding two KKK turbochargers with intercooler and electronic management Bosch Motronic. With this equipment, the engine developed by RUF reaches shocking figures such as 700 hp at 7,000 rpm and 657 pounds foot at 4,000 rpm maximum torque.
The transmission is carried out through a sequential 6-speed gearbox mounted crosswise. A limited skid differential was used to optimize performance. This set allows the RUF CTR3 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 375 km/h. There are very few sports cars in the world who can compete with this car...
But performance is not just a consequence of mechanics. Suspensions are configured for maximum dynamic performance and at the same time give rider safety in extreme conditions. The front beam uses McPherson system and anti-roll bar, while the rear gear is similar to that of racing cars, mounting shock absorbers in a horizontal position.
The weight of 1,400 kilograms (relatively low) is also a key factor for the behaviour of CTR3. The dimensions are close to the “ideal” of proportions for a sports car, with a length of 4.450 mm, a width of 1.944 mm and a wheelbase of 2.625 mm. The front forged aluminium wheels are fitted with 255/35 ZR19 tyres, while the rear ones with a larger diameter and width are 335/30 ZR20.
Finally, it remains to be noted that the client can choose the finish of the interior, with main options such as a Spartan and ultra-light equipment or an abundant equipment with luxury elements such as the combination of leather and Alcantara.
© Adrián Blanco 2007 - No full or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —
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