Is there room in the hypercar market for the RUF CTR3 Clubsport – more than six years since the first-gen CTR3 debuted to rave comparisons with the Carrera GT?
Now that Porsche’s top model is the 918 Spider, the RUF CTR3 is looking a little out of date — to say nothing of the ultra-hybrid McLaren P1 and LaFerrari.
This is where the new RUF CTR3 Clubsport comes in — more aero, more speed and more drama with optional wide-body fenders and a 200-mph-plus ground-effects package.
Merging the front crash structure of the Cayman coupe into this wider, lower, louder and twice-as-fast CTR3 still has the desired effect: huge speed. Twin-turbochargers send 777-horsepower to the back wheels, which also cope with the 707-pound-feet of torque from this 3.8-liter, dry-sump-lubed boxer six-cylinder.
With only two driven wheels, the 3.0-second 0-60-mph time is a bit off the latest pace, to be frank, with the new Turbo S 911 hitting the mark in just 2.6-seconds.
But flat out? Say goodbye and wave!!
With the right gear ratios and tire setup, the CTR3 Clubsport hits a stunning 236-mph. This, for the record, is faster than any 918 Spider, LaFerrari or McLaren P1… so far!
And quite close to the cat-less McLaren F1 record-holder of 240-mph for more than a decade.
All this for pricing that cuts the bill for a new hypercar roughly in half!?
CTR3 Clubsports for everyone!
RUF CTR 3
The RUF model with pure super sports car DNA
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The CTR 3 is RUF’s top model and combines decades of experience with latest technology and timeless design. As a logical consequence of the continuous development of the brand we are very proud to offer a vehicle that enthuses by far more than exceptional technology and driving dynamics: it comes with its complete own individual design. With the specific design of the front wings and a very low a-pillar the pilot of the CTR 3 has the perception of a very low seat position which enhances the race car feeling. Underneath the carbon skin various high performance components are combined. The turbo charged flat 6 engine produces impressive 777 hp and has a torque of 980 Nm (723 lb ft). This power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 6 speed manual or an optional 7 speed double clutch gear box. The mid-engine coupe has a low centre of gravity and builds very low. The rear axle construction includes horizontal springs and shock absorbers. The highest expansion stage is the CTR 3 Clubsport which comes among other details with wheel house extensions and a fixed carbon rear spoiler.
2015 RUF CTR3 Clubsport
Standard & optional equipment CTR3 Clubsport
Colours
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•Exterior: standard and metallic colours to the customer’s choice
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•Interior: leather, alcantara and seam colours to the customer’s choice
Engine
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CTR 3 with 3.8 litre twin turbo engine
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Output 572 kW (777 hp) at 7,100 RPM, maximum torque
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980 Nm at 4,000 RPM
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6 cylinder horizontally opposed engine
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Aluminium block and cylinder heads
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Water cooled
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Four valves per cylinder
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Camshaft adjustment with valve timing and lift
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Hydraulic valve adjustment
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Dry sump lubrication
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Twin turbochargers and twin intercoolers
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Electronic engine management
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Fly-by-wire throttle
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Direct fuel injection (DFI)
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Cylinder-specific knock control
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Two three-way catalytic converters with metal substrates with stereo lambda control circuits
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Static high-voltage distribution with individual coils
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Two-stage resonance induction
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On-Board-Diagnostics to monitor exhaust emissions
Transmission
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7-Speed-Doubleclutch
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Rear wheel drive
Chassis
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Front: 5-spoke 8.5“ x 19 forged light-alloy wheels with central locking, tyres 265/30 ZR 19
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Rear: 5-spoke 12.5“ x 20 forged light-alloy wheels with central locking, tyres 345/30 ZR 20
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Tyre sealing compound and electrical compressor
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Power steering with variable steering ratio
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Front: McPherson-strut suspension with anti-roll bar
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Rear: multi-link suspension, horizontal coil over shock absorbers with anti-roll bar
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Stability Management with ABS, ASR, ABD and ESP
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Hydraulic lift system for the front axle for 50 mm
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(2 inch) more ground clearance
Brakes
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Front and rear: 6-piston-monobloc-fixed calipers, red painted with white “RUF” logo
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Front and rear: 380 mm internally ventilated and perforated ceramic composite brake discs
- Bosch ABS 8.0
CTR3 Clubsport – Model Year 2014
Body
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2-seater Coupé
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Front structure and floor panel, sheet steel hot dip galvanised on both sides
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Body shell in kevlar-carbon composite
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Clubsports-package in kevlar-carbon composite
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Underbody lining
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Aluminium front lid and aluminium doors
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Door stops with 3 index positions
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Air intakes for intercoolers in the rear fenders
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Front spoiler with integrated air outlet
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Sports mirrors with integrated indicators, improved aerodynamics, electric adjustable and heated
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Rear diffuser with air outlets for end tips
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Big one-piece rear lid
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Automatic rear wing
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Permanent “rear view” camera
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“RUF” logo in black on the front hood and black “C
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TR 3” logo on the rear lid
Electrical system
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Power windows with one-touch operation and short-stroke lowering
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Windscreen washer system with 2 wiping speeds, interval settings and heated dual nozzles
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Sports mirrors with LED-indicator lights, electrically adjust- and heatable, aspherical on driver ́s side
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Communication Management: Information system comprising 5.8-inch screen, 12 button keypad, radio with CD drive and an on-board computer with parallel display in the instrument cluster
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Soundsystem with 7 speakers
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CD tray area in the glove box
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Pre assembly for CD autochanger (6 discs)
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Central locking with remote control including trunk release
