A 236 mph mid-engined monster.
Since it was first unveiled in April of 2007, there have been three different generations of the CTR3 from RUF. The first two generations utilized a great deal of components from the Porsche 911 and had their engines packed into the rear. The new, third generation CTR3 features an all-new mid-engined layout that may come as a shock to some, but still retains the same sense of genuine driving bliss as the first two generations.
RUF Automobile is considered a vehicle manufacturer instead of a traditional tuning company because the cars that it makes are built on unmarked chassis. The new CTR-3 is no different and is not based on any current mid-engined model. The mid-engined design was chosen because it provides superb balance and predictable driving dynamics compared to the rear-engined layout. The entire car is designed for speed and performance. The wheelbase has been extended for better stability, and the exterior has been made to slice through air while still generating downforce.
The body of the RUF CTR3 is both lightweight and strong. The front structure is made from galvanized steel while the doors with side impact beams and hood are aluminum. The entire shell is made from a durable Kevlar-carbon composite. For safety and stability both the engine and transmission are located in a space frame and modular tube frame construction. RUF has also utilized their integrated roll cage in the tube frame and A-pillars to help protect passengers.
Sitting behind the driver is a heavily modified twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six engine. Throughout RUF’s history, the company has been working with Porsche’s flat-six engines and that experience was used to tune the CTR3’s engine past the 700 horsepower mark. Each turbocharger has an individual intercooler that sits in front of each rear wheel and is fed cool air through air intakes on the fenders. The 3.8-liter in the RUF CTR3 has an output of 750 horsepower at 7,100 RPM and 708 lb-ft. at 4,000 RPM. All that power is sent through a transversely-mounted six-speed sequential transmission and limited slip differential to the rear wheels.
The RUF CTR3 weighs in at just 3,086 lbs., thanks to the weight saving measures undertaken throughout its construction. This low weight, coupled with the high output of the 3.8-liter gives the sports car a power-to-weight ratio of just 4.4 lbs. per horsepower. Performance is also extraordinary for the CTR3. The sprint from 0-62mph takes just 3.2 seconds and 125 mph is reached in only 9.6 seconds. Top speed is”limited” to 236 mph (380 km/h) depending on the gear ratios.
The mid-engined design of the CTR3 gives it ideal balance and handling dynamics, but the new suspension and wheels help make the super car stick to the asphalt. The front axle is fitted with an anti-roll bar and MacPherson struts while the rear utilizes horizontal coilover shock absorbers fixed over pushrods that are connected to the carriers. RUF has also installed new aluminum forged wheels. Measuring 8.5 x 19 at the front and a massive 12.5 x 20 at the rear, these wheels offer both high-strength and a low overall weight. 255/35 ZR 19 tires are fitted to the front wheels while the rear wears 335/30 ZR20 tires that provide superb grip and stability. To bring the high-speed supercar to a stop, new six-piston front and rear light alloy calipers were installed and clamp down on 380 mm ventilated and cross drilled ceramic composite discs. For safety, a specially designed BOSCH anti-lock brake system comes standard.
The interior of the RUF CTR3 can be completely built to customer specification. RUF can outfit the cockpit in a functional motorsport-oriented design or add a touch of comfort if the customer desires. Some of the standard features include an aluminum shift lever for the sequential transmission and a 260 mph speedometer.
The RUF CTR3 is currently available from the German automobile manufacturer as a complete automobile. Pricing has not been released, but expect it to be north of the $500,000 mark.
RUF CTR3 Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.8 liters (3,746 cc)
Number of Cylinders: Flat-six
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 750 bhp (552 kW) at 7,100 RPM
Maximum Torque: 708 lb-ft. (960 Nm) at 4,000 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed sequential transversely mounted
Drive: Rear-wheel
-Limited-slip differential
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.2 seconds
Acceleration 0-125 mph: 9.6 seconds
Top Speed: 236 mph (380 km/h) depending on gear ratios
Fuel Consumption:
Urban (l): 20.0
Non-urban (l): 9.9
Combined (l): 13.5
CO 2 emissions (g/kg): 311
Wheels, Suspension, and Brakes:
Wheels: Five-spoke forged aluminum
Front Wheels: 8.5 x 19
Rear Wheels: 12.5 x 20
Front Tires: 255/35 ZR19
Rear Tires: 355/30 ZR20
Front Suspension: Anti-roll bar and MacPherson struts
Rear Suspension: Coilover shock absorbers fixed over pushrods connected to wheel carriers
Braking System: Six-piston alloy calipers with 380 mm ventilated and cross drilled ceramic composite discs.
ABS: Specially-designed BOSCH system
RUF CTR3 Gallery
[Source: RUF Automobiles]
What do you think of the third-generation RUF CTR 3 and its mid-engined layout? Leave a comment and let us know!
