Porsche->ke1 tuning firm extraordinaire, RUF, is one of the best in the business at what it does. So much so, that they produce some of the fastest and most powerful Porsche upgrades on the planet.

The latest model of their Cayman-based CTR 3->ke3655 is a perfect example of that. Already boasting two previous models, the CTR 3 is the epitome of how a Porsche Cayman should be tuned up. On its own, the German sports car is already capable of producing an output of 265 horsepower, thanks to a 2.9-liter inline-six engine, but RUF have put their talents to good use to give the Cayman the proper juicing up. This was done by completely redesigning the car's look and replacing the existing engine with a more powerful 3.8-liter flat-six cylinder engine with a staggering output of 750 horsepower.

Just in case your math is slow, that's more than twice the ponies the standard Cayman has. Just goes to show how these guys are one of the best at what they do.

More details on the RUF CTR 3 after the jump.

2011 RUF CTR 3

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 RUF CTR 3
  • Engine/Motor: 3.8-liter inline-six turbocharged engine
  • Horsepower: 750 horsepower @ 7,100 rpm
  • Torque: 708 lb/ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
  • Transmission: sequential six-speed transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The RUF CTR 3 already has two predecessors under its belt so it was expected that the car will have plenty of upgrades. For the body, RUF decided to come out with a new aerodynamically enhanced body made from galvanized steel for the front structure and the passenger compartment. Likewise, the engine and transmission are fixed in a space frame and modular tubular frame construction with the latter encased by a new RUF integrated roll cage. Meanwhile, the doors of the car and the front hood are made of aluminum while the body shell is made out of Kevlar-carbon composite. Finally, the CTR 3 features 19" and 20" forged aluminum wheels wrapped in 255/35 ZR 19'' tires in the front and 335/30 ZR 20'' tires in the back.

As for the interior, the design can be customized depending on the owner's taste and whims. You can opt for a bare-as-back lightweight finish or up the ante and pick a more luxurious leather and Alcantara finish. Whatever your preference, RUF can give the interior of the CTR 3 the custom dress up you'd want.

Performance

The RUF CTR 3 is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six cylinder engine that produces an output of 750 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 708 lb/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm mated to a sequential shift 6-speed transmission. These translate to a 0-62 mph time of just 3.2 seconds, a 0-125 mph time of 9.6 seconds, and an estimated top speed of 236 mph.

Pricing

Past models of the RUF CTR 3 retailed for $400,000 so you can expect this one to be priced somewhere close to that. Can't say that we're not overwhelmed by how much it costs, but you know what they say: "you gotta pay to play".

Competition

RUF already has an impressive roster of tuned-up Porsche models in its fleet so it figures that if you're thinking of getting one, you can opt for something that can give the CTR 3 some competition. In this case, we'll take the RT12 R as an example. Aesthetically, the CTR 3 is a little more out there than the RT12 R with the latter designed more subtly despite the fancy gold paint finish. Of course, it pretty much boils down to the fact of whether you prefer a 911 or a Cayman.

Having said that, the engines are also similar to one another. The RT12 R is powered by the same 3.8-liter six-cylinder twin turbocharged engine the CTR 3 has, except that the latter has a slightly more powerful output - 750 horsepower to 730 horsepower - not to mention a higher top speed of 236 mph to 234 mph.

On that note, though, the RT12 R retails for about $385,000 whereas the CTR 3 hits north of $400,000. The question now begs: would you pay the extra $15,000 or so for a 20-horsepower increase, or would you settle for what the RT12 R can give you?