Latest News

GTI-R WRC History

World Rally Championship Works Team

After producing the required 5000 examples (500 of them homologation models) under FIA Group-A classification, Nissan entered the GTI-R World Rally Championship (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.

More HERE

1991 Group-A Results

Round 4 - 39th Martini Safari Rally Kenya

• Stig Blomqvist - 5th
• Mike Kirkland - 7th
• David Llewellin - DNF (Accident)

Round 6 - 38th Acropolis Rally

• David Llewellin - 9th
• Stig Blomqvist - DNF (Differential)

Round 9 - 41st 1000 Lakes Rally

• Stig Blomqvist - 8th
• David Llewellin - 10th

Round 14 - 47th Lombard RAC Rally

• Stig Blomqvist - DNF (Suspension)
• David Llewellin - DNF (Electrical)

​
1992 Group-A Results

Round 1 - 60th Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo

• François Chatriot - 7th
• Tommi Mäkinen - 9th

Round 2 - 41st International Swedish Rally

• Stig Blomqvist - 3rd (BEST RESULT)

Round 3 - 25th Rallye de Portugal

• François Chatriot - 6th
• Tommi Mäkinen - DNF (Accident)

Round 9 - 42nd 1000 Lakes Rally

• Stig Blomqvist - DNF (Engine)
• Tommi Mäkinen - DNF (Gearbox)

Round 14 - 48th Lombard RAC Rally

• Tommi Mäkinen - 8th
• Stig Blomqvist - DNF (Accident)

Group-N Champions!

The FIA Group-N (Production Class) specification was lot more successful for the GTI-R.
Although NME did not enter Group N cars directly in the WRC, in 1992 they backed the Nissan Belgium Rally Team with lead driver Grégoire De Mévius. That year there was also a Japanese entry (Team and 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

• Grégoire De Mévius - 3rd (13th overall)

Round 4 - 40th Martini Safari Rally Kenya

• Hiroshi Nishiyama - 3rd (16th overall)

Round 6 - 39th Acropolis Rally

• Grégoire De Mévius - 1st (9th overall)

Round 8 - 12th Rally Argentina

• Hiroshi Nishiyama - 2nd (9th overall)
• Grégoire De Mévius - DNF (Late for start)

Round 9 - 42nd 1000 Lakes Rally

• Grégoire De Mévius - 3rd (13 overall)

Round 12 - 24th Rallye Côte d'Ivoire Bandama

• Hiroshi Nishiyama - 1st (4th overall)
• Grégoire De Mévius - DNF (Engine)

Round 14 - 48th Lombard RAC Rally

• Grégoire De Mévius - 2nd (14 overall)

Read story →    0 comments   

GTI-R Models

Model Types

There were 2 main models of the RNN14 Nissan Pulsar GTI-R sold on the Japanese Domestic Market:

• GTI-RA - Model number: EBYNRVFN14****
• GTI-RB - Model number: EBYNRRFN14****

There were 2 types of of GNN14 Nissan Sunny GTI-R sold to the European Domestic Market:

• GTI-R LHD
• GTI-R RHD

The model number is printed on the VIN plate, located top-centre on the firewall in the engine bay.

Production

The GTI-R was designed and manufactured in Japan. Production ran from August 1990 until November 1994. The total number produced during those 4 years was somewhere between twelve and fifteen thousand. Over 5000 of them were in the first year (1990-91) so Nissan could fulfill the FIA Group-A World Rally Championship entry requirements (5000 units in 12 months, 500 of them homologation models) in order for the car to be eligible to enter the WRC.

RA Models

The RA model (aka RA, Alpha, Road, Luxury) had 2 different series/phases/versions (1&2, Early&Late). About half way through the production (August 1992), Nissan made a range of mostly-aesthetic changes (around 10 items). 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). They are defined by chassis numbers RNN14-100000 and above.

