Nissan Pulsar GTI-R
Encyclopedia
The Nissan Pulsar GTI-R is a homologated
2 litre turbo-charged AWD
vehicle
manufactured by Nissan in Japan
between 1990 and 1994 in order to enter the WRC
under Group A
rules. The body is based on the Nissan Pulsar
(aka Sunny) N14 3-door hatchback
model, but distinguished by the large rear wing
and bonnet scoop
. It has an ATTESA
4WD
system (also used on some U12 & U13 Bluebird
models), and a unique variant (coded 54C) of the SR20DET
engine (not used on any other car).
There were 2 distinct models of the Pulsar GTI-R sold to the general public, identifiable by the model number found on the VIN
plate located on the firewall in the engine bay. There are no external visual differences.
GTI-RA (aka RA / Alpha / Road / Luxury), model number EBYNRVFN14xxxx. This was the normal road car, which came standard with air conditioning
, power windows and mirrors, and abs
. About half way through the production (August 1992), Nissan made a range of small cosmetic changes to the interior of the RA model (mostly replacing trim that was unique to the GTI-R with trim that was common to other models in the N14 range). Although not advertised or branded as such, they were extensive enough (around 10 items) to be noticeable as a different phase or series and are defined by chassis numbers RNN14-100000 and above.
GTI-RB (aka RB / Beta / Rally
/ Homologation
), model number EBYNRRFN14xxxx. The homologated model was stripped-down as a base for motorsport use (Group N
rallying in particular). It had the luxury trimmings such as air conditioning
, power windows, and ABS
removed as standard, and the simple interior trim from the base model Pulsar
which reduced the curb weight by 30 kg (66 lb) to 1190 kg (2,624 lb). Some of the luxury items were available as an option. The engine remained the same as the RA model, but there were a few mechanical changes such as a close-ratio gearbox and a front lsd
instead of the open diff from the RA model.
Other versions:
Nismo
offered a "complete car" version based on the RB model featuring many of the Nismo rally options (suspension, LSDs
, seats, roll cage, foot rests, etc.). A confirmed total of 21 were produced, all of which are individually numbered on a special Nismo VIN
plate on the firewall. Some were used by Nissan and Nismo as promotional vehicles, the rest were ordered by private buyers. They were priced at ¥
3,140,000.
The Group A
Rally
Cars were not sold to the general public.
They were specifically built and used for the WRC
by the now defunct NME (Nissan Motorsports Europe) as their Works
cars.
After NME was disbanded, the cars were sold to private buyers, predominately in Europe, where some made their way into Rallycross events. Tony Bardy is currently still competing in UK rallies using the "J3" NME car.
Sunny:
Sunny was the badge used for the European-delivered GTI-R. They had a different chassis number of EGNN14, and came in both right hand drive and left hand drive variants. The engine output specifications (220 PS / 162 kW and 267 Nm / 197 lb·ft) were slightly less due to the ecu
having different fuel and ignition maps to compensate for the lower octane fuel available in those areas. The Sunny GTI-R had several physical differences to the Pulsar, such as a the rear number plate surround and rear fog lights. The interior also varied from the Pulsar with some of the more basic trim from the RB model. In 1992 they were priced in the UK at £
20,553.
Production:
The Pulsars were manufactured in Japan between August 1990 until November 1994. The total number produced during the 4 years was between 12,000 and 15,000. It is unclear how many of them were RA and RB models.
The first year of production (1990–91) was by far the largest due to Nissan fulfilling the FIA regulations (of 5,000 models total, with 500 of them homologated) in order to enter the model as a manufacturer in the WRC
. They were priced at ¥
2,270,000.
