Legendary supercar manufacturer RUF Automobile is pleased to be featured in a dedicated class at the 29th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance this Sunday, March 3. It marks the first time RUF has had its own class at a concours. Fourteen RUF vehicles will be on display, including 12 judged in the concours and two (an RCT and Rt12) as part of the RUF display.
The class will span nearly every major model RUF has produced in its 85-year history. From the CTR Yellowbird to the modern-day CTR Anniversary, the RUF class will comprise everything from RUF's Porsche body-in-white-based vehicles to its modern-day bespoke chassis-based cars.
'We are so thrilled and honored to be featured in our own class at The Amelia Concours this year,' said Alois Ruf Jr. 'RUF has come a long way over the last 85 years, and I am very proud to display our creations on the concours lawn. Every RUF car is made with passion and the thrill of motoring as the only considerations, and we look forward to celebrating with our fans at Amelia Island.'
Additionally, several RUFs will be auctioned throughout the weekend, including a 1990 RUF BTR III and 1986 RUF BTR Slantnose at Gooding & Company and a 1994 RUF RCT and 1998 RUF BTR at Broad Arrow.
RUF Vehicles on Display at The Amelia Island Concours RUF BTR
The BTR represents the very first RUF produced after the company received its Manufacturer's Certification in 1981, officially designating it an OEM. Starting with the body-in-white of a 911, the RUF team of engineers dissected and enhanced virtually every aspect of the vehicle's performance. A 3.4-liter turbocharged flat-six produces 374 horsepower running through a five-speed manual transmission. In 1984, the BTR won the 'World's Fastest Car' competition in Road & Track magazine, dominating the top speed and acceleration tests. Zero to 60 mph came in at 4.7 seconds, and the top speed was clocked at 186.2 mph. Both were impressive feats for the time.
RUF CTR 'Yellowbird'
The CTR 'Yellowbird' is arguably the most recognizable and famous RUF. It became one of the most iconic vehicles of its time through its July 1987 cover story in Road & Track magazine as the fastest car in the world against some heavy competition from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and more. The twin-turbocharged 469 horsepower 3.4-liter flat-six punched it to a top speed of 211 mph. 'Yellowbird' then starred in the first automotive viral video in 1989, 'Faszination on the Nürburgring,' and found fame with a younger generation in 1999's 'Gran Turismo 2' video game.
RUF CTR2 and CTR2 Clubsport
The CTR2 succeeded the original CTR and was based on a 993 body-in-white. This marked the first time carbon-ceramic brakes and 19-inch forged magnesium wheels were ever used on a road-legal sports car. It was also the first implementation of RUF's now-customary integrated roll cage and featured a dual-purpose rear wing with integrated air intakes feeding twin intercoolers. The 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six produces 520 horsepower, motivating it to a top speed of 217 mph. The CTR2 Clubsport, nicknamed 'White Pegasus,' was commissioned in 1996 by Japanese RUF enthusiast Jun Takeyama and represents the only lightweight CTR2 ever built. It features unique RUF carbon-Kevlar bodywork and Lexan polycarbonate rear and side windows, contributing to a 50 kg (110 lb.) weight savings over a standard CTR2.
RUF Turbo R Cabriolet
The Turbo R Cabriolet is one of 15 Turbo Rs built and the sole Cabriolet version. With the roof down, the driver can even more viscerally enjoy the music of the air-cooled 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six. It is equipped with a RUF six-speed manual and all-wheel drive, reaching a top speed of 204 mph.
RUF CTR3
The RUF CTR3 represents the third generation of the CTR and is the culmination of RUF's decades of experience with the latest technologies, all combined into the ultimate hypercar package. At the time, it was the most powerful RUF to date, with 700 horsepower bristling from the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six running through a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The top speed is still an impressive 236 mph.
RUF Rt12 and Rt12R
The Rt12 celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, originally released in 2004 at the Essen Motor Show. The Rt12R is the third generation of the Rt12 line, featuring specially developed aerodynamic bodywork that increases downforce and high-speed stability, with characteristic air ducts in the rear fenders feeding cool air to the twin intercoolers. Its engine features twin 3K turbochargers, a cast alloy intake manifold, Mahle pistons and custom RUF camshafts. The 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine develops 730 horsepower and runs through a six-speed manual to all four wheels.
RUF Turbo Florio
RUF created the Turbo Florio in 2015, a turbocharged version of the legendary Targa for open-air enthusiasts. A 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine provides 645 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque to either the rear or all four wheels. Refined styling details include the air intake ducts above the rear wheel arches that feed fresh air to the intercoolers. The discreet fixed spoiler and carbon-fiber diffuser define the rear styling of the vehicle. It was available with a manual six-speed or seven-speed double-clutch gearbox with a top speed of 210 mph.
RUF Turbo R Limited
The Turbo R Limited is the most powerful air-cooled car RUF has ever created and was to be its last air-cooled vehicle until the RUF Tribute debuted in 2023 at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. Standing at 625 horsepower, the Turbo R Limited's twin-turbo flat-six gets it to a top speed of 212 mph.
RUF RCT
The RCT was introduced in 1993 and developed with a focus on smooth power delivery and drivability. The addition of a Motronic fuel injection and a double ignition system helped achieve this. The 3.6-liter air-cooled turbocharged flat-six develops 370 horsepower routed through a six-speed manual, pushing it to a top speed of 199 mph.
RUF Wolf
The RUF Wolf is a 1-of-1 commission based on a 964 body-in-white. This unique RUF features a carbon-fiber exterior eight centimeters wider in the front and 10 centimeters wider in the rear than a 964 Turbo. Finished in a bespoke color of Kelter's Grey, it took 11 spray-outs to perfect the formula. The interior is finished in Loro Piana cashmere, believed to be the only one of its kind.
RUF Ultimate
The Ultimate is based on a 964 body-in-white, its carbon-fiber bodywork keeping weight to a low 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs.). Carbon-ceramic brakes, 18-inch wheels and RUF's integrated roll cage complete the car, with a 582-horsepower air-cooled twin-turbo flat-six carrying it to a top speed of 211 mph.
RUF CTR Anniversary
The RUF CTR Anniversary represents both the past and future of RUF, honoring the original CTR while introducing RUF's in-house designed carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2017, 30 years after the original Yellowbird, the CTR Anniversary was RUF's first vehicle designed without a body-in-white chassis from Porsche. A twin-turbocharged 710 horsepower flat-six routes power to the rear wheels via a RUF-engineered seven-speed manual transmission and pushes the CTR Anniversary to a top speed of 225 mph. Rear quarter panel NACA ducts feed fresh air to the twin intercoolers, with aerodynamic carbon-fiber bodywork contributing to a low weight of 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs.) while maintaining optimal downforce characteristics.
For more information on RUF Automobile, visit ruf-automobile.de/en/ or on social media at @rufsince1939.Photo credit: RUF posted on conceptcarz.com
