CTR3 Review
May 2007
Exactly 20 years after the legendary CTR “Yellow Bird” and 10 years after the second CTR, RUF announces the all new CTR3. The RUF CTR3 was presented at the grand opening of the new RUF facility in Bahrain. While the first two CTR generations still had their engines in the rear, the new CTR3 has a mid engine design. However, one thing that the CTR3 has in common with its two predecessors is that it is a pure driving machine. The CTR3 is made to involve the driver in the driving experience.
The mid engine design provides exceptional balance and agile handling, while the longer wheel base provides better driving stability at high speed. The body of the CTR3 is a completely new development which is not based on any existing mid engine concept. It is aerodynamically designed for high speed. The body is constructed in steel, aluminium and kevlar-carbon. Zinc dipped steel is used for the front structure and the passenger compartment. The engine and transmission are fixed in a space frame and birdcage. The passenger compartment is protected the latest version of the famous RUF Integrated Roll Cage which is integrated into the A pillar and birdcage. The doors, with integrated side impact protection beams, and the front hood are made of aluminum. The body shell is made of kevlar-carbon composite.
Ben Soderberg's design team created a classic sports car line. They realised an idea, that Alois Ruf had for a long time in mind.
RUF has 30 years of experience with turbo charged boxer engines. The CTR3’s twin turbo charged 3.8 liter flat six cylinder engine has an output of 700hp at 7,000 rpm. The maximum torque is 657 ft/lbs at 4,000 rpm. This engine design combines a compact construction with high performance. Each turbo charger is provided an intercooler which is placed in front of each rear wheel.
The sequential shift six speed transmission in the CTR3 is a new design and is transversally mounted. It can manage torque of up to 885 ft/lbs. A shift indicator on the dashboard shows the gear in use. A limited slip differential is provided to maximize performance.
The sport suspension is designed for high level driving dynamics and safety. The front axles use McPherson struts and an anti-roll bar. The rear axles utilize motor sport technology with horizontal coil over shock absorbers fixed over push rods connected to the wheel carriers.
The brake system is designed to match the high performance of the engine and suspension. Both front and rear axles utilize 6 piston fixed light alloy calipers and ventilated, cross drilled ceramic composite discs. Each brake disc is 380mm in diameter. A specially designed Bosch anti-lock braking system is standard.
The CTR3 rolls on forged aluminum wheels with central locking. At the front 255/35 ZR 19” tires are mounted on 8.5” X 19” wheels, while at the rear 335/30 ZR 20” tires are mounted on 12.5” X 20” wheels.
The interior can be designed to the customer’s taste, from a functional light weight finish to sporty luxury finish with a leather and alcantera. The aluminum gear shift lever for the sequential shift transmission is a central unit to the interior. In addition, the 260 mph speedometer shows the driver that the CTR3 is made for high performance.
The lightweight construction allows for an empty weight (according to DIN) of 3,086 lbs. The result is a power to weight ratio of only 4.4lbs per hp.
The performance of the CTR3 is incredible. The acceleration from 0-100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) takes only 3.2 seconds. The maximum speed is 375 kph (235mph).
