Gran Turismo celebrates its 27th anniversary: ​​a look back at 5 iconic racing cars from the saga

Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak (1995)

The Suzuki Escudo won Pikes Peak in 1995 and 2006 © François Baudin – DPPI

For many, when we talk about 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 steed made more than one person dream with its oversized spoilers 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 the Suzuki Grand Vitara Pikes Peak and has largely contributed to the popularity of the saga. Moreover, this mechanical monster is still present in the latest installment of the series, Gran Turismo 7!

Toyota Castrol TOM'S Supra (1997)

Is there anything more iconic than the Toyota Castrol TOM'S Supra on Gran Turismo? ©Toyota

We couldn't leave out the famous Toyota Castrol Supra GT in our selection! The most loyal and long-time players of the Gran Turismo saga were marked by this sublime GT version of the Supra Mk4, which competed in the Japanese Grand Touring Championship, the JGTC (now known as Super GT) in the late 1990s. Operated by Team TOM'S, the Toyota Supra with its Castrol livery made more than one person dream, whether in real life or in virtual reality. Present in the game since the first opus, it still delights players in Gran Turismo!

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 shrill sound of the Mazda 787B rotary engine still resonates on 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 furious melody of its engine. Its victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1991 made it the only car with such an engine to have won this race. In addition, it is the first Japanese-designed car to have won 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 at the back of a racing 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 crowned with success © DPPI

To finish this small compilation of emblematic cars of 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, the Viper GTS-R of Team Oreca won three times the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona, the FIA ​​GT and the ALMS. With its red paintwork topped with two white stripes, the Viper GTS-R has been a very popular car with players since its first appearance in Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec.

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