Introduction

The Nissan Pulsar GTi-R, launched in August 1990, emerged as a significant chapter in Japanese automotive history. Developed to meet Group A homologation requirements for the World Rally Championship (WRC), this compact performance car was Nissan’s answer to competitors like the Lancia Delta HF Integrale and Toyota Celica GT-Four.

Technical Specifications and Design

The Pulsar GTi-R was offered in two distinct variants: the fully-equipped RA model and the stripped-down RB model. The RB variant, weighing 1,190kg compared to the RA’s 1,220kg, achieved its lighter weight by omitting air conditioning, power windows, and ABS. With production numbers limited to 13,131 RA and just 701 RB variants (including 21 special NISMO editions), these cars are particularly rare.

At its heart was the SR20DET engine – a Type 54C version featuring:

• DOHC 4-valve per cylinder configuration
• Garrett TB2804 turbocharger running at 0.73 bar boost
• Maximum power output of 169kW at 6,400rpm (JDM spec)
• Peak torque of 283Nm at 4,800rpm

The car’s performance capabilities were supported by:

• ATTESA all-wheel-drive system with viscous-coupling center and rear differentials
• Five-speed manual transmission
• MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear arrangement
• Ventilated disc brakes at the front (257mm) and solid discs at the rear (258mm)

NISMO Versions and Options

NISMO offered an extensive range of performance upgrades for the GTi-R, primarily designed for competition use. These included mechanical enhancements such as a strengthened bodyshell, roll cage, enhanced turbo and intercooler, close-ratio gearbox, and uprated mechanical limited-slip differentials. Additional racing-focused modifications featured protection panels, strut braces, suspension kits, and upgraded brake components.

The most exclusive variant was a limited run of 21 special NISMO editions, built using the RB model as a base. These cars featured a unique NISMO VIN plate on the firewall alongside the standard Nissan identification. True to their racing heritage, these special editions came with a stripped-down interior (no carpet or rear seats) and were distinguished by a NISMO badge on the tailgate.

Rally Heritage and Racing Success

The GTi-R made its WRC debut at the 1991 Safari Rally, where Stig Blomqvist secured an impressive fifth place finish. Its distinctive features included a pronounced hood bulge housing the intercooler and an aggressive rear spoiler, designed specifically for Group A competition.

During its brief WRC career from 1991 to 1992, the car achieved several notable results:

• Third place at the 1992 Swedish Rally with Stig Blomqvist – the car’s best WRC result
• Multiple top-10 finishes including sixth in Portugal and seventh in Monte Carlo
• Demonstrated promising potential before Nissan’s withdrawal from the WRC

Legacy

Despite Nissan’s withdrawal from WRC in late 1992, the Pulsar GTi-R has earned a devoted following among enthusiasts. With total production reaching 14,613 units (including 771 European-market Sunny GTi-Rs), its combination of compact dimensions, potent turbocharged engine, and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system made it a formidable performance car.

With a 0-100km/h time of just 5.6 seconds for the lighter RB variant, the GTi-R represented the perfect balance of power and agility, securing its place among the most interesting Japanese performance cars from the golden era of rally-inspired road vehicles.

Photos: www.nissan-global.com