RUF Automobile made a name for itself reengineering Porsche 911s in the ’60s and ’70s, but the company really put itself on the map in 1987 with the first-generation RUF CTR “Yellow Bird”. The 469 horsepower, twin-turbo Porsche 911 went toe-to-toe with the Ferrari Testarossa, Lamborghini Countach 5000S and Porsche 959 at Road & Track’s “World’s Fastest Car” competition and hit 213 mph. Today RUF pulled the covers off the fourth-generation CTR, a clear homage to the original, but only in outward appearances.
Underneath, the new CTR is a full carbon fiber monocoque-chassis — similar to the C and the Alfa Romeo 4C — the first full chassis designed and engineered completely in-house at RUF. It’s also the first monocoque of its kind to have rear-engine architecture. Because there’s no way you’re going to recreate a classic Porsche and not hang the engine as far back as possible.
As for the engine pushing this rolling minimalist work of art: it’s a reengineered Porsche 3.6-liter flat-six putting out around 700 horsepower and sending 649 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. And when that power gets put to the road, the new CTR will see off 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 223 mph.
Don’t think for a second that RUF modernized the interior to match the performance. The vintage inspiration carries over with a seriously spartan interior, tartan bucket seats and a good ol’ fashioned six-speed manual. This may just be the most perfect car on the road.
