10 things you should know about the RUF CTR “Yellow Bird"

The RUF CTR also known as the Yellowbird is a limited-production sports car manufactured by the German automobile manufacturer RUF Automobile. The car was based on the Porsche 911 platform but features significant modifications to the engine and other components. The design of the RUF CTR is similar to the 911, but it has some key element that improves the aerodynamics of the car.

One of the most notable design features of the RUF CTR is the larger rear wing, which provides downforce and stability during high speeds. The Yellowbord has been praised for its exceptional performance and driving dynamics, as well as its unique styling, and exclusivity. Mentioned below are some facts about the RUF CTR Yellowbird that you should know.

Here are the top 10 things you need to know about the RUF CTR a.k.a Yellowbird

10. No-nonsense performance

The Yellowbird was an incredible sportscar of the time, It dominated when several highly praised sportscars were for the throne such as Ferrari Testarossa, Lamborghini Countach, and the legendary F40. It used a twin-turbocharged SOHC 2 valves per cylinder flat-6 engine. which on paper made 463 horsepower and 408 lb-ft of torque. Mated with the RUF’s 5-speed manual transmission the car is still to this day a wild horse to control.

09. Why it was called the Yellowbird?

Yes, you guessed it right, the car got the Yellowbird due to its signature bright yellow paint scheme. The color was inspired by the canary yellow used on Porsche race cars, and it was chosen by RUF founder Alois Ruf Jr. for its distinctive eye-catching appearance.

The nickname “Yellowbird” nicknamed gained popularity in the automotive world after the RUF CTR was featured in a popular video by the car magazine “Road & Track” in 1987. The nickname is still close to the hearts of many car enthusiasts and often evokes a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the car’s design and performance.

08. Once was the fastest car in the world

When the Ferrari F-40 was given the throne of the world's fastest car in March 1987, due to the fact of being the first road-legal car to exceed the 200mph milestone. Weeks later after this, the Road & Track magazine put together a little racing competition at Volkswagen’s Ehralessien track located in Germany. Among the best cars such as the Ferrari Tetsorrosa, Lamborghini Countach, and Koenig/RS, only two cars passed the 200 mph mark the RS and Yellowbird which touched the top speed of 211mph, making it allegedly the fastest car from the era.

07. Only 29 of them originally came out of the factory

RUF Automobile is a German automobile manufacturer known for enhancing and converting Porsche models to RUF specifications. They also restore RUF and vintage Porsche models for customers. Due to the success and legendary status of the CTR, people who wanted the best converted their cars to resemble the Yellowbird.

However, there are only 29 units of the official RUF CTR, built from unmarked Porsche Chasis with RUF VIN were handbuilt from the ground up, which makes it quite an exclusive car to own or even see in the wild.

06. Feather light

The lightweight construction of the RUF CTR was one of the key factors that contributed to its impressive performance and handling. To achieve the desired weight reduction, RUF used a combination of lightweight materials and advanced engineering techniques. The car’s body panels were made from lightweight materials such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass, which are stronger and lighter than traditional steel panels.

In addition to lightweight construction the car also advanced aerodynamics, with a low-slung body and a large rear wing that helped to improve downforce and stability at high speeds. The feathery construction of the RUF CTR was a critical factor in the car’s impressive performance and handling.

05. Fast yet comfortable

The RUF CTR was not just a speed machine, but also a luxurious and comfortable car. It had features like air conditioning, power windows, and a high-quality sound system, which made it a more practical option than some of the high-performance sports cars. These features not only provide a much more comfortable driving experience, but also make the Yellowbird a more versatile car, that you can use for daily driving, long trips, and cruising on the weekends.

04. Distinctive sound note

The RUF CTR's exhaust system was a unique feature that set it apart from other high-performance sports cars. It incorporated a bypass valve that helped to reduce back pressure and improve engine efficiency, resulting in a distinctive and exhilarating exhaust note.

The sound of the CTR's engine and exhaust was an integral part of the driving experience and added to the car's overall appeal. The combination of the car's performance, handling, and sound made the RUF CTR a legend among sports car enthusiasts and cemented its place in automotive history.

03. Adjustable rear wing

The RUF CTR's adjustable rear spoiler was a unique and innovative feature that contributed to the car's impressive performance and handling. The spoiler could be manually adjusted by the driver to provide more downforce at high speeds, which improved the car's stability and grip on the road. This allowed the driver to push the car to its limits and take on corners and turns with confidence.

02. The RUF CTR was built using hands

Another interesting fact about the RUF CTR is that it was hand-built, with each car receiving personal attention and meticulous craftsmanship from RUF's skilled technicians. The car was assembled at RUF's facility in Pfaffenhausen, Germany, where it underwent a rigorous quality control process to ensure that it met the company's high standards.

This attention to detail and commitment to quality helped to make the RUF CTR one of the most sought-after and respected sports cars of its time. The hand-built nature of the car also added to its exclusivity and rarity, making it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

01. More than a souped-up 911

The RUF CTR is not just a souped-up version of the Porsche 911. While it shares the same basic chassis and engine design, RUF Automobile has made extensive modifications to virtually every aspect of the car to create a truly unique and distinctive sports car.

From the lightweight body and custom suspension system to the reworked engine and aerodynamic package, the RUF CTR is a highly specialized machine that offers levels of performance and handling that simply cannot be matched by a stock 911. This attention to detail and commitment to excellence is what sets the RUF CTR apart from other high-performance sports cars.