Ruf BTR

{{Infobox automobile

| image = Ruf BTR.jpg

| caption = A Ruf BTR with aftermarket BBS wheels

| name = Ruf BTR

| manufacturer = Ruf Automobile GmbH

| production = 1983–1989 (about 20-30 built from Porsche "body in white" chassis, rest converted from customer cars)

| class = Sports car (S)

| body_style = 2-door coupé

| platform = Porsche 911

| layout = Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive

| related = Porsche 930

| engine = {{convert|3367|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} turbocharged flat-6

| transmission = 5-speed manual

| wheelbase = {{convert|2272|mm|in|abbr=on}}Car and Driver November 1988

| length = {{convert|4251-4291|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}

| width = {{convert|1652-1775|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}

| height = {{convert|1270-1295|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|2577-2990|lb|kg|0|disp=flip}}

| predecessor = Ruf SCR

| successor = {{ubl

|Ruf CTR

|Ruf BTR 3.8

|RUF BTR2

}}

}}

The Ruf BTR (Gruppe B Turbo RUF) is a sports car built by German automobile manufacturer Ruf Automobile. The BTR began production in 1983 and was based on the Porsche 911 (produced from 1978–1989) available in a narrow 911 or optional wide body configuration akin to the 930 Turbo (the drag difference causing more than {{convert|12.5|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} difference in top speed). The BTR was the first Ruf production sports car with a company specific VIN.

Construction of each vehicle began at the bare chassis level. About 20–30 cars were built this way, probably even more were converted from customer cars, though no clear records exist to signify the total number of cars produced.

Specifications

The BTR was powered by a 3.4-litre, flat-6 turbocharged engine, producing {{convert|374|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,000 rpm and {{convert|480|Nm|abbr=on|0}} of torque at 4,800 rpm. It came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, though a six-speed transmission became available in 1988 upon request. Other changes included bigger brakes and a stiffer suspension system.

Changes done to converted customer cars included a Ruf 5-speed manual transmission, quad-pipe exhaust system, Recaro leather seats, Ruf instrument clusters and steering wheel, Simpson race harness, twin-plug conversion applied to the engine, engine capacity increased to 3.4-litres with modifications done to the turbocharger, a front spoiler with an oil cooler, optional Porsche 935 style wing mirrors and Ruf 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. The BTR conversion was available either for the 930 Turbo or for a Carrera 3.2.{{cite web|url=https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1984-porsche-ruf-btr-930/|title=1984 Ruf BTR conversion kit|accessdate=24 September 2018}}

Performance

File:1987 Ruf BTR Cabriolet Flachbau in Red, front right.jpg

Test results with narrow 911 body (by Car & Driver):

  • 0–{{convert|30|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}: 1.6 seconds
  • 0–{{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}: 4.3 seconds
  • 0–{{convert|100|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}: 9.6 seconds
  • 0–{{convert|130|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}: 16.9 seconds
  • 0–{{convert|150|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}: 24.3 seconds
  • {{frac|1|4}} mile (402m): 12.5 seconds at {{convert|112|mph|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}
  • Top speed: {{convert|305|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} (tested by Auto, Motor und Sport)Auto, Motor und Sport 3/1987

Awards and recognition

In 1984, a Ruf BTR won the "World's Fastest Cars" contest held by the American car magazine Road & Track with a {{convert|10|mph|abbr=on}} lead and also dominated the acceleration tests. It accelerated from {{convert|0-60|mph|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}} in 4.7 seconds, {{convert|0-100|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} in 10.4 seconds, covered the {{convert|1/4|mile|m|0}} in 13.3 seconds at a speed of {{convert|110|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}, and managed a top speed of {{convert|186.2|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}.Road & Track September 1984

At the next contest three years later, the same car, with 211,000 trouble-free miles on the odometer, visited outside the competition and attained a top speed of {{convert|187|mph|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}, still able to outperform most of the newer cars including the Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV, the AMG Hammer, the Ferrari 288 GTO, the Ferrari Testarossa and the Isdera Imperator 108i. Only the Porsche 959, the Ruf CTR and a Koenig-modified Porsche 911 Turbo with engine by RS-Tuning were faster.Road & Track July 1987

