Happenings

Ruf Opens Singapore Showroom

BY Azfar Hashim

Appointed dealer, Specialised Automobiles, offering three Ruf models for buyers looking for a unique German sportscar

Photos: Azfar Hashim and Specialised Automobiles

Ruf Automobile GmbH's 76th anniversary this year has to be a rather significant one. Today, it commemorates the opening of a new dealership here in Singapore. With Specialised Automobiles as the appointed local distributor, the Ruf brand is now officially available with a new showroom at 10 Chang Charn Road. The owner of Ruf Automobile, Alois Ruf Jr, was also present at the opening, unveiling the Boxster-based 3800 S and flagship hyper car, the Ruf CTR 3 Clubsport. Also available on request is the 911-based RT 35.

The German brand had a brief stint in Singapore back in the 1990s; this time around however, it is set to stay as a service centre has also been set up, located at 30 Teban Gardens Crescent.

Ruf 3800 S

Merging the agility of the mid-engined chassis 981 Porsche Boxster and Cayman with the power of the 911 Carrera S drivetrain, the Ruf 3800S is not merely just a heart transplant. Ruf has added special touches including unique body styling with carbon fibre elements and the unique Ruf alloy wheels. Every detail receives attention, from the logo on the seats, Ruf steering wheel, gear selector and aluminium pedals with numerals in classic Ruf green on the speedometer.

Ruf Automobile presented the 3800S at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The 3.8 litre engine taken from the Carrera S now produces 420 bhp; 20 bhp more from the standard engine and 105 bhp more than the Boxster S. It also boasts an output of 450 Nm of torque. With a top speed of 300 km/h, it sprints to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The 3800S is available in either a 6 speed manual or a 7 speed double clutch transmission.

Ruf CTR 3 Clubsport

With a top speed of 380 km/h, this is one ballistic car, accelerating from 0 to 100 km in 3.1 seconds. It also features strong yet lightweight and aerodynamic carbon-kevlar bodywork covering a stiff tubular chassis combined with a Ruf integrated Roll Cage and race bred pushrod rear suspension.

Power is provided by a turbocharged flat 6 engine producing 777 bhp and 980 Nm of torque. The Clubsport model features additional carbon-fibre enhancements to the wings, door sills, rear deck lid, roof mounted air-duct and a fixed rear spoiler, enhancing that race car feel.

To view this pair, you can do so from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm between Monday to Friday and from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm in Saturday and Sunday. The CTR3 Clubsport seen here is the only demo piece in South East Asia.