Skip advert
Advertisement

Ruf goes back to the future to celebrate 30 years of CTR

German Porsche tuner creates wild 911 featuring classic bodywork and modern 700bhp running gear

The Porsche 911 is a bona fide classic, but that doesn't stop the world's tuning firms from having a go at improving on the Porsche formula. One firm that has been particularly successful at refining the 911 is German firm Ruf, and it's celebrating 30 years of its legendary CTR 'Yellow Bird' at the Geneva Motor Show.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you don't know, the Yellow Bird was the subject of a cult video, where the original model was thrashed around the Nurburgring Nordschliefe, with plenty of tail-out drifting around the 'Ring's notorious curves. For the 30th anniversary, Ruf has built a special model that looks like it's based on an original 911 shell, but the reality is far different.

The new 2017 CTR features full carbon construction to Ruf's own design, it just happens to bear the same shape as a 911, while carbon fibre body panels help to keep weight down to around 1,200kg. That's nearly 200kg less than the Lamborghini Huracan Performante, which has just set a new Nurburgring lap record, and with a 700bhp 3.6-litre twin-turbo flat-six hanging out the back, the new CTR is sure to be stunningly fast. Indeed Ruf quotes a 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds, a sub-nine second 0-125mph time and a top speed of 225mph.

Unlike many modern supercars, the 2017 CTR has a traditional six-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip diff. The suspension is double wishbone in a pushrod configuration, while braking is handled by carbon ceramic discs with six-pot calipers up front.

From the outside, as well as the bright yellow paintwork, the 2017 CTR has other stying cues inspired by the Yellow Bird. It follows the shape of the narrower 911 Carrera, rather than the wide-body 911 Turbo, the rain gutters are deleted to improve airflow, extra air vents have been added across the bodywork and there are bespoke lightweight five-spoke wheels. The cabin has been kept as basic as possible, with only two carbon fibre-shelled seats, analogue dials and plenty of lightweight Alcantara trim. Ruf plans to build only 30 2017 CTRs to celebrate the Yellow Bird's 30 anniversary.

What do you think of the new Ruf CTR? Let us know in the comments...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Renault 5 is one of the cheapest EVs in the UK
Renault 5 Geneva - front

New Renault 5 is one of the cheapest EVs in the UK

The Renault 5 starts from just under £23k and will be available to order from January next year
News
19 Nov 2024
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
6 Nov 2024
Monterey Car Week 2024: full show round-up and all the exclusive, luxury and performance cars
Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance

Monterey Car Week 2024: full show round-up and all the exclusive, luxury and performance cars

Some of the most iconic car brands lined up to unveil new metal in Monterey
News
20 Aug 2024
New Tuthill GT One debuts at Monterey Car Week
Tuthill GT One - front static

New Tuthill GT One debuts at Monterey Car Week

Clearly inspired by the legendary Le Mans Porsche 911 GT1, Tuthill’s latest creation takes 3,500 hours to build
News
19 Aug 2024

Most Popular

Suicidally, Jaguar is opening the door for Tesla and BYD to pick off the best of its dealerships
Opinion - Jaguar

Suicidally, Jaguar is opening the door for Tesla and BYD to pick off the best of its dealerships

Mike Rutherford thinks it's been a difficult few months for the British car industry
Opinion
8 Dec 2024
Skoda Elroq review
Skoda Elroq - front

Skoda Elroq review

The Skoda Elroq is even more appealing than the bigger Skoda Enyaq, and just as brilliant
In-depth reviews
9 Dec 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Ford’s Capri coupe-SUV is a great fit for families at this price
Ford Capri - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford’s Capri coupe-SUV is a great fit for families at this price

Ford’s Capri has been revived, this time as a family-friendly coupe-SUV. It’s our Deal of the Day for 8 December
News
8 Dec 2024