This is a 1992 Mazda 323 GT-R. Designed by Norihiko Kawaoka, the 323 GT-R is a homologation special version of the BG8 Mazda 323, intended for competition in Group A of the FIA World Rally Championship.
Only available in Japan, the 323 GT-R was essentially an enhanced version of the GT-X. Compared to the standard 323, the 323 GT-R was equipped with a 1.8L BPT turbocharged inline-4, mated to a 5-speed manual; this engine put power down on all four wheels, identifiable by their distinctive five lugs. Compared to the other homologation special, the 323 GT-X, the 323 GT-R featured further enhancements such as an aggressive front bumper, grille and hood vents, updated rear bumper, wheel flares, stiffer suspension and thicker anti-roll bars, as well as model-specific badging.
The 323 GT-R's interior was fitted with leather and suede seats, with a three-gauge cluster replacing the cup holders as an option; in general the car was stripped of most luxuries. The car's engine itself was also enhanced, with stronger rods and pistons, larger oil squirters, nose cranks, oil coolers and injectors, sodium-filled valves, baffled inlet manifold, removed boost cut, a front-mounted intercooler and a stronger IHI VJ-23 turbocharger; all these resulted in the engine producing 207 horsepower. An enhanced version of the car, the 323 GT-Ae, was also produced in limited quantities to celebrate the launch of the 323 GT-R; this car had further enhancements over the 323 GT-R. Production ended in 1996 with about 2,200 produced, as well as 300 GT-Ae models.
Now this casting was designed by Ron Wong and introduced in 2024 in the Boulevard line. This is currently its only release.
