The 1980s Nissan Sunny was a typical small hatchback, so when Nissan decided they wanted to go rallying with it later that decade, it had to go through severe changes. The moonquake was strengthened to cope and Nissan gave the car a sophisticated 4WD system with a central viscous coupling and limited-slip differentials for remarkable grip. Independent MacPherson strut suspension was fitted all around with a slightly lowered ride height but only understated 14-inch (335mm) alloys.

With the body also restrained (just a rear spoiler and hood vent), the GTi-R was a stealthy machine. The all-aluminium engine had twin cams, 16 valves, Bosch electronic multi-point fuel injection and an air-to-air intercooled turbo which was free of lag and gave tremendous torque. The car lasted from 1990 to 1994 and was more a spectacular road car than successful rally car.