The RHD Sunny models were produced from 1992 until January 1995. There is no data for LHD models. No verifiable evidence has been available of Sunny production numbers, but it is generally accepted that less than 1000 were produced in total. They were officially sold in the UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Iceland, Italy and France (possibly other countries, but details are unconfirmed).
of 0.083 and AWD, the standard GTI-R is able to accelerate from 0-100kph
in 5.4 seconds, cover the standing quarter mile
in 13.5 seconds (Nissan never quoted the official figure but Best Motoring magazine conducted several tests with standard cars during production), and reach a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph).
rules in the FIA WRC
as a factory team (Nissan Motorsport Europe - NME) in 1991
& 1992.
Based in Milton Keynes, NME only competed in selected rallies during both years (ones they thought had the highest potential for good results), but the initial success expected by Nissan Japan was not forthcoming, and they abandoned the campaign in 1992 after only 9 rallies. Factory development stopped there, and the GTI-R never won a WRC
Group A
rally. Nissan redirected funding to Le Mans
and the development of the R390
, and NME moved to the FWD
Sunny GTI in the WRC F2 category (A7 class) where they had better success with Alister McRae
winning the 1995 BRC
. Much has been written about the reason for the GTI-R Group-A failure. The most notable being the uncompetitive Dunlop
tyres, the inefficiency of the top-mounted intercooler
when engine power was increased to Group A
standards (especially in hot weather), and the political and cultural issues between Nissan Japan and the newly created NME (Nissan Motorsport Europe).
(Production) cars in the WRC
, but other factory-backed Nissan teams did between 1991 and 1993. Most notable was the Nissan Belgium Rally Team with lead driver Grégoire De Mévius
, and a Japanese entry (team unknown) driven by Hiroshi Nishiyama. The GTI-R dominated the Group N
Championship (FIA Cup for Drivers of Production Cars) in 1992, taking the top 2 championship podium positions and clearly showing that the GTI-R had the ability to be a successful rally car at Production Class
level.
in 1993. The first known English-speaking community was established in 1999 (initially through oneList
, which evolved through eGroups
and finally Yahoo! Groups
).
Countries with the largest owners club membership are Japan, UK, Australia and New Zealand - all with online communities based around forums
. The GTI-R has also been imported (under low-volume compliance schemes and motorsport-import rules) into many other countries (including Canada, USA, Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Singapore, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Canary Islands and Russia).
Homologation (motorsport)
In motorsports, homologation is the approval process a vehicle, race track or standardised part must go through to race in a given league or series. The regulations and rules that must be met are generally set by the series' sanctioning body...
2 litre turbo-charged AWD
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
vehicle
Hot hatch
Hot hatch was originally an informal automotive industry term, shortened from hot hatchback, initially coined by the British motoring press in 1984, for a high-performance derivative of a car body style consisting of a three- or five-door hatchback automobile.Vehicles of this class are based on...
manufactured by Nissan in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
between 1990 and 1994 in order to enter the WRC
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
under Group A
Group A
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group A referred to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for outright competition. In contrast to the short-lived Group B and Group C, the Group A referred to production-derived vehicles limited in terms of power, weight, allowed...
rules. The body is based on the Nissan Pulsar
Nissan Pulsar
The Nissan Pulsar is an automobile that was produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan from 1978, when it debuted as a subcompact car, to 2007, when it was replaced in all markets by the Nissan Tiida. It was originally conceived as a replacement for Nissan's first front-wheel drive platform, the...
(aka Sunny) N14 3-door hatchback
Hatchback
A Hatchback is a car body style incorporating a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box...
model, but distinguished by the large rear wing
Spoiler (automotive)
A spoiler is an automotive aerodynamic device whose intended design function is to 'spoil' unfavorable air movement across a body of a vehicle in motion. Spoilers on the front of a vehicle are often called air dams, because in addition to directing air flow they also reduce the amount of air...
and bonnet scoop
Hood scoop
A bonnet/hood scoop is an upraised component on the hood of an automobile that either allows a flow of air to directly enter the engine compartment, or appears to do so. It has only one opening and is closed on all other sides...
. It has an ATTESA
ATTESA
ATTESA is a four-wheel drive system used in some automobiles produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan, including some models under its luxury marque Infiniti.-ATTESA:...
