What are Grand Tourer (GT) cars?

Grand Tourers (GT) are cars designed to combine performance, comfort and luxury, making them the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful car that is also suitable for long journeys. The acronym ‘GT’ comes from the Italian Gran Turismo, referring to vehicles that offer a dynamic driving experience without sacrificing comfort.

In this article, we'll explore the history, characteristics and differences between GTs and supercars, helping you to understand what makes these cars so special.

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The origin of the Grand Tourer concept

The GT concept emerged in Europe, especially in Italy, in the 1950s, when manufacturers began to develop cars that balanced power with luxury. The aim was to create fast, comfortable and sophisticated vehicles, perfect for long journeys at high speed.

Some of the first models to define this category were:

• BMW 6 Series

• Jaguar XJ-S

• Mercedes-Benz SL

These cars set the standard for modern GTs, becoming synonymous with elegance and performance.

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Main features of GT cars

Although each manufacturer has its own approach to a Grand Tourer, there are some characteristics that define models in this category:

• Balanced performance - High-performance engines, often with V6 or V8 configurations, which provide agile driving, excellent cruising speed and strong acceleration capacity.

• Comfort and luxury - Premium materials, sophisticated interiors and advanced technology.

• Balanced chassis - Optimised configuration for long journeys, without sacrificing sporty driving.

• Two doors or spacious sedans - Although many GTs are coupés, there are also more practical options for everyday use.

• Rear or all-wheel drive - Many Grand Tourers have rear-wheel drive (RWD), although some modern models adopt all-wheel drive (AWD) for better control and stability.

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Grand Tourer vs Supercars: What's the difference?

Despite some similarities, GTs and supercars have important differences:

Features	Grand Tourer (GT)	Supercar
Focus	Comfort and balanced performance	Extreme performance
Daily use	Yes, suitable for long journeys	No, designed for circuits
Suspension	Comfortable and stable	Rigid and aggressive
Interior space	Bigger, with luxurious interiors	More compact and sporty
Examples	Aston Martin DB11, Bentley Continental GT	Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Huracán

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Grand Tourers are ideal for those looking for a fast but comfortable car, while supercars focus exclusively on performance. They represent one of the most interesting categories in the automotive world, offering a fusion of power, comfort and elegance. From luxury models to more affordable options, there are several alternatives that maintain the spirit of Gran Turismo: driving with style, power and sophistication, regardless of the distance.