RUF CTR 3 -- a tiger that have wings

Updated: 2011-12-28 13:25

(chinadaily.com.cn)

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RUF CTR 3 [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

RUF Automobile GmbH - For more than 70 years, the name RUF has been associated with automotive performance expertise. RUF is renowned for their skills as an automobile manufacturer and performance tuner of Porsche automobiles.

The RUF CTR high-speed sports car received its certification for normal road use in 1987. Back then, the "Yellowbird", a 469 bhp twin turbo coupe, exceeded the world's top speed record for production cars on the Nardo racetrack at 342 km/h. That same year, RUF Automobile GmbH became an approved manufacturer by the US government for both safety and emissions (EPA and DOT).

Product development continued and the CTR became available with a six speed RUF transmission. RUF introduced available 18" inch wheels in 1991. In 1996, the new CTR 2 was introduced with 3.6 liter engine producing 520bhp and achieved a top speed of 340km/h. The CTR 2 also included the IRC, or integrated roll cage, adding additional safety and structural rigidity.

In April 2007, the CTR 3 was unveiled in Bahrain. While the first two CTR generations still had their engines in the rear, the new CTR 3 has a mid-engine design. However, one thing that the CTR 3 has in common with its two predecessors is that it is a pure driving machine. The CTR 3 is made to involve the driver in the driving experience.

The mid-engine design provides exceptional balance and agile handling, while the longer wheelbase provides better driving stability at high speeds. The body of the CTR 3 is a completely new development which is not based on any existing mid-engine concept. It is aerodynamically designed for high speed. Galvanized steel is used for the front structure and the passenger compartment. The engine and transmission are fixed in a space frame and modular tubular frame construction. The passenger compartment is protected by the latest version of the RUF Integrated Roll Cage which is integrated into the A pillar and tube frame. 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.