Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak (1995)
The Suzuki Escudo won Pikes Peak in 1995 and 2006 © FRANCOIS BAUDIN – DPPI
For many, when we think of Gran Turismo, we also think of this car: the Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak. Appeared on Gran Turismo 2 in 1998 on PlayStation, Suzuki’s impressive mount has made more than one dream with its oversized fins and its crazy power of nearly 1000 horsepower (for 800 kilograms!). Winner of the most famous hill climb in the world, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, in 1995 and 2006, it is also known as Suzuki Grand Vitara Pikes Peak and has largely contributed to the popularity of the saga.
Toyota Celica GT-FOUR (1995)
The Toyota Celica marked the world rally championship with 4 drivers’ titles between 1990 and 1994© FRANCOIS BAUDIN / DPPI
An iconic coupe, an instantly recognizable Castrol livery: the Toyota Celica GT-FOUR marked the World Rally Championship in the 1990s. A time of total domination with big names like Carlos SainzDidier Auriol or Juha Kankkunen, and 4 pilot titles won between 1990 and 1994. Present for the first time in Gran Turismo in the 2nd opus, released in 1998, the Toyota Celica has also marked the players of the saga for more than 20 year.
Mazda 787B (1991)
With its rotary engine and wonderful melody, the Mazda 787B became the first Japanese car to win in Sarthe © DPPI
It is said that the sound of the rotary engine of the Mazda 787B still resonates in the Mulsanne Straight. The Japanese prototype, entered in the world sports car championship, has become legendary for its look, its livery but above all for the sweet melody of its engine. Its victory at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans made it the only car equipped with such an engine to have won this race. In addition, it has the first Japanese-designed car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans before Toyota won in 2018. The Mazda 787B has been in the saga since Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec, released in 2001 on PlayStation 2 .
Chaparral 2J (1970)
Two fans in the back of a race car? But no… these are two vacuum cleaners! © CHRISTIAN BEDEI / DPPI
Perhaps one of the most eccentric cars in history. Chaparral, customary to the fact, produced in 1970 a car as amazing as it was efficient. the 2J. First of all, the engine block is monstrous, with the Chevrolet V8 with a displacement increased to 7.6 liters which develops nearly 700 horsepower for a total weight of only 821 kilograms! But what shocks everyone is the rear part. Two fans, powered by two 2-stroke snowmobile engines, sucked in the air flowing under the car. The resulting ground effect is exceptional. And of course, Gran Turismo players have had a great time driving it virtually, since Gran Turismo 4 released in 2005 on PS2.
Dodge-Chrysler Viper GTS-R (2002)
Team Oreca’s Dodge (Chrysler) Viper GTS-R has been successful © DPPI
To end this little compilation of emblematic cars from Gran Turismo, your humble editor allows himself to make a more subjective choice with this sublime Dodge-Chrysler Viper GTS-R. Designed in partnership with Chrysler, Oreca and Reynard Motorsport, Team Oreca’s Viper GTS-R won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona, the FIA GT and the ALMS three times. Beneath its red dress topped with two white stripes, the Viper GTS-R has been a popular car for gamers (like myself) since its first appearance in Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec.
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