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Overview The Nissan Pulsar GTI-R (chassis code RNN14 - aka i-R and 'R) is a special and unique vehicle that was manufactured by Nissan between 1990 and 1994 in order to enter the World Rally Championship (WRC) under Group-A rules. The body is based on the Nissan Pulsar N14 3-door hatchback model, but features a large rear wing and bonnet scoop. It has an ATTESA 4WD system (also used on certain U12 & U13 Bluebird models), and a unique variant of the SR20DET engine (not used on any other car). The Nissan GTI-R is in the same specification-league, and often compared to, similar "rally-bred" 2 litre 4WD turbo vehicles from the late-80s/early-90s, such as the Ford Escort Cosworth, Lancia Delta Integrale, Toyota Celica GT4, Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. |
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Main Versions There were 2 versions of the RNN14 Nissan GTI-R sold to the general public:
The model number is printed on the VIN plate, which is located on the top centre of the firewall in the engine bay. Production The RNN14 was manufactured in Japan. Production ran from August 1990 until November 1994. The total number produced during those 4 years was between 12 and 15 thousand (see below for details). It is unclear how many were RA and RB versions (see below for differences). The sometimes-quoted figure of 5000 applies to the first year of production only (1990-91), which Nissan had to fullfill under the existing FIA Group-A homologation regulations (which was at least 5000 units, with 500 of them homologated) in order for the model to be eligible to enter the WRC. RA About half way through the production (August 1992), Nissan made a range of aesthetic changes to the RA version. Rather than being an evolution, it was a simplification or de-specialisation in preperation for the planned discontinuation of the GTI-R (after pulling out of the WRC). Although not advertised as such, the changes were extensive enough (around 10 items) to be noticeable as a different series or phase and are clearly defined by chassis numbers RNN14-100000 and above (see below for details). RB The RB version was specifically built to be used for motorsport (Group-N rallying in particular). They had the luxury trimmings (such as air conditioning and power windows) removed as standard, steel wheels and the interior trim from the base model Pulsar which reduced the kerb weight to 1190kg (2624 lb). Some of the luxury items were available as an option, but they are mainly found in the later years of production. The engine remained the same as the RA model, but they had a closer ratio gearbox and most were factory-fitted with Nismo options (see below for details). Nismo There were several RB versions produced with special Nismo VIN plates (total unknown, but there has been evidence of least 5). They were built as promotional cars and featured many of the Nismo rally options (suspension, diffs, seats, roll cage, foot rests, etc - see below), then eventually ended up in private collections. Group-A The Group-A Rally Cars were not sold to the general public. They were assembled and used for the WRC by the now defunct NME (Nissan Motorsports Europe) as their Works cars in Milton Keynes, UK. After NME was disbanded, the cars were sold to private buyers, predominately in Europe, where most continued to be used in various forms of rallying. Sunny Sunny was the name (badge) used for the European-delivered (both RHD & LHD) models. They have the chassis number of GNN14, and exhibit several differences to the RNN14. The commonly accepted theory is there were less than 1000 LHD models (sold in Germany, France and Italy), and less than 100 RHD models (sold in the UK). (see below for details). |
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Information taken from the various official Nissan brochures
Pictures HERE |
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Production Numbers There were 5 seperate periods of production:
These numbers are a combination of information from the Japanese Owners Club and the Nissan FAST software chassis-lookup feature. A total cannot be calculated due to the many numbers in the above ranges that are not listed in FAST, plus the Nismo, Autech and the GNN14 models. The final number produced over is guestimated to be between 12000-15000. |
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Differences in the RA Models Basically, there were 2 main series/versions/phases of RA (road) cars which can be identified by their chassis numbers:
These are the changes made to the Series 2 models:
There were NO changes to the engine or exterior. There WAS a limited run of Turquoise Metallic [DL2] coloured examples (during SERIES 2). There are 2 unconfirmed theories. One is that it was to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Naruhito to Masako Owada in 1993. The other is it was to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Nissan in 1994. Also unconfirmed is the number of these produced, with theories ranging from 20-500. While there has never been any evidence uncovered, it is clear is that they are by far the rarest of the 6 factory colours (listed below). |
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Differences in the RB Models The homologation (RB) model was specifically built to be used for motorsport. They had all the luxury trimmings removed as standard, but some of the items were available as an option (mainly found in the later years):
There were many Nismo 'Rally Options', some more commonly fitted than others (see list below). Autech (a Nissan tuning division that factory-installed optional parts as part of "complete upgraded car" service) prepared some of the RB models. |
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The Nissan and Nismo Optional Parts There were many factory options available throughout production:
More of these options are found in the later models (most likely due to the general automotive industry rule that towards the end of a models production, showrooms offer deals on them). There were also what was advertised as Nissan-branded 'motorsport' options:
There were also many Nismo options (not a definitive list):
Pictures HERE |
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Differences in the Sunny Models The GNN14 model was a variation of the GTI-R specifically built for the European market and badged as a Sunny (the name of the existing N14 in that market). There are both left hand drive and right hand drive versions. They have some parts from the RA Series 1, some from the RB, and some unique.
