You’ve probably seen or heard the term “GT” floating around. You might have seen it correspond to the name of a car model, a trim level, or a certain type of luxury car. In this article, we’re going to discuss the meaning of GT and how it’s evolved over the years.
GT is the abbreviated version of the Italian phrase “gran turismo,” or grand touring. Grand touring vehicles weren’t always loosely defined. Originally, GT cars were intended to be vehicles that were enjoyable to drive at high speeds for long distances, hence their name. Nowadays, the term can denote a wide range of vehicles.
With all the added details on GT cars that manufacturers have marketed over the years, one thing’s for sure. A GT car is one that depicts the perfect balance between a sports car and luxury car.
Since the ’80s, manufacturers have used the two letters in their own vehicles’ names. The GT name has been used to market so many different vehicles to the extent that its original definition has mostly been lost. This might be because vehicle manufacturers simply release their interpretation of a GT car.
Generally, GT cars combine the characteristics of track-focused sports cars and luxury cars. Among the many traits a GT car should possess, one thing that automakers should never miss is the car’s ability to handle like a sports car and coddle like a luxury car.
Essentially, a GT car should be able to cross a continent at the same speed it can tackle a mountain pass.
However, their level of sportiness and luxury can still vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. Many cars from high-end brands like Porsche, Ferrari, or Aston Martin can fit under the GT category. Vehicle critics tend to call cars from these brands grand tourers to differentiate their more luxurious supercars from their track-focused offerings. For other brands, GT can just mean a sportier trim level.
The essence of GT cars has shifted, partly because of modern technological advancements. GT cars made by high-end brands can now be comfortable, stylish, and high-performance without compromising one characteristic for another.
Putting a GT label on some cars has become somewhat of a marketing exercise in recent years. Even though the characteristics of GT vehicles can vary greatly, car manufacturers incorporate a GT trim model or a GT name because it can effectively communicate that their product is sporty.
You can ask any car enthusiast about the best GT car, and you’ll probably end up with a bunch of different answers. Still, nothing beats the very first GT.
The 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Turismo was the first grand touring car.
The 6C 1750 came with two engine options一the single overhead cam variant was labeled Turismo, while the dual overhead cam option was named Sport.
The 6C was applauded for its exceptional ride quality and traction, even on rough roads. Its debut was also a remarkable one, as the model won every major racing event in its first year.
The 6C went on to become the blueprint for GT formulas in the succeeding years.
Modern GT cars are very capable. You can expect the following features to be common in GT cars:
High-end grand tourers have elegant and sophisticated designs that can easily attract looks on the road. Grand tourers aim to be as aerodynamic as possible. Hence, they typically sit low on the ground to produce as little drag as possible. The driver also sits close to the ground, giving them a focused seating position.
A GT car needs to be fun to drive. For that to happen, GT cars need to have excellent handling, precise steering, and a responsive drivetrain. For many drivers, the ideal road for a grand tourer isn’t a straight highway but a twisty canyon road. This setting allows the driver to appreciate all of the car’s finely-tuned driving characteristics.
Modern GT cars have the ability to cruise quickly for hundreds or even thousands of miles. They’re also able to turn into a track weapon at the push of a button. GT cars are often fitted with powerful V8 or even V12 engines to ensure a pleasurable driving experience. Aside from being powerful, their engines also need to ride smoothly and quietly for when the driver wants to drive more calmly.
Most grand tourers are two-door coupes that can comfortably accommodate the driver and one passenger. They also tend to have two seats behind the front seats. However, these seats typically offer tight legroom. Hence, the back seats are seldom used to seat people and are typically reserved for luggage and cargo.
Grand tourers have greatly evolved since the ’50s, but what are some classic and modern examples? As mentioned earlier, some manufacturers simply like to put the GT name in their vehicles to denote that they’re sporty. In this list, we’re only going to include cars that fit the true essence of a grand tourer.
The Ford MustangGT doesn’t just fit into this vehicle category just because of its name. GTs are supposed to be both luxurious and fast, but the Mustang GT is able to achieve this without the steep price tag. The Mustang GT is one of the most popular “GT” cars on the road, as it gives its owners a taste of V8 power at only $37,000. That said, it won’t be catching as many looks on the road nor will it have an interior as luxurious as the more expensive models from exotic car manufacturers.
The DB5 is the brand’s most famous car, partly because it showed up in numerous James Bond films. It has the classic styling you’d expect from an Aston Martin grand tourer made in the ’60s. In terms of performance, the DB5 has a 4-liter naturally-aspirated straight-six engine. It’s still moderately fast, but it won’t be able to compete with modern GT cars. In terms of driving experience, it’s nowhere near a modern grand tourer. The DB5 has heavy steering and a manual gearbox. It also doesn’t take corners very well because of body roll. But if you drive it with just enough pace without pushing it anywhere near its limits, then this classic will still be an enjoyable ride.
Compared to other brands that produce grand tourers like McLaren or Porsche, Bentley is known to be more classy than sporty. The Continental GT V8 has an incredibly quiet cabin. It also has a sophisticated dashboard and an elegantly designed steering wheel. Much of the vehicle’s interior is also covered with quilted leather and Alcantara. Unlike modern grand tourers, the Bentley Continental GT is hefty, as it weighs 5225 lbs. However, despite the car’s weight, it’s still effortless to drive. When you floor the throttle, you’ll get a satisfying growl from the 4-liter V8 engine producing 542-brake horsepower.
The Taycan is Porsche’s first electric vehicle (EV). Overall, it has the sharp looks and breathtaking performance you’d expect from Porsche. However, unlike most Porsches, it doesn’t have an engine in the rear. Instead, it has a pair of electric motors. Is the Taycan still a grand tourer without an engine? Can a car be a grand tourer without the engine’s pleasurable sound? The Taycan fits into the GT category because it has a great balance of performance and luxury. Given how many high-end brands are turning away from internal combustion engines, future grand tourers are likely headed on this trajectory.
Grand tourers used to just be good-looking cars with large engines, but now they can be stylish, high-performance luxury cars that make no compromise aside from their steep price tags. In terms of capability, modern grand tourers aren’t like the classic Aston Martin DB5 anymore. GT cars have been modernized. They’re now far more powerful, have more complex designs, and provide a driving experience that’s unlike anything from the 1950s.
Over the years, the GT abbreviation has been modified to fit specific models from various automakers. Here are some of the most common ones:
The variations of the GT model from various automakers will only continue to grow, especially with advanced tech and countless innovations that aim to produce the best and most efficient vehicles possible.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
View Comments
I cant consider a Mustang to be a GT. It has the performance, but not the interior.
I similarly cant count any Nissan Zs, Subaru, or Dodge.
There's a difference between "just performance" and "performance with luxury".
Even the Nissan GTR is pretty barebones on luxury since splitting from the Skyline - which definitely is a GT (if dated now since debuting in 2014).