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Electric luggage compartment release
Lighting
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Bi-Xenon-head lights including dynamic headlight leveling and headlamp cleaning system
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Separate additional lights in the front end with m
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arker lights, LED indicator lights and LED day light running lights
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Rear fog light
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Centre high-mounted brake light in LED technology
Instruments
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Three big round instruments with dial-type gauges in black with green typeface
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Speedo tops at 260 mph (420 kph)
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Instrument cluster with central rev counter and multi-function display
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Analogue displays: Revolutions per minute, speed,
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oil pressure, oil temperature, coolant temprature and tank capacity
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Permanent indication of total mileage, trip mileage, time, outside temperature and speed
- On board computer
Safety and security
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Fullsize airbags for driver and passenger
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Integrated roll cage (IRC)
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Side Impact Protection System comprising:
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Side impact protection in the doors
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Head airbags in the door-trim panels
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3-point automatic belts front, seat buckle on seat
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Seat belt height adjustment, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters
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Immobiliser (transponder system), safe locking system, alarm system and interior surveillance
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Front and rear bumpers with integrated alloy bumpers
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Air conditioning
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Automatic air conditioning with integrated active carbon filter
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Green tinted heat-insulating glass
Interior
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Full leather interior
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Kevlar carbon light weight bucket seat with integrated head rest
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3-spoke sport steering wheel in leather with manual height and reach adjustment
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Plastic parts with soft paint, painted in interior colo
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Roofliner in alcantara
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Interior carbon package
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Fire extinguisher
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6 point seat belts in colour for driver’s and passenger’s seat
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Lockable, large glove compartment
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Light weight door panels with storage bags
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Cup holder integrated behind the decorative dashboard trim
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LCD display for permanent “rear view” camera inste
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ad of rear view mirror
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Aluminium shift knob
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Aluminium pedal set and foot rest
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Stainless steel door sills with „RUF“ logo
Technical data
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Engine
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Type Boxer
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Cylinders 6
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Displacement – in³ (cc) 231.9 (3,800)
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Bore x stroke – in (mm) 4.02 x 3.05 (102 x 77.5)
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Power 572 kW (777 hp)
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At RPM 7,100
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Max. torque – lb-ft (Nm) 707,96 (980)
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At RPM 4,000
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Compression ratio 9.8 : 1
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Engine control unit EMS SDI 3.1, direct fuel inje
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ction, cylinder specific
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knock control, Stereo
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lambda-control circuits,
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fly-by-wire throttle
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Gasoline 98 ROZ super plus, unleaded
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Alternator 1.680 W
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Starter motor 1.7 kW
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Battery 80 Ah
Transmission
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Power delivery Rear-wheel drive
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Transmission 7-speed double clutch
Chassis
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Front axle McPherson-strut, anti-roll bar
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Rear axle Multi-link suspension, horizontal coil over shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Steering
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Steering ratio 16.9 : 1
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Steering wheel turns 2.98 From lock to lock
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Steering wheel diameter – in (mm) 14.5 (365)
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Turning radius – ft (m) 34.8 (10.6)
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Driver safety aids with ABS, ASR and ABD
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Brakes Front and rear: 6 piston aluminium monobloccalipers ventilated and cross-drilled ceramic composite discs
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Anti-lock braking system Bosch ABS 8.0
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Brake disc diameter – in (mm) 15 / 15 (380 / 380)
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Brake disc thickness – in (mm) 1.3 / 1.3 (34 / 34)
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Wheels 8.5” x 19 / 12.5” x 20
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Tyres 265/30 ZR 19 / 345/30 ZR 20
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Size and weight
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Length – in (mm) 175 (4,445)
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Width – in (mm) 76.5 (1,944)
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Height – in (mm) 47.2 (1,200)
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Wheelbase – in (mm) 103.3 (2,625)
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Track, front – in (mm) 59.3 (1,506)
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Track, rear – in (mm) 62.4 (1,585)
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Empty weight
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According to DIN 3086.4 lbs (1,400 kg)
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According to EG-standards 3251.8 lbs (1,475 kg)
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Total acceptable weight 3582.5 lbs (1,625 kg)
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Capacities
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Trunk space according to VDA – cu ft (l) 3.7 (135)
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Gas tank – gal (l) 23.1 (90)
Performance
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Top speed – mph (kph) 236 (380) – dependent on gear ratios
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0 – 62 mph (0 – 100 kph) 3.2 s
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0 – 125 mph (0 – 200 kph) 9.2 s
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.