The 2017 RUF CTR is the world’s first rear-engine, carbon fiber monocoque road car.
Unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, it’s the first RUF car engineered and designed by the company, which has developed a reputation for modifying Porsche sports cars. So it’s not a huge surprise the German automaker used a 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine to power its supercar, sporting 710 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and according to RUF, the new CTR is capable of going zero-to-62 (0-100 km/h) in less than 3.5 seconds. Top speed will be in excess of 223 mph (360 km/h).
Based on a chassis completely of the firm’s own design, the body pays tribute to the 1987 CTR “Yellow Bird” that is arguably one of RUF’s most famous cars. Helping complete the design are center-locking, 19-inch wheels wrapped with 245/35/19 tires up front and wider 305/30/19 tires in the rear.
2017 Geneva Motor Show Coverage
Dry weight tips the scale at 2,640 pounds (1,200 kilograms), giving it an impressive power-to-weight ratio. Suspension comes in the form of double-wishbone arms in a pushrod configuration for both the front and rear, while braking duties are handled through carbon ceramic brake discs with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers in the rear.
Inside, RUF went the route of a minimalist two-seat interior, focusing on keeping the supercar lightweight. Alcantara can be seen throughout the cabin along with leather and carbon fiber, while the pedals are made from aluminum. There’s also a three-spoke steering wheel that is a further nod to the car’s racing pedigree, and the analog dial-type gauges with green typepace are a nice touch.
Production of the 2017 RUF CTR will begin next year at the company’s facility in Pfaffenhausen, Germany. It will be limited to just 30 units, not including the prototype being shown at Geneva. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
“The concept for the 2017 CTR is one that I have had in my head for a very long time,” said Alois Ruf, president and owner of RUF Automobile GmbH. “We have been waiting for the right point in our history to build our own car and the 30th anniversary of the CTR ‘Yellow Bird’ is that moment.”