4WD
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
system (also used on some U12 & U13 Bluebird
Nissan Bluebird
Although Nissan's own materials indicate that the Bluebird name emerged in 1959, some records show that the name first adorned a 988 cc, four-door sedan in 1957, which was part of the company's 210 series...
models), and a unique variant (coded 54C) of the SR20DET
Nissan SR20DET
The SR20DET is part of the SR family of engines from Nissan.It is a popular engine coming from a variety of nissan cars, generally the Nissan Silvia and 180SX. It also came in the Pulsar GTI-R and the Nissan Bluebird. This engine replaced the CA18DE and CA18DET that originally powered the Silvia...
engine (not used on any other car).
Models
Main versions:There were 2 distinct models of the Pulsar GTI-R sold to the general public, identifiable by the model number found on the VIN
Vehicle identification number
A Vehicle Identification Number, commonly abbreviated to VIN, is a unique serial number used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles. VINs were first used in 1954...
plate located on the firewall in the engine bay. There are no external visual differences.
- RA models:
GTI-RA (aka RA / Alpha / Road / Luxury), model number EBYNRVFN14xxxx. This was the normal road car, which came standard with air conditioning
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
, power windows and mirrors, and abs
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
. About half way through the production (August 1992), Nissan made a range of small cosmetic changes to the interior of the RA model (mostly replacing trim that was unique to the GTI-R with trim that was common to other models in the N14 range). Although not advertised or branded as such, they were extensive enough (around 10 items) to be noticeable as a different phase or series and are defined by chassis numbers RNN14-100000 and above.
- RB models:
GTI-RB (aka RB / Beta / Rally
Rallying
Rallying, also known as rally racing, is a form of auto racing that takes place on public or private roads with modified production or specially built road-legal cars...
/ Homologation
Homologation (motorsport)
In motorsports, homologation is the approval process a vehicle, race track or standardised part must go through to race in a given league or series. The regulations and rules that must be met are generally set by the series' sanctioning body...
), model number EBYNRRFN14xxxx. The homologated model was stripped-down as a base for motorsport use (Group N
Group N
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group N refers to a set of regulations providing 'standard' production vehicles for competition, often referred to as the "Showroom Class"....
rallying in particular). It had the luxury trimmings such as air conditioning
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
, power windows, and ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
removed as standard, and the simple interior trim from the base model Pulsar
Nissan Pulsar
The Nissan Pulsar is an automobile that was produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan from 1978, when it debuted as a subcompact car, to 2007, when it was replaced in all markets by the Nissan Tiida. It was originally conceived as a replacement for Nissan's first front-wheel drive platform, the...
which reduced the curb weight by 30 kg (66 lb) to 1190 kg (2,624 lb). Some of the luxury items were available as an option. The engine remained the same as the RA model, but there were a few mechanical changes such as a close-ratio gearbox and a front lsd
Limited slip differential
A limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
instead of the open diff from the RA model.
Other versions:
- NISMO
Nismo
Nismo
Nismo is the motorsports and performance division of Nissan Motor Company. Formed in 1984 as a result of a merger of two motorsport departments, Nismo cars have participated in JSPC, Formula Nippon, JTCC, 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona...
offered a "complete car" version based on the RB model featuring many of the Nismo rally options (suspension, LSDs
Limited slip differential
A limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
, seats, roll cage, foot rests, etc.). A confirmed total of 21 were produced, all of which are individually numbered on a special Nismo VIN
Vehicle identification number
A Vehicle Identification Number, commonly abbreviated to VIN, is a unique serial number used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles. VINs were first used in 1954...
plate on the firewall. Some were used by Nissan and Nismo as promotional vehicles, the rest were ordered by private buyers. They were priced at ¥
Japanese yen
The is the official currency of Japan. It is the third most traded currency in the foreign exchange market after the United States dollar and the euro. It is also widely used as a reserve currency after the U.S. dollar, the euro and the pound sterling...
3,140,000.
