New Limited Edition RUF CTR Yellowbird Revealed
This year the 87th Geneva International Motor Show brought its special brand of surprises as usual. One of the most refreshing sights to be seen there was the all-new RUF CTR – a tribute to a legend of the yesteryears, gift-wrapped in modern technology. The RUF CTR is a bid by the company to pay its due respect to the 1987 CTR Yellow Bird which as we all know was one of its kind to be produced in the history of automobiles.
Old Wine in New Bottles
Although it may sound a bit clichéd, this is the best analogy that I could come up with because the German manufacturer RUF has really worked wonders on this modified two-seater, rear-engine Porsche to bring out the original classic look of the 1987 CTR Yellow Bird and at the same time using modern technology to keep the car on par with other sports models.
Development of the RUF CTR
It has taken the company 5 years to perfect the design and it is their first attempt at complete engineering and design of an automobile, with both the chassis and bodywork being done indigenously. The car has been designed using ultra-modern fittings, components and accessories but at first glance, the name ‘Yellow Bird’ springs to your mind, with the classic look but with bodywork in carbon fiber.
Related: RUF’s 200 MPH Sports Cars Flaunted at Geneva
Finer Details
The car is fitted with a rear-engine carbon fiber monocoque chassis, which houses a 3.6 liter twin-turbocharged engine capable of generating 710 hp and 880 nm of torque. The dry-sump lube system ensures a smooth engine performance.
Transmission is to the rear, using a six-speed gearbox. The suspension comprises of double wishbone arms configured in a pushrod pattern for rear and front axles. The dry weight of the new RUF CTR is about 1,200 kg.
The rims of the forged classic-looking alloy wheels cleverly hide carbon cermamic brake discs, clamped by six-piston and four-piston fixed calipers on the front and rear wheels respectively. The front of the car is dominated by a steel integrated roll cage.
The estimated speed is also quite respectable with 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.5 seconds and it reaches 200 kmph in 9 seconds – surely not the best but who’s complaining?
Inside the Car
The interiors have been done up in a basic fashion with a view to keep the car lightweight, with extensive use of carbon fiber. Alancantara, a mix of polyester and polyurethane is used on the main surface, combined with leather and the inevitable carbon fiber. Despite relying heavily on these modernistic materials, the company has done a great job in retaining the retro look, enhanced by the 3-spoke steering wheel fashioned in racing style and analog dial gauges.
A Final Word
According to the leading lady of the RUF Dynasty Estonia Ruf, “We began development on the new CTR five years ago with the goal of creating a thrilling, analog driving experience that combines an amazing power-to-weight ratio, manual transmission and modern racing technology”.
In a way, this seems to sum up the entire saga of the new RUF CTR aka Yellow Bird. If this was their intention, RUF seems to have pulled it off quite nicely this time, especially judging by the overwhelming response the new car received at the recent Geneva Motor Show.