RB Models

The GTI-RB (aka RB, Beta, Rally, Homologation) model was a stripped-down version ready to be prepped 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. The engine was 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 Models

Nismo offered a "Complete Car" model based on the RB, featuring many of the Nismo rally options (suspension, diffs, seats, roll cage, foot rests, etc - see below). Unlike most of their other "Complete Car" offerings, no engine or ecu changes were made, it was all just bolt on parts. Priced at ¥3,140,000, a total of 21 were produced (at least 1 of them used as a Nissan demo/promo car). They have an extra Nismo VIN plate on the firewall with the individual build number (no max defined on the plate because they were made to order not a limited run).

Group-A Models

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 Models

Sunny was the name (badge) used for the European-delivered (both RHD & LHD) models. They have the chassis number of GNN14, and have 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).

Read story →    0 comments   

GTI-R Specifications

Information from official Nissan brochures and the Service Manual:

• VIN: RNN14-******
• Type: E-RNN14
• Length: 3975mm
• Width: 1690mm
• Height: 1410mm
• Wheelbase: 2430mm
• Tread Front: 1440mm
• Tread Rear: 1415mm
• Ground Clearance: 150mm
• Kerb Weight: 1220kg (RA) 1190kg (RB)
• Fully Laden: 1495kg (RA) 1465kg (RB)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Turning Circle: 10.4m (5.2m radius)
• Drag Coefficient: 0.39
• Engine Model: SR20DET (54C version)
• Engine Type: 16 valve DOHC 4 cylinder with intercooled turbocharger
• Displacement: 1998cc
• Bore & Stroke: 86 x 86mm
• Compression Ratio: 8.3:1
• Control System: Electronic Port Injection
• Turbo: Garret TB2804 (T3/T25 combination)
• Compressor: 60mm, 60trim in .60A/R
• Turbine: 53mm, 79trim in .86A/R
• Max Turbo Pressure: 550mmHg / 10.6psi / 0.73bar
• Max Power: 230ps / 227hp / 169kw @6400rpm
• Max Torque: 29kgm / 284Nm @4800rpm
• Max Speed: 232kph
• Acceleration 0-100kph: 5-second bracket
• Acceleration 0-400m: 13-second bracket
• Steering: Rack & Pinion with gear-sensitive power assist and tilt adjustment
• Suspension Front: Independent McPherson multi-link strut (hydro+telescopic), coil spring and sway bar
• Suspension Rear: Independant strut, parallel link, coil spring and torsion bar stabiliser (sway bar)
• 4WD System: "ATTESA" - Viscous Coupling, Centre Differential and Viscous LSD (open front, vlsd centre, vlsd rear)
• Brake System: 4-sensor, 2-channel electronic ABS, 24mm master cylinder
• Brakes Front: 257x26mm Ventilated Discs, 54mm single piston calipers
• Brakes Rear: 258x9mm Solid Discs, 34mm single piston calipers
• Wheels: 14 inch Aluminium 14x6JJ
• Tires: 195/55R14 82V
• Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres
• Fuel Consumption:
  
  • 13.2ltrs/100kms (Urban Cycle)
  • 10.6ltr/100kms (Constant 120kph)
  • 8.1ltrs/100kms (Constant 90kph)
• Boot Capacity: 280ltrs
• Max Towing Weight: 1560kg
• Transmission Type: 5-speed manual
• Transmission Gear Ratios:
  
  • 1st - 3.285 (RB: 3.067)
  • 2nd - 1.850 (RB: 2.095)
  • 3rd - 1.272 (RB: 1.653)
  • 4th - 0.954 (RB: 1.272)
  • 5th - 0.740 (RB: 0.911)
  • Reverse - 3.266 (RB: 3.153)
  • Final Drive - 4.125
• Colour Codes:
  
  • KH3 - Super Black (Entire production)
  • AJ4 = Red (Series1 only)
  • TJ1 = Blue-Grey Graphite Pearl (Series 1 only)
  • KJ7 = Ivory/Marble White (Series 1 only)
  • 531 = Super White (Series 2 only)
  • DL2 = Turqoise Metallic (Series 2 only)

Pictures HERE

Read story →    0 comments   

GTI-R Options

The Nissan and Nismo Optional Parts

There were many factory options for the N14 Pulsar range available throughout production:

