RUF CTR-3

The RUF CTR-3 is the latest in Ruf's line of ultra-performing Porsches. Upon release, the CTR-3 will hold the title as one of the fastest Porsches offered, with a top speed of 235 MPH. To reduce weight the CTR-3's developers made the additon of several unique aluminum and carbon fiber panels and a new lattice tubing spaceframe.

The CTR-3 is the first Ruf which is not 100% based upon an existing Porsche model. The front end and floor is taken directly from the 997, which allows Ruf to take advantage of the existing crash structures engineered-in to the 997 - this in turn will make the CTR-3 more likely to pass US legislative crash testing. The passenger cell is based upon the 997, and shares the same basic cabin architecture, but with new trimming options and Ruf's Integrated Roll Cage.

All the panels on the car are made from carbon fiber, with the exception of the bonnet and doors, which are fabricated from aluminium and are lifted directly from the 997 GT3.

The engine of the CTR-3 is an evolution of the turbocharged 3.8-litre already in use in the RUF Rt12. Ruf's engineers have used a hybrid engine management system, which incorporates the original Bosch Motronic system but also an advanced system from KKK, who manufacture the turbochargers. It is this that allows the CTR-3 to boast such impressive performance figures.

The CTR-3 is set to out-peform many of the supercars of it's era, as the original CTR did, but it doesn't come at a cheap price, the CTR-3 is set to sell at a healthy sum of $510,000. Along with being expensive and fast, the CTR-3 is blisteringly quick with 0-60 clocking in at 3.2 seconds. The CTR-3's twin-turbocharged 3.8 L F6 outputs an impressive 700 bhp at 7000 rpm and has torque topping out at 657 lb-ft.

To convert this power into meaningful drive, Ruf has employed a six-speed sequential gearbox, much like those found in GT racing cars. The transmission includes a limited-slip differential, and has been developed in conjunction with 'one of Germany's top transmission specialists' - but Ruf will not divulge who.

Projected to be capable of upto 235 mph, the CTR-3 needs some serious stopping power, and Ruf has supplied this in the form of brakes direct from the Porsche Carrera GT. The discs are 380 mm in diameter and are made from a revolutionary carbon ceramic compound. The Carrera GT also donates anti-roll bars and the inspiration for Ruf's own suspension set-up.

The car is tailored to each individual customer's needs - no two CTR-3s are likely to leave the factory the same.