It’s a Ruf CTR 3, an extreme high-performance sports car that serves as proof of all the hard work going on behind closed doors at Germany’s Ruf Automobile. The CTR 3 arrived in 2007 as a follow-up to Ruf’s previous line of CTR cars, and paired cutting-edge tech with old-school muscle packed into styling that just happens to not blend right into traffic. One of the better, if not one of those most impressive and truly remarkable examples in its class–at least when talking about generic high-performance cars.
Design and Aerodynamics
RUF CTR 3 Aero Design: Form Follows Function The external appearance of the car is exemplified by its low and wide stance as well as a distinctive aerodynamic shape. Sitting up front is an expansive air intake that should help direct plenty of cool, atmospheric oxygen into the thirsty engine — and underneath it all lies a front splitter to guide fresher breeze toward the feverish 5.2-liter mill while reducing lift up there (and, naturally tumble downstream drag). The svelte bodylines and edgy angles of the CTR 3 not only provide it with its gorgeous good looks, but these lines also play a much more important role when speaking in terms of aerodynamics. The rear view off CTR 3 is also instantly recognizable with its big spoiler and built in diffuser. Those were designed to produce maximum downforce and improve the stability of the car at high speeds. It features a lightweight carbon fiber bodywork to reduce weight for optimal performance. And what makes these light components all the more important is that it even a stock CTR 3 can sprint from standstill to sixty in just over three seconds. Powertrain and Performance Concentrically mounted in the middle of any Ruf CTR 3 is a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine that sends as much as 750 horsepower to all four wheels. The CTR 3 is one of the most powerful models in its segment, with an estimated output from this engine rated at around 750-horsepower and close to 710 lb.-ft. The performance figures of the car are just as exciting, with 0-60 mph arriving in a mere 3.2 seconds and top speed well beyond its claimed average. The six-speed manual gearbox with short gear changes and high mechanical efficiency is the perfect complement to it. The smart suspension system that includes double-wishbone both in the front and rear ends of this car contributes to very good cornering, making driving a really fun experience. With this setup, the CTR 3 would be a fucking scalpel in corners and keep you pinned down on both straights & corner. To bring the CTR 3 to a halt, large and powerful disc brakes are also standard. With a car of this performance, it’s key – one has to remember that the CTR 3 is required on demand for high-performance driving in speed-relevant situations.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the Ruf CTR 3 is what you would expect from a car that places driver enjoyment above all else, though it still manages to be comfortable. The cabin, meanwhile, features with generous use leather and Alcantara materials arranged in a spartan layout. Racing-inspired seats provide support during high-speed driving, and help hold the driver in place. In the Center of CTR 3, we find a racing-style central instrument panel for displaying key information such as speedometer and tach and engine water temperature plus fuel level indicator. The car also features an entry-level audio system with climate control to help ensure the drive is as efficient as possible.
Production and Legacy
Ruf built just a handful of CTR 3s, which were all hand-built at the firm’s factory. A child of so many decades past, it was the rarity that made a collector favorite out of this car–so automotive enthusiasts took notice from the get-go. The RUF CTR 3 is now the second all-carbon-fiber performance sports car manufacturing factory to break new standards, stepping out of assembly-line departmentalization. This was where the F1 came to be a legend, combining revolutionary design and engineering with performance features no road car had boasted before.
Conclusion
Ruf CTR 3 This one-off RUF is a masterpiece of art and design. In short, the CTR 3 is everything a sports car should be- it has sharp looks and design; raw power without being overdone or ridiculous in nature etc. which results into making driving real pleasure. The CTR 3 is the ultimate expression of Ruf Automobile’s pursuit to craft truly exceptional driver-focused machinery, its purpose-built design and innovative performance ethos a testament to that philosophy — celebrating extreme motoring at high-speed as one seamless automotive supercar dance.
