The Most Iconic Cars To Wear The GTR Badge

The letters ‘G’, ‘T’ and ‘R’ have become synonymous with extreme performance motoring. Some will already have an image in their heads of a car that wears these famous letters. But that image will differ across petrolheads. The reason is that this badge has been applied to many performance derivatives over the decades. We take a look at some of the more famous and iconic to wear the GTR badge.

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Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R, is for many, the GT-R. The legendary Japanese sportscar that has captivated enthusiasts since its debut decades ago. Worldwide fame was realised when the car pictured above was included in a popular gaming series. Nissan GTRs have become famous for their turbocharged engines and all-wheel-drive layout. The latest iteration, dubbed R35, features a 3,8-litre twin-turbocharged V6. The mill is good for about 420 kW as standard. The peak can rise as high as 1 500 after being massaged by famous tuning houses. The GT-R can blast off the line thanks to its AWD system, which has made it a firm favourite in drag racing circles.

McLaren F1 GTR

The McLaren F1 was not designed with any sort of track work in mind. However, the base was too good not to attempt some competition and the F1 GTR was born. It is powered by the same naturally aspirated BMW-sourced V12 as its road-going counterpart. Power was about 450 kW, less than the road versions, thanks to inlet restrictors. The F1 GTR’s legacy was cemented at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, when the car pictured above secured an overall victory in 1995. The F1 was the first, but the P1 and Senna have also worn those same three letters.

Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR

The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is a race-bred machine that carries the GTR badge. This car was developed for racing but was also produced in limited numbers for road use. It features a mid-mounted 6,9-litre V12 engine that generates around 450 kW and produces peak torque of 750 N.m. The CLK GTR was developed for endurance racing. Only a handful were produced making the CLK GTR a sought-after collector’s item. They change hands for astronomical numbers when one does hit the open market. Click here to learn how much they are worth. The same badge has since been applied to road cars from Mercedes-AMG.

BMW E46 M3 GTR

The BMW E46 M3 GTR is best known for its role in motorsport, particularly in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). This limited-edition version features a high-revving 4,0-litre V8 engine that produces around 370 kW. That engine choice made it the very first V8-powered M3. Its success on the track helped solidify BMW’s reputation in the US as a manufacturer of performance-oriented vehicles. Its presence in a well-known gaming series also won it countless fans who had no idea it existed until it appeared on their gaming screens.

Lamborghini Diablo GTR

The Lamborghini Diablo GTR is an extreme version of the iconic Diablo supercar, designed specifically for racing applications. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 6,0-litre V12 engine that produces around 600 hp (approximately 447 kW) and deliver peak torque of around 600 N.m. The Diablo GTR can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3,4 seconds and it can achieve a top speed exceeding 320 km/h. With its aggressive styling and raw power, the Diablo GTR is the most extreme version of the Diablo produced by the factory.

Conclusion

Each of these vehicles exemplifies what it means to carry the GTR badge—performance, engineering excellence, and a commitment to pushing limits. From Nissan’s Godzilla to McLaren’s racing pedigree, these cars have left an indelible mark on automotive history, captivating enthusiasts and collectors alike with their unique blend of power and precision.