2017 RUF CTR: Yellow Bird Tribute Lands in Geneva
2017 RUF CTR Features New Carbon Fiber Platform, Retro Styling & 700 HP
When it debuted in 1987, the RUF CTR “Yellow Bird” really put the Porsche tuner on the map. This particular car simply embarrassed the competition with its 470 hp, twin-turbo engine and 211 mph top speed. And now, RUF has built a car that perfectly captures the spirit of the original Yellow Bird: the 2017 RUF CTR. RUF rolled out the new CTR in Geneva earlier this week.
Even though the new CTR may look like a purely retro exercise, there’s nothing retro about what lies underneath that gorgeous bodywork. That’s because this car makes use of an entirely new carbon fiber chassis. It’s the first RUF-built car to use those underpinnings, as well as the first one to not use a production Porsche platform.
Though the chassis features carbon fiber monocoque construction, it’s fortified with a steel roll cage and crash structures. The suspension is RUF designed and pushrod-based, and the whole thing rolls on 19-inch wheels. That beautiful body is likewise carbon fiber, helping the new RUF weigh in at a svelte 2,640 pounds.
Even though the CTR lacks actual Porsche bits, the DNA is still there. Power comes from a rear mounted, twin-turbo 3.6 liter flat six producing a stout 700 horsepower and 649 lb-ft of torque. Fittingly, power goes through the rear wheels,. And unlike modern Porsches, your only transmission option is a six-speed manual. Just as it should be. The results of all that power are rather impressive. For instance, 0-60 takes 3.5 seconds, and you can keep going until the RUF CTR hits 225 miles per hour.
The most impressive thing about the 2017 RUF CTR is that it’s a truly analog car. A real breath of fresh air, with modern Porsches currently loaded with technology and driver aids Unfortunately, only 30 examples will be built, and pricing has yet to be announced. But those lucky 30 folks might just be getting the ultimate modern iteration of a nearly-perfect classic.