In Auto, Motor und Sport 22/1984 issue, a Ruf BTR set a new 0–100 km/h acceleration record for production cars tested by the magazine. It accelerated from {{cvt|0-100|km/h|mph|0}} in 4.6 seconds, {{cvt|0-200|km/h|mph|0}} in 15.5 seconds and covered a standing kilometre in 23.0 seconds.Auto, Motor und Sport 22/1984

Later Models

= BTR 3.8 =

Introduced in 1993, the BTR 3.8 was based on the rear-wheel-drive 964 Carrera 2 and changes included an enlarged engine capacity of 3.8-litres, a turbocharger, a 6-speed automatic transmission with an electronic clutch, a completely reworked suspension and brakes, special 18-inch Ruf 5-spoke wheels and larger tyres measuring 235/40 ZR at the front and 265/35 ZR at the rear. The modifications done to the engine resulted in a power output of {{cvt|415|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}.

The car had a spartan, driver focused interior and featured lightweight racing bucket seats. Performance figures included acceleration to {{cvt|97|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}} in 3.6 seconds, acceleration to {{cvt|200|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}} in 12.9 seconds and a top speed of {{cvt|199.06|mph|kph|2|abbr=on|order=flip}} making it one of the fastest cars in the world at the time of its introduction.{{cite web|url=http://www.ruf-automobile.de:80/html/press_965_btr.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010210191054/http://www.ruf-automobile.de:80/html/press_965_btr.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2001-02-10|title=Ruf BTR 3.8|date=December 1993|first=David|last=Vivian|publisher=Performance Car Magazine|access-date=25 September 2018}}

= BTR2 =

{{main|Ruf BTR2}}

Introduced in 1993, the Ruf BTR2 was based on the Porsche 993. Using the 993 Carrera as a donor car, the BTR2 had a single turbocharger setup (with 11.6 psi of boost pressure), just like the original BTR. Changes done to the engine included an air-to-air intercooler, an auxiliary oil-cooler, Bosch Motronic engine management system and a lower compression ratio. The engine generated a maximum power output of {{Convert|420|PS|kW|abbr=on}} at 5,000 rpm and {{Convert|435|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} of torque at 4,800 rpm.{{Cite news|url=https://www.automobilemag.com/news/watch-seven-reasons-why-the-ruf-btr2-is-better-than-a-stock-porsche-911/|title=WATCH: Seven Reasons Why the RUF BTR2 is Better Than a Stock Porsche 911 {{!}} Automobile Magazine|date=1 June 2018|work=Automobile Magazine|access-date=25 September 2018|language=en-US}}

The car included a Ruf 6-speed manual transmission, limited slip differential (with 60% lockup), lowered suspension (30mm reduction), bigger brake discs and stiff anti-rollbars as standard equipment. Other changes included Ruf 5-spoke alloy wheels, racing bucket seats in the interior, different front and rear bumpers and a "whale-tail" rear wing.

Performance figures included acceleration to {{cvt|97|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}} in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of {{cvt|308|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web|url=http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/curbside-classic-ruf-btr-2-no-its-not-a-porsche/|title=Curbside Classic: 1995 Ruf BTR-2 – No, It's Not A Porsche.|website=www.curbsideclassic.com|date=9 December 2014|language=en-US|access-date=25 September 2018}}

Notes

{{Reflist}}

References

  • {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010209090504/http://www.ruf-automobile.de/html/technical_911_btr.html |date=February 9, 2001 |title=Ruf 911 BTR (Ruf Homepage) }}
  • [http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/makehistory/389,0/makeHistory.aspx History of Ruf on Concept Carz]

{{commons category}}{{Ruf}}

BTR

Category:Cars powered by boxer engines

Category:Cars introduced in 1983

Category:First car made by manufacturer

Category:Rear-engined vehicles

Category:Cars discontinued in 1989