- GROUP A
The Group A
Group A
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group A referred to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for outright competition. In contrast to the short-lived Group B and Group C, the Group A referred to production-derived vehicles limited in terms of power, weight, allowed...
Rally
Rallying
Rallying, also known as rally racing, is a form of auto racing that takes place on public or private roads with modified production or specially built road-legal cars...
Cars were not sold to the general public.
They were specifically built and used for the WRC
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
by the now defunct NME (Nissan Motorsports Europe) as their Works
Factory-backed
Factory-backed is a term commonly used in motorsports to describe a sponsored racing team, car, motorcycle or driver that competes with official sanction and financial support, or "backing" from a manufacturer. As motorsports competition is an expensive endeavor, some degree of factory support is...
cars.
After NME was disbanded, the cars were sold to private buyers, predominately in Europe, where some made their way into Rallycross events. Tony Bardy is currently still competing in UK rallies using the "J3" NME car.
Sunny:
Sunny was the badge used for the European-delivered GTI-R. They had a different chassis number of EGNN14, and came in both right hand drive and left hand drive variants. The engine output specifications (220 PS / 162 kW and 267 Nm / 197 lb·ft) were slightly less due to the ecu
Electronic control unit
In automotive electronics, electronic control unit is a generic term for any embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in a motor vehicle....
having different fuel and ignition maps to compensate for the lower octane fuel available in those areas. The Sunny GTI-R had several physical differences to the Pulsar, such as a the rear number plate surround and rear fog lights. The interior also varied from the Pulsar with some of the more basic trim from the RB model. In 1992 they were priced in the UK at £
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
20,553.
Production:
- Pulsar
The Pulsars were manufactured in Japan between August 1990 until November 1994. The total number produced during the 4 years was between 12,000 and 15,000. It is unclear how many of them were RA and RB models.
The first year of production (1990–91) was by far the largest due to Nissan fulfilling the FIA regulations (of 5,000 models total, with 500 of them homologated) in order to enter the model as a manufacturer in the WRC
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
. They were priced at ¥
Japanese yen
The is the official currency of Japan. It is the third most traded currency in the foreign exchange market after the United States dollar and the euro. It is also widely used as a reserve currency after the U.S. dollar, the euro and the pound sterling...
2,270,000.
- Sunny
The RHD Sunny models were produced from 1992 until January 1995. There is no data for LHD models. No verifiable evidence has been available of Sunny production numbers, but it is generally accepted that less than 1000 were produced in total. They were officially sold in the UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Iceland, Italy and France (possibly other countries, but details are unconfirmed).
Performance
With a power-to-weight ratioPower-to-weight ratio
Power-to-weight ratio is a calculation commonly applied to engines and mobile power sources to enable the comparison of one unit or design to another. Power-to-weight ratio is a measurement of actual performance of any engine or power sources...
of 0.083 and AWD, the standard GTI-R is able to accelerate from 0-100kph
0 to 60 mph
The time it takes to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph is a commonly used performance measure for automotive acceleration in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the rest of the world 0 to 100 km/h is used...
in 5.4 seconds, cover the standing quarter mile
Dragstrip
A dragstrip is a facility for conducting automobile and motorcycle acceleration events such as drag racing. Although a quarter mile is the best known measure for a drag track, many tracks are eighth mile tracks...
in 13.5 seconds (Nissan never quoted the official figure but Best Motoring magazine conducted several tests with standard cars during production), and reach a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph).
