Gran Turismo celebrates its 25th anniversary: ​​a look back at 5 iconic racing cars from the saga

Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak (1995)

The Suzuki Escudo won the 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. Appearing in Gran Turismo 2 in 1998 on PlayStation, Suzuki's impressive mount made many people dream with its oversized fins and its crazy power of almost 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 the Suzuki Grand Vitara Pikes Peak and has largely contributed to the popularity of the saga.

Toyota Castrol Supra GT (1996)

The Supra GT, inseparable from the Castrol livery… © Toyota

By popular demand, the Toyota Castrol Supra GT joins this top 5. The most loyal and oldest players in the Gran Turismo saga were marked by this sublime GT version of the Supra Mk4, which competed in the Japanese championship of Grand Touring, the Super GT, in the late 1990s. Operated by Team TOM'S, the Toyota Castrol has made many people dream, whether in real life or virtually. The car appeared in the first two episodes of Gran Turismo… but has never reappeared since. 

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 Mazda 787B's rotary engine still resonates on the Mulsanne Straight. The Japanese prototype, entered in the world sports car championship, has become legendary by its look, its livery but above all by the sweet melody of its engine. His victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans 1991 made it the only car with such an engine to have won in this race. In addition, it was the first Japanese-designed car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans before Toyota won in 2018. The Mazda 787B has been present 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… they are two vacuum cleaners! © CHRISTIAN BEDEI / DPPI

Perhaps one of the most eccentric cars in history. Chaparral, no stranger to this, produced a car in 1970 that was as astonishing 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, allowed the air flowing under the car to be sucked in. The resulting ground effect is exceptional. And obviously, Gran Turismo players have taken great pleasure in 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 was successful © DPPI

To finish this little compilation of iconic Gran Turismo cars, your humble editor takes the liberty of making 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. Under its red dress topped with two white stripes, the Viper GTS-R has been a very popular car among players (like myself) since its first appearance in Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec.

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