The name has been around for just over 40 years. In 1978 the Nissan Pulsar took it's first breath into the automotive world and has seen several generations over the decades. However we care about the 'go faster' version and there's no hesitation to which Pulsar that is... Just four letters distinguish it as the halo model, GTi-R!

Collector's example Pulsar GT-iR

Pulsar GTi-R

Pulsar GTi-R

In 1990 the fourth series came along known as the N14. In Japan, the N14 range offered eight different models with a total of eighteen available variations. This included options such as six engines to choose from, three body shapes, and two drivetrains. The GTi-R had the turbocharged 2.0L SR20DET unit with 227bhp & 210lb⋅ft mated to an ATTESA all-wheel drive system.

Pulsar GTi-R

Pulsar GTi-R

As hot hatches go this one meant business... 0-60mph in around 5 and a half seconds and flat out nudging 145mph. Remember this was the early 90's so this kind of performance out of a hatchback was considered mental and is still impressive today! The JDM car was named the Pulsar GTi-R (E-RNN14) and was produced from 1990 to 1994, the UK version was re-badged as a Sunny GTi-R (EGNN14) and was produced from 1992 to 1993.

Pulsar GTi-R

Pulsar GTi-R

We can thank motorsport for the GTi-R's existence. In order for Nissan to enter their car into the WRC, Group A rules stated that a minimum number of these cars had to be produced, 500 of which were homologation models... In general 'Homologation Specials' are becoming more and more valuable nowadays. The Pulsar was entered into the WRC in 1991 & 1992 and although it doesn't have as much rally heritage as Impreza's or Evo's, it still has enough capability to make it memorable.

Pulsar GTi-R

Pulsar GTi-R

Luckily for us the road going versions Nissan built were truly epic. If someone turned up at your house in one of these you'd assume they were a bit of a rebel, the car shouts misconduct! It should have devil horns but instead it adorns one of the most aggressive bonnets known to mankind. See this coming up in your rear view mirror and you'll fear for your life... what an impression it makes!

Pulsar GTi-R

Pulsar GTi-R

The GTi-R isn't pretty nor sleek, but in an inverse way it's a rather attractive package. Purposeful, mean, brutish, all words this little rally derived terror can be associated with.

Pulsar GTi-R

Pulsar GTi-R

Pulsar GTi-R

Often nicknamed the 'baby GT-R', its achieved cult status over the years for people in the know. Don't be mistaken however, this is no baby, it's hardcore all wheel drive and turbo punch demands the drivers full attention. Plus much like a GT-R, in it's class it punches well above it's weight!

Pulsar GTi-R

Pulsar GTi-R

They're also a rare sight on UK roads and finding clean original examples in Japan is getting far tougher. The Black (KH3) example here looks pure evil, other colours included White (531), Super Red (AJ4), Turquoise (DL2), Ivory White (KJ7) and Blueish Grey (TJ1). Riding on the period correct 14 inch alloys the car amplifies the era from which it came...

Pulsar GTi-R

Pulsar GTi-R

However that era has long gone, cars aren't made like the Pulsar anymore. Today's hot hatches might be safer, more practical, and boast better tech but none can match the rebellious Pulsar for raw authenticity!

Pulsar GTi-R

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