Pictures: HERE |
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World Rally Championship Works Team After producing the required 5000 examples under FIA classification (500 of them being homologation [RB] models), Nissan entered the GTI-R under Group A rules in the FIA WRC as a factory team (NME) in 1991 & 1992. NME only competed in selected rallies during both years (ones they thought had the highest potential for positive results), but the expected initial success did not materialise, and they never won a WRC Group A rally in the GTI-R. The WRC campaign was abandoned by Nissan in 1992 and the funnding was redirected to Le Mans and the development of the R390. NME redirected their attention to the fwd Formula 2 division. Much has been written about the reason for the failure (see articles in the gallery). The most significant being the Dunlop tyres which were not at the standard of the competition, the inefficiency of the top-mounted intercooler when engine power was increased to Group A levels, and the political and cultural issues between Nissan Japan and the newly created Nissan Motorsport Europe. Pictures HERE 1991 Group A Results Round 4 - 39th Martini Safari Rally Kenya
Round 6 - 38th Acropolis Rally
Round 9 - 41st 1000 Lakes Rally
Round 14 - 47th Lombard RAC Rally
1992 Group A Results Round 1 - 60th Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo
Round 2 - 41st International Swedish Rally
Round 3 - 25th Rallye de Portugal
Round 9 - 42nd 1000 Lakes Rally
Round 14 - 48th Lombard RAC Rally
Group N Champions! The FIA Group N (Production Car) specification was lot more successful for the GTI-R. Although NME did not enter Group N cars directly in the WRC, in 1992 they supported the Nissan Belgium Rally Team with lead driver Grégoire De Mévius. That year there was also a Japanese entry (Team and factory-backing unknown) driven by Hiroshi Nishiyama. The GTI-R finished 1 and 2 in the 1992 Group N Championship (FIA Cup for Drivers of Production Cars), clearly showing that it had the specifications and ability to be a successful rallying car at Production Class level on the world stage. 1992 Group N Results Round 3 - 26th Rallye de Portugal
Round 4 - 40th Martini Safari Rally Kenya
Round 6 - 39th Acropolis Rally
Round 8 - 12th Rally Argentina
Round 9 - 42nd 1000 Lakes Rally
Round 12 - 24th Rallye Côte d'Ivoire Bandama
Round 14 - 48th Lombard RAC Rally
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Gran Turismo 2 (US) The GTI-R (RNN14) was a 3-door hatchback of the fourth generation Pulsar (N14) that was spawned by a full model change in 1990. Based on the 2.0 litre inline 4-cylinder DOHC turbo SR20DET engine, the power unit boasts specifications of 230hp at 6400rpm and 210lb/ft at 4800rpm thanks to alterations to the 4-butterfly-throttle intake and exhaust mechanisms. The body also underwent substantial changes with large spoilers being added to the front and rear, and a big air intake on the hood. The drive produced is truly staggering, and the compact body accelerates as if it were being pulled by some huge force. The car really hugs the roads thanks to the four-wheel-drive, but as it is front-heavy, understeer can be a problem unless care is taken. Because of its impressive driving capability on the streets, it maintains a faithful following among the general public. Gran Turismo 2 (UK) In Japan, it's called the Pulsar, and in Europe it's called the Sunny. We'll refer to this GTI-R car as the Pulsar though, because it's a bit of a star. By 1990, this 3-door hatchback was in its 4th generation, firmly establishing itself as a dull but dependable family runabout. The mad GTI-R changed all that beyond recognition. this particular Pulsars body sports large spoilers front and rear and a large air intake for the turbocharger intercoller on the bonnet. Yep, the 2-litre DOHC powerplant has a turbo. each of its four cylinders has a 4-butterfly throttle intake and exhaust mechanisms that work to help produce 227bhp at 6400rpm and 210lbft of torque at 4800rpm. Power is sent through the 5-speed manual gearbox to a 4WD system, incorporating a centre differential and viscous lsds. On the road the GTI-R flies up to 60mph in a very rapid 5.4 seconds, then the needle edges iuts way to around 144mph. If you need to hit the brakes, rest assured that the heavy duty ventilated discs up front and solids at the rear are worked by an ABS system. This very impressive driving capability puts the GTI-R on the same level as some serious rally-bred machinery such as the Ford Escort Cosworth and the Lancia Delta Integrale - cult cars each one. Sitting on its lowered and stiffened suspension - with 14" alloy wheels and low profile 195/55 tyres - the Pulsar GTI-R boasts fantastic grip and traction for such a fast, small, lightweight car. The front tends to be a little nose-heavy, resulting in a handling setup for mild, predictable understeer through the twisty bits, but feather the throttle, correct the steering here and there as the back end drifts round and you can take the Pulsar GTI-R (and four other people if you wish) for a laugh-a-minute drive. |
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PlayStation
PlayStation 2
Dreamcast
Nintendo Entertainment System
NeoGeo
Pictures HERE |
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