• Climate control (common)
• Wind deflectors (common)
• Plastic protectors (doors, handles, bumpers - rare)
• Heated seats (very rare)
• Heated mirrors (rare)
• Illuminated ignition ring
• Rear speaker upgrades (parcel shelf)

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 Nissan marketed as 'motorsport' options (not Nismo):

• Rear roll bar
• Driving/fog lights (replacing front grill)
• Knee rests
• Bumper protector (skid plate)
• Foot rests (different from Nismo ones)
• Strut braces (different from Nismo ones)
• Rear diff protection plate (different from Nismo one)
• Mud flaps
• GTI-R badge with red 'R'
• Stripes sticker kit
• Map light

There were also many Nismo options (not a definitive list):

• Strut braces
• Suspension (struts and and a range of springs)
• Clutches
• Bushes & engine mounts
• Steering wheel
• Seats & harnesses
• Underbody guards
• Brake pads
• Alloy wheels
• Fog lights (small seperate units - different to the Nissan replacement grill type)
• Limited slip differentials (front, centre and rear)

Pictures HERE

Read story →    0 comments   

GTI-R Games

Computer games that feature the GTI-R:

PlayStation

• Gran Turismo
• Gran Turismo 2

PlayStation 2

• Kaido Battle
• Kaido Battle 2: Chain Reaction
• Kaido Battle 3: Touge No Densetsu

Dreamcast

• Sega GT

Nintendo Entertainment System

• Championship Rally

NeoGeo

• Thrash Rally

Quotes from Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo:

Gran Turismo 2 (US Version)

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 Version)
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.

Read story →    0 comments   

GTI-R General

The Nissan Pulsar GTI-R (chassis code RNN14) is a special vehicle in automotive history that was manufactured by Nissan between 1990 and 1994.

It was born of Nissan's desire to win the World Rally Championship (WRC) under the FIA Group-A rules, and was somewhat of a Frankenstein.
They took their acclaimed 4cyl 2ltr 16v SR20DET engine from their S13 series and upgraded it for more strength and power, grabbed the mechanical version of their ATTESA AWD system from their U12 series for grip, and then stuffed it all in a compact 2 door hatch body from their N14 series with a large rear wing for some stability and a huge bonnet scoop for the intercooler.

Although Nissan failed at Group-A rally, the GTI-R was a force in Group-N winning the 1992 World Championship

The GTI-R is a member of the highly prestigious, very exclusive, historically awesome and utterly cool World Rally Group-A Era Club:

• Nissan Pulsar/Sunny GTI-R
• Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4
• Ford Escort RS Cosworth
• Lancia Delta (HF 4WD + Integrale + Evoluzione)
• Mazda Familia/323 (GTX + GT-R)
• Toyota Celica GT4 (ST185 + ST205)
• Subaru Legacy RS
• Subaru Impreza WRX
• Mitsubishi Galant VR4
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Read story →    0 comments   

GTI-R Sunny

Differences in the Sunny GTI-R

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 were both LHD and RHD versions. They have some parts from the RA Series 1, some from the RB, and some unique. From estimates based on various data, it is generally accepted that there were less than 1000 produced in total.

• vin: JN1EGNN14U0020***
• model: EBYNL*N14****
• released: 1992
• power: 220ps (217hp, 162kw)
• torque: 27kgm (267Nm)
• lhd models: under 1000 (~700 is the common theory) sold in germany, italy, france, belgium and holland
• rhd models: under 100 (~70 is the common theory) sold in the uk
• boot lid number plate surround: different design (to fit euro plates)
• speed limiter: none
• speedo - lhd: kph
• speedo - rhd: mph & kph
• gauges - lhd: bar (boost and oil pressure)
• gauges - rhd: psi (boost and oil pressure)
• clock: digital (in rev guage)
• umbrella holder: none (solid panel - no vent)
• air con: none
• rear light clusters: lower half divided into 3 sections internally
• rear fog lights: outer globe of each light cluster (switch next to rear demister)
• brake lights: only 1 globe per side (the other used for fogs)
• side mirrors: no folding feature
• side mirrors: not colour coded
• cup holders: none
• steering column stalks: indicators on left, wipers on right
• gearstick surround: rubber (same as RB)
• shift knob: plastic (same as RB)
• upper door trim: plastic (same as RB)
• steering wheel: plastic (same as RB) but with GTI-R badge centre (same as series 1 RA)
• rear diff casing: longer cooling fins (same as RB)
• headrests: hollow (same as series 1 RA)
• electrical components: several have different connectors (ie. starter motor and alternator)

