Best GT Cars Available in 2023
15th Aug 2023
Best Cars for Grand Touring
GT cars (acronym for 'Grand Tourer') have created a rich legacy throughout the automotive world because of their inherent ability to devour hundreds of miles while the driver enjoys copious levels of luxury and performance.
With the increasing capability of public transport allowing for rapid travel across Europe, you would be mistaken for believing that GT cars would be in decline. Thankfully, the reality is polar opposite, with manufacturers continuing to release some truly intoxicating Grand Tourers, which boast more luxury alongside scintillating levels of performance.
There are a number of excellent GT cars to choose from, but which are the best? Keep reading to find out.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Tradition dictates that a GT car should be a sleek coupé with a gargantuan engine up front that sends its power straight to the rear wheels. And as one of the founding fathers of the Grand Tourer, it is only natural that Aston Martin continue to offer one of the best options on the market in the form of the breathtaking DBS Superleggera.
Aston Martin certainly have the large engine requirement firmly checked, because beneath the bonnet lies a 5.2-litre V12 engine that has been complemented by two turbochargers. With 715bhp on tap, you will not be surprised to learn that the DBS Superleggera is unrelenting in its acceleration.
The cabin of the DBS can only be described as timeless in its appearance, with meticulous attention to detail having been paid to ensure every journey is an experience like no other. It seems appropriate to mention that the DBS is available as a convertible, which is guaranteed to enhance any long distance adventure.
Jaguar F-TYPE
Another fabled name badge from a British car maker, only this time it is a Jaguar that sits on the front grille. The F-TYPE was conceived in 2013 and takes inspiration from the illustrious E-Type, with the traditional front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout taking centre-stage alongside a jaw-dropping silhouette.
There are a number of engines to choose from, meaning the F-TYPE offers a pleasingly flexible alternative to some of the other vehicles on this list. The 5.0-litre V8 is truly astonishing in its power delivery, while the smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine provides a welcome blend of performance and palatable running costs.
Beautifully designed throughout, the interior is a special place to spend time over long distances. Couple this with the impressive levels of refinement, and you have a Grand Tourer that is worthy of the badge it wears.
Porsche 911
Porsche have amassed quite the cult following thanks to the 911, which is one of the best everyday sports cars available. In its latest iteration, it continues to excel as a driving experience that is capable of racking up big mileage without hesitation.
The engine in the rear of the 911 is always going to be the talking point; the flat-six engine, after all, is the legacy on which the 911 has built its reputation. Even the base 'Carrera' specification has a substantial 380bhp at its disposal, which is good for a 0 to 62 mph time of 4.2 seconds.
Despite the incredible performance available, the 911 offers serene driving manners over longer distances because noise intrusion is kept to an absolute minimum. The beautifully refined ride is enhanced by the quality of the cabin, which is among the best at this price-point.
BMW 8 Series
After almost two decades away, the BMW 8 Series made its return in 2018. Offering superb luxury, a multitude of sublime engines, various bodystyles and even an M8 version, this GT car offers multiple packages allowing you to tailor your perfect BMW GT car.
The Coupé is wonderfully imposing yet classy in its delivery. Convertible models allow an open-air 8 Series experience, whilst the Gran Coupé offers the most practicality. The standard Coupé 840i offers 328bhp, good for 0 to 62mph in 5.2 seconds. Those wanting sheer pace from their GT car will want the 617bhp M8 Competition Coupé which takes a hypercar taunting 3.2 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph. It will all depend just how fast you want to do your grand touring.
The cabin is typical of the Bavarian giants, with every switch and control having been carefully placed to promote a sense of instant familiarity. On top of this, the 8 Series soaks up just about every imperfection on the road with conviction, making it a fine companion on a road trip.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Many of you may not realise this, but the S-Class is responsible for a wide number of technological features that can be found on modern cars. It was the first production car to feature ABS (anti-locking brakes), seat belt pre-tensioners and front airbags, which is only scratching the surface of what Mercedes-Benz have brought to the automotive industry with the S-Class' advanced technology.
Unsurprisingly, this flagship model is astonishing on cross-country escapades because of the sheer commitment that has been shown towards comfort and refinement. For example, the twin-section panoramic sunroof changes from dark to translucent in seconds, allowing for a brighter interior that is complemented by features such as the floating digital dashboard and ambient lighting.
Discussing engines and 0 to 62 mph times seems vulgar where an S-Class is concerned, that is why we will simply tell you that the engine choices are silky-smooth and unnoticeable when driving; as it should be in a car such as this.
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Find your perfect GT Car with Stratstone
There are some incredible GT cars available at the moment, all of which have their own independent characteristics that mean you are guaranteed to find a vehicle that suits your personality. After all, if you are going to be racking up the miles behind the wheel of a car, it needs to be one you bond with.
Discover your perfect GT car today via searching our excellent portfolio of new and used cars, via our comprehensive network of Stratstone retailers.