Specifications
| PULSAR RA | PULSAR RB | SUNNY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | |||
| Engine Type | Turbocharged inline-4 | ||
| Displacement | 1998 cc | ||
| Power | 230 PS @ 6,400 rpm | 220 PS @ 6,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 29 kgm @ 4,800 rpm | 27.2 kgm @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Redline | 7,500 rpm | ||
| Bore & Stroke | 86 mm (3.386 in) x 86 mm (3.386 in) | ||
| Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | ||
| Valvetrain | 16-valve DOHC | ||
| Turbocharger | Garret TB2804 (T3/T25 combination) Compressor: 60mm, 60trim in .60A/R Turbine: 53mm, 79trim in .86A/R |
||
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | ||
| Gear Ratios | 1st: 3.285 2nd: 1.850 3rd: 1.272 4th: 0.954 5th: 0.740 Reverse: 3.266 Final drive: 4.125 |
1st: 3.067 2nd: 2.095 3rd: 1.653 4th: 1.272 5th: 0.911 Reverse: 3.153 Final drive: 4.125 |
1st: 3.285 2nd: 1.850 3rd: 1.272 4th: 0.954 5th: 0.740 Reverse: 3.266 Final drive: 4.125 |
| Fuel consumption | |||
| Urban | 13.2 L/100 km | ||
| 10.6 L/100 km | |||
| 8.1 L/100 km | |||
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 3975 mm (156 in) | ||
| Width | 1690 mm (67 in) | ||
| Height | 1410 mm (56 in) | ||
| Wheelbase | 2430 mm (96 in) | ||
| Track | F: 1446 mm (57 in) R: 1421 mm (56 in) |
||
| Curb Weight | 1220 kg (2,690 lb) | 1190 kg (2,624 lb) | 1240 kg (2,734 lb) |
| Other | |||
| Wheels | Alloy 14x6 JJ | ||
| Tires | 195/55VR14 (alternative 185/60VR14) | ||
| Brakes | F: 257 mm (10 in) ventilated discs R: 258 mm (10 in) solid discs |
||
| Ground Clearance | 150 mm (6 in) | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.4 m (34 ft) | ||
| Paint Codes | KH3 (Black - entire production) AJ4 (Red - series 1 only) TJ1 (Grey - series 1 only) KJ7 (Ivory White - series 1 only) 531 (Bright White - series 2 only) DL2 (Green - series 2 only) |
KH3 (Black) AJ4 (Red) 531 (Bright White) |
|
Group-A
After producing the minimum required 5,000 examples (500 of them being homologation models), Nissan entered the GTI-R under Group AGroup A
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group A referred to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for outright competition. In contrast to the short-lived Group B and Group C, the Group A referred to production-derived vehicles limited in terms of power, weight, allowed...
rules in the FIA WRC
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
as a factory team (Nissan Motorsport Europe - NME) in 1991
1991 World Rally Championship season
The 1991 World Rally Championship season was the 19th season of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile World Rally Championship . The season consisted of 14 rallies. The drivers' world championship was won by Juha Kankkunen in a Lancia Delta Integrale 16V, ahead of Carlos Sainz and Didier...
& 1992.
Based in Milton Keynes, NME only competed in selected rallies during both years (ones they thought had the highest potential for good results), but the initial success expected by Nissan Japan was not forthcoming, and they abandoned the campaign in 1992 after only 9 rallies. Factory development stopped there, and the GTI-R never won a WRC
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
Group A
Group A
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group A referred to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for outright competition. In contrast to the short-lived Group B and Group C, the Group A referred to production-derived vehicles limited in terms of power, weight, allowed...
rally. Nissan redirected funding to Le Mans
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
and the development of the R390
Nissan R390 GT1
The Nissan R390 GT1 was a racing car built for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1997 and 1998. It was built to race under the grand tourer style rules, requiring a homologated road version to be built, although only 2 R390 road cars were ever built, and one is stored at Nissan's Zama...
, and NME moved to the FWD
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
Sunny GTI in the WRC F2 category (A7 class) where they had better success with Alister McRae
Alister McRae
Alister McRae is a Scottish rally driver, who competed in the World Rally Championship. He is the son of the five-time British Rally Champion Jimmy McRae and the younger brother of the late 1995 World Rally Champion, Colin McRae...
winning the 1995 BRC
British Rally Championship
The Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship is a yearly rallying series based in the United Kingdom. It comprises seven events with eight scoring opportunities throughout the British Isles. The first championship was run in 1958 and it has been licensed by the MSA Motor Sports Association since...