Pictures HERE

Read story →    0 comments   

GTI-R Production

Production Numbers

There were 5 seperate periods of production:

• 000101 (02/90) - 005769 (04/91) - Series 1 - Nissan Tochigi Plant
• 020001 (05/91) - 021480 (09/91) - Series 1 - Nissan Kyushu Plant
• 050001 (10/91) - 053490 (07/92) - Series 1 - Nissan Kyushu Plant​

• 100001 (08/92) - 102340 (07/93) - Series 2 - Nissan Kyushu Plant
• 150001 (08/93) - 151846 (11/94) - Series 2 - Nissan Kyushu Plant

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 GNN14 models.

The guestimated total produced is between 12000-15000.

Read story →    0 comments   

GTI-R Community

AUSTRALIA
GTI-R Oz


WORLDWIDE (UK & NZ)
GTI-R Modifiers Club


UK
GTIROC


CANADA
Canada GTI-R


JAPAN
SHIKOKU Branch (Founder)


SOUTH KANTO Branch (Active 2012)


NORTH KANTO Branch (Active 2012)


TOHOKU Branch (Active 2012)


Read story →    0 comments   

GTI-R Series

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:

• Series 1: Below RNN14-100000
• Series 2: Above RNN14-100000

By mid-92 Nissan had all but abandoned their WRC program, and the second phase of GTI-R production was a wind-down with unique interior parts replaced by common ones:

• Body colour super white [531] replaced the early ivory/marble white [KJ7]
• Body colour only available in black [KH3] or the above super white (no more grey [TJ1] or red [AJ4]
• Umbrella holder removed (blank panel, rather than vent from the RB model)
• Headrests changed to solid (from hollow/donut-style)
• Interior fabric trim changed to the same as the SSS model (no longer specific for GTI-R)
• Badge on front grill changed to "Nissan" (from the Pulsar "P")
• Steering wheel changed to generic black Nissan logo (instead of red GTI-R logo button)
• Windscreen changed to monotone (no more upper blue section)
• Roof lining changed to vinyl from twill (except for those that chose the sunroof option)
• Instrument cluster warning lights changed to hidden unless lit, and ANTI-LOCK changed to ABS
• The water pump model was changed (UPGRADE)
• Supports added (clutch pedal bracket and side door beams - UPGRADE)

There were NO changes to the engine or exterior.

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):

• 30kg lighter
• Close ratio gearbox (standard)
• No colour-coded side mirrors (grey plastic - standard)
• No umbrella holder (a vent is there instead - standard)
• Larger cooling fins onthe rear diff housing (standard)
• Steel wheels (standard)
• No rear wiper (optional)
• No air con (optional)
• No electric windows or mirrors (optional)
• Interior from base-model pulsar (vinyl trim, basic seats, rubber gearstick boot, plastic gear knob - standard)
• Exterior paint colour KJ7 (optional - but most of the '90-'91 ones are)
• Front Nismo LSD (originally thought to be standard, now suspected to be a very commonly chosen option)

There were many Nismo 'Rally Options', some more commonly fitted than others (see list below).

Autech Models

Autech, the Nissan tuning division, factory-installed optional parts as an "Upgrade" new car package. All recorded examples have been RB models. They did not make a "Complete Car" model.

The Special "Green" Model

There was of a small number of Turquoise Metallic / Winter Green coloured examples [colour code DL2] during Series 2.
When the manual counting of the Nissan FAST data is complete (in 2012) the findings of total numbers will be updated here.
It is unknown if they were a special order or a limited edition or something else, but it is clear that they are by far the rarest of the factory colours.

There are 2 logical, but unconfirmed, theories:

• In celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Naruhito to Masako Owada in 1993.
• To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Nissan in 1994.

Read story →    0 comments