Tuesday 7th March 2017

2017 Ruf CTR - Geneva 2017

The Yellowbird turns 30 with a carbon chassis, 710hp and a manual gearbox - to the Nordschleife!

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For those not in the know, it would be easy to miss (and indeed dismiss) the new Ruf CTR. See to most eyes it probably looks like an old 911; not only do we see plenty of those already, the whole Ruf stand is old Porsches...

964-aping looks hide carbon monocoque

Except this isn't old - it's brand new. To mark 30 years since the original Yellowbird was launched (and that video was made), Ruf has produced another CTR that's not only its first car entirely designed and engineered in house, but also the world's first rear-engined car with a carbon monocoque. Not just another 911 then.

That bespoke monocoque is clothed in carbon panels; combined with lightweight steel for both the crash structures and the integrated roll cage Ruf claims a dry weight of 1,200kg. Call it around 1,300kg with a driver and fluids. Bear in mind a Huracan Performante is 1,382kg dry.

And the Lamborghini has to make do with 640hp. This CTR uses a twin-turbo 3.6-litre flat-six said to be "inspired by the design of the original" but producing 710hp at 6,750rpm and 649lb ft at 2,750rpm. A newly developed six-speed manual is the only gearbox option, power goes to only the rear wheels through a limited-slip diff and Ruf claims a 225mph top speed, passing 62mph in less than 3.5 seconds and 125mph in less than nine on the way. Wow.

710hp through a manual, an LSD and rear wheels...

Elsewhere the CTR uses double wishbones at each corner, carbon ceramic brakes (380mm front, 350mm rear), centre locking forged wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. At the front they measure 245/35ZR19 and at the back they're 305/30ZR19. Interestingly that's the same width of rear tyre as you'll find on a new 911 Carrera GTS, with 250hp less...

The interior is described as "a further acknowledgement of the 2017 CTR's analogue philosophy", which is a lovely thing to hear in a show dominated by talk of electrified mobility, connectivity and autonomous driving. The seats are also carbon, the pedals are aluminium and Alcantara is used extensively with leather for "a balance between modern and retro design."

Estonia Ruf says of the car: "We began development on the new CTR five years ago with the goal of creating a thrilling, analogue driving experience that combines an amazing power-to-weight ratio, manual transmission and modern racing technology." Sounds good enough to us! Ruf will build just 30 of these new CTRs, with production due to begin by 2018. Get moving!

[m444ttb]

I may be in a minority, but I'd take this over a Singer I think.

[Rawwr]

OH MY GOD! GIVE IT TO ME! GIVE IT TO ME NOW!

[urquattroGus]

I'm not really a Porsche guy at all but this looks epic!!!! Retro with some serious attitude and ability to back it up. The power to weight ratio looks crazy!

[Guvernator]

Oooff this has just gone straight to the top of my lottery win list!

[steveb8189]

m444ttb said:

I may be in a minority, but I'd take this over a Singer I think.

Isn't a Singer a resto-mod though? This is a brand new car. I think the Singer would save you some cash if this was actually for sale.

[maxypriest]

… on my way to fill a lotto ticket out right now.
The Fascination story is truly epic, I would have it over a Singer too.

[Davey S2]

Any pics of the interior?

I'd still prefer a Singer. I couldn't drive this anywhere near its limits.

[great_kahn]

Would RUF like my left nut?

Damn, that is amazing.

[Supersaloons]

Perfect! Only the wheels are 1" too big.

[Tuvra]

Great car, but if I am being really picky, I think they could have done the rear lights better. Vertical LED's and a full strip across the middle as per the original would have made it perfect IMO:-

[LayZ]

Wow - wheels look too big for the body but otherwise

[SirSquidalot]

Confused with this car, so its made from scratch yet resembles a 911 of old. Do they have to pay any right to porsche?

Looks bloody amazing mind you, RUF make serious bits of kit.

[Auson]

m444ttb said:

I may be in a minority, but I'd take this over a Singer I think.

For a classic I do agree I think the Singer not only looks better but would give you a more raw connected driving experience. For a new car styling wise I prefer the one at Geneva last year.

[stuckmojo]

That is amazing.

I guess they'd have to pay Porsche some royalties, won't they?

I'd love to see a schematic of the car and look at the inner bits.

[Andy665]

The original has always been my favourite car - especially after seeing the Ring video of the car in action - this is evn more desirable

[J4CKO]

Wow, that is very impressive, just wondering though, with something like that, what is the score with crash testing and the like ? seems unusual to build a car like that from the ground up for such a small run.

Any guessing on price, I reckon they probably over a million. 1300 kilos and 700 odd bhp, wonder if it mas ESP etc, could be a fairly terrifying device !

[djt100]

stuckmojo said:

That is amazing.

I guess they'd have to pay Porsche some royalties, won't they?

I'd love to see a schematic of the car and look at the inner bits.

Not quite but this is on the website

[SystemParanoia]

[/Thud!]

[RumbleOfThunder]

My God that's pure filth.

[stuckmojo]

djt100 said:

Not quite but this is on the website

Thanks.

that is Mega!

Mind you, I'd now still get a Singer AND this.

Price? 1M$ plus?

Edit: Integrated cage etc, what a thing