. Much has been written about the reason for the GTI-R Group-A failure. The most notable being the uncompetitive Dunlop
Dunlop Tyres
Dunlop Tyres is a British company owned 75% by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and 25% by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which bought the right to sell Dunlop-branded road tyres....
tyres, the inefficiency of the top-mounted intercooler
Intercooler
An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
when engine power was increased to Group A
Group A
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group A referred to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for outright competition. In contrast to the short-lived Group B and Group C, the Group A referred to production-derived vehicles limited in terms of power, weight, allowed...
standards (especially in hot weather), and the political and cultural issues between Nissan Japan and the newly created NME (Nissan Motorsport Europe).
1991 Results
| Round 4 | Round 6 | Round 9 | Round 14 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39th Martini Safari Rally Safari Rally The Safari Rally is considered by many to be the world's toughest rally. It was first held from 27 May to 1 June 1953 as the East African Coronation Safari in Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika, as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II... Kenya |
38th Acropolis Rally | 41st 1000 Lakes Rally Rally Finland The Neste Oil Rally Finland is a rally event driven in the Jyväskylä area in Central Finland. It is the biggest annually organised public event in the Nordic countries, gathering over 500,000 spectators every year.... |
47th Lombard RAC Rally Rally GB Wales Rally GB is the largest and most high profile motor rally in the United Kingdom. It is a round of the FIA World Rally Championship and was formerly a round of the MSA British Rally Championship and is based in and around the city of Cardiff in Wales... |
|
| Stig Blomqvist Stig Blomqvist "Stig" Lennart Blomqvist is a Swedish rally driver. He made his international breakthrough in 1971. Driving an Audi Quattro for the Audi factory team, Blomqvist won the World Rally Championship drivers' title in 1984 and finished runner-up in 1985... |
5th | DNF (Differential) | 8th | DNF (Suspension) |
| David Llewellin David Llewellin David Llewellin is a Welsh rally driver. He was highly successful in the British Rally Championship, winning the title twice in 1989 and 1990, both times at the wheel of a Toyota Celica GT-Four... |
DNF (Accident) | 9th | 10th | DNF (Electrical) |
| Mike Kirkland | 7th | |||
1992 Results
| Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 9 | Round 14 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60th Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo Monte Carlo Rally The Monte Carlo Rally or Rally Monte Carlo is a rallying event organised each year by the Automobile Club de Monaco which also organises the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. The rally takes place along the French Riviera in the Principality of Monaco and... |
41st International Swedish Rally Swedish Rally The Uddeholm Swedish Rally , formerly the Swedish Rally, is an automobile rally competition held in Värmland, Sweden in early February. First held in 1950, when it was called the Rally to the Midnight Sun with start and finish at separate locations, seventeen years later both start and finish... |
25th Rallye de Portugal Rally de Portugal The Rally de Portugal is a rally competition held in Portugal. First held in 1967, the seventh running of the race, the 7º TAP Rallye de Portugal was the third event in the inaugural FIA World Rally Championship in 1973... |
42nd 1000 Lakes Rally Rally Finland The Neste Oil Rally Finland is a rally event driven in the Jyväskylä area in Central Finland. It is the biggest annually organised public event in the Nordic countries, gathering over 500,000 spectators every year.... |
48th Lombard RAC Rally Rally GB Wales Rally GB is the largest and most high profile motor rally in the United Kingdom. It is a round of the FIA World Rally Championship and was formerly a round of the MSA British Rally Championship and is based in and around the city of Cardiff in Wales... |
|
| Stig Blomqvist Stig Blomqvist "Stig" Lennart Blomqvist is a Swedish rally driver. He made his international breakthrough in 1971. Driving an Audi Quattro for the Audi factory team, Blomqvist won the World Rally Championship drivers' title in 1984 and finished runner-up in 1985... |
3rd | DNF (Engine) | DNF (Accident) | ||
| Tommi Mäkinen Tommi Mäkinen "Turbo" Tommi Antero Mäkinen , tied with Juha Kankkunen and behind Sébastien Loeb , and fifth in wins .He is a four-time World Rally Champion, a series he first won, and then successfully defended, continuously throughout 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, on all occasions driving the Ralliart Mitsubishi... |
9th | DNF (Accident) | DNF (Gearbox) | 8th | |
| François Chatriot | 7th | 6th | |||
Group-N
NME did not enter Group NGroup N
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group N refers to a set of regulations providing 'standard' production vehicles for competition, often referred to as the "Showroom Class"....
