1997 RUF CTR2
Much of the design work from groups such as Lotus and Porsche finds its way into mass manufacturers all over the world. Thus someone like General Motors avails themselves of the Lotus design team to create the ZR-1 motor for the corvette and the Northstar engine for Cadillac, and Lotus benefits by using GM components for airbag and ABS systems. Designs such as active suspension and computer controlled transmissions require production runs large enough to offset the development costs.
One of the exceptions in the industry is RUF (pronounced "Roof ") located in Pffafenhausen Germany. Alois Ruf is the owner and son of the founder of Ruf Automobile GmbH. Ruf has years of experience modifying and turbo-charging Porsche cars, and his modifications are now so extensive the car no longer bears the Porsche name but that of Ruf with his own serial numbers. He starts with a brand new 911, and then puts on light weight body panels, upgraded suspension, his own wheels and tires, and a multitude of other engine and transmission modifications. The newest car from the Ruf stables is the 911 CTR2, a car which can truly be considered one of the fastest in the world, as the following specifications will point out.
Ruf retains the 3.6 L flat six, but horsepower is increased from 400 to 520 through the use of upgraded turbos and TAGtronic engine management. Ruf manufactures his own 6-speed transmission and although the car is 2-wheel drive Ruf will make the all wheel drive available on request. Brakes are upgraded with carbon fiber discs and the car is shod with Ruf's own 19" wheels. Some very subtle body changes round out the car. Those of you who attended the Porsche Club Annual General Meeting here at Weissach would have had the pleasure of seeing a video of this car being driven around Nurburgring at outrageous speeds. Those of you who missed it can come see me and I will loan you the tape for a few days.
 |         |  |
 | ||
