1995 McLaren F1 GTR at Le Mans.
• BMW and Mercedes-Benz are some of the German automakers that have performance models with GTR in their names.
• Nissan’s first GT-R model was launched in 1969.
• Performance models with those three letters in their name generally meant it was fast.
• For more auto stories, visit Wheels24.
There’s no denying that the Nissan Skyline GT-R or Nissan GT-R is one of the best performance cars ever to come out of Japan. It’s nicknamed “Godzilla” – a name originally born in Australia – where it destroyed pretty much everything it faced on the track.
A bit of a brief history – the fifth generation, or R34, was the last model to be named Skyline. The R35 that was subsequently launched became known as the Nissan GT-R. Nissan has adopted the GT-R name over the years, but believe it or not, cars from other manufacturers also bear the heralded “GT-R” badge. Maybe it’s a case of “If you can’t beat them, join them” – proverbial shots fired?
READ: SEE | These modern 2.0-liter turbo hatchbacks would compete with a Nissan Skyline GT-R
BMW and Mercedes-Benz are some of the German automakers that have performance models with GT-R in their names. Some earlier Isuzu models also sported the badge. Even the GTI emblem was found on other models alongside the Golf. Older Suzuki and Toyota Performance Hot Hatches once wore the “Big Boy” shoes, but Volkswagen “owns” the right to these letters worldwide.
Are there any other models named GT-R that we may have overlooked? Write us an eMail, or leave a comment below.
In addition to the famous Japanese version, below is a list of GT-Rs other than Nissan’s:
1. Mercedes-AMG GT R
Mercedes-Benz usually names its cars after a class. Nevertheless, they decided on something different for one of their models and coined its name after a legendary Japanese supercar.
The AMG GT R was developed entirely in-house by Mercedes-AMG and is available in both Pro and Roadster equipment, which uses a force-fed 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 430 kW and 700 Nm pumps.
2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R.
2. BMW E46 M3 GTR
A BMW with a GT-R emblem? It has to be some kind of joke, right? The M3 GTR was developed exclusively for participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, during which a certain number of models had to be produced within a set period of time.
The street version of the M3 GTR is one of the most limited series models ever produced by BMW. Under the bonnet was a 4.0-liter V8 engine which, thanks to many weight-reducing components, developed 285 kW while weighing 1,350 kg. Power was transmitted via a racing two-disc clutch to a 6-speed manual transmission and a variable M limited-slip differential.
A total of 85,000 BMW M3 E46 were sold in its production from 2000 to 2006, making it the most successful BMW M model to date.
2001 BMW E46 M3 GTR
3. Ultima GTR
The GT-R keeps coming back, and this time it comes from the English automaker Ultima Sports with its GTR supercar. First launched in 1999, it is the fastest accelerating and decelerating supercar of all time and a multiple world speed record holder.
It weighed just 950 kg and uses a Chevrolet V8 engine that produces between 223 and 750 kW and also uses a five or six-speed Porsche gearbox. You could call it a kind of Frankenstein.
The Ultima Evolution Coupé has replaced the Ultima GTR.
1999 Ultima GTR
4. Mercedes CLK GTR
Another Mercedes-Benz on the list, but this time it’s the streamlined CLK that became infamous for blowing up and falling over at the 1999 Le Mans 24 Hours.
It was available in street and racing versions, as a 6-liter V12 in the racing car and as a 6.9-liter V12 in the street version. Only 25 were ever put into production for homologation reasons, making it a true collector’s item.
5. McLaren F1 GTR
Many consider the introduction of the Gordon Murray-designed F1 GTR in the mid-1990s to be a supercar well ahead of its time. It had all the makings to be a dominant racing machine, and so it proved to be a production run in its only year – 1995-1996.
It used a naturally aspirated BMW V12 engine with 448 kW and 651 Nm and a carbon fiber reinforced plastic monocoque chassis weighing just over 1,000 kg. It also took part in events such as the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Suzuka 1,000 km.
The McLaren F1 GTR Longtail finally replaced the original GTR in 1997.
1995 McLaren F1 GTR at Le Mans.
The post SEE | These performance cars from other automakers also bear the “GT-R” badge first appeared on monter-une-startup.