(Production) cars in the WRC
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
, but other factory-backed Nissan teams did between 1991 and 1993. Most notable was the Nissan Belgium Rally Team with lead driver Grégoire De Mévius
Grégoire De Mévius
Grégoire De Mévius is a Belgium rally driver active in the years 1988–2001. He first broke out into the World Rally Championship scene racing in the Group N category in the Mazda 323. With an unsuccessful spell of Group A races in 1990, he was never considered to be a talent in spotlight of rally...
, and a Japanese entry (team unknown) driven by Hiroshi Nishiyama. The GTI-R dominated the Group N
Group N
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group N refers to a set of regulations providing 'standard' production vehicles for competition, often referred to as the "Showroom Class"....
Championship (FIA Cup for Drivers of Production Cars) in 1992, taking the top 2 championship podium positions and clearly showing that the GTI-R had the ability to be a successful rally car at Production Class
Group N
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group N refers to a set of regulations providing 'standard' production vehicles for competition, often referred to as the "Showroom Class"....
level.
1992 Results
| Round 3 | Round 4 | Round 6 | Round 8 | Round 9 | Round 12 | Round 14 | Final Classification | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26th Rallye de Portugal | 40th Martini Safari Rally Kenya | 39th Acropolis Rally | 12th Rally Argentina | 42nd 1000 Lakes Rally | 24th Rallye Côte d'Ivoire Bandama | 48th Lombard RAC Rally | ||
| Grégoire De Mévius Grégoire De Mévius Grégoire De Mévius is a Belgium rally driver active in the years 1988–2001. He first broke out into the World Rally Championship scene racing in the Group N category in the Mazda 323. With an unsuccessful spell of Group A races in 1990, he was never considered to be a talent in spotlight of rally... |
3rd | 1st | DNF (Late for start) | 3rd | DNF (Engine) | 2nd | 1st | |
| Hiroshi Nishiyama | 3rd | 2nd | 1st | 2nd | ||||
Owners Clubs
Being such a rare-but-affordable street performance car, there is still a dedicated following of enthusiasts around the world. The first known RNN14-specific owners club was established in JapanJapan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
in 1993. The first known English-speaking community was established in 1999 (initially through oneList
Onelist
ONElist was a free mailing list service created by Mark Fletcher in August 1997. In November 1999 ONElist merged with eGroups. In June 2000 eGroups was purchased by Yahoo!....
, which evolved through eGroups
EGroups
eGroups.com was an email list management web site. The site allowed users to create their own mailing lists and allowed others to sign up for membership on the list. The web site provided archives of the messages as well as list management functionality. Each group also had a shared calendar, file...
and finally Yahoo! Groups
Yahoo! Groups
Yahoo! Groups is one of the world’s largest collections of online discussion boards. The term Groups refers to Internet communication which is a hybrid between an electronic mailing list and a threaded Internet forum, in other words, Group messages can be read and posted by e-mail or on the Group's...
).
Countries with the largest owners club membership are Japan, UK, Australia and New Zealand - all with online communities based around forums
Internet forum
An Internet forum, or message board, is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages. They differ from chat rooms in that messages are at least temporarily archived...
. The GTI-R has also been imported (under low-volume compliance schemes and motorsport-import rules) into many other countries (including Canada, USA, Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Singapore, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Canary Islands and Russia).
External links
- Owners clubs: Japan · Australia · United Kingdom · Canada · UK & NZ