What Does GT Mean in a Car? Here’s the Complete Answer

When it comes to buying cars, whether used or new, you will find a lot of acronyms – one of them being GT. The GT in cars stands for Grand Tourer, 

But what does “GT” really mean on cars? Let’s dive right in. 

What Does GT Mean in Cars?

The GT in cars stands for “Grand Tourer,” which is translated from the Italian term “Gran Turismo.” The GT lineup refers to a vehicle built to offer long-distance driving with a high top speed limit. A GT car is usually the higher-end variation, offering top-tier performance. Typically, GT cars can be either coupe or roadster. This means they are comfortable enough to accommodate the driver, a passenger, and some luggage.

Italian car manufacturers like Ferrari and Alfa Romeo have manufactured some GT versions of the car models. While we’ve seen some European and British launch some GTs, American automakers have some of the most well-known GT cars. 

For instance, in 1965, Ford was one of the first U.S. car manufacturers to stamp the GT badge on its first-generation Mustang.

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The History of Grand Tourer Cars

Unlike today, when GT can mean anything depending on the manufacturer, an ideal grand touring car should be between a luxury car and a sports car—with a big engine, luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and elegant exterior.

GT cars in the 1930s

Now let’s trace the history back to 1930 when the first GT car, the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Turismo, was released. 

The 6C 1750 was built with an advanced frame that was light yet sturdy enough to adapt to any type of road. It won every main racing event it attended, setting the standard for all GT cars produced after it. 

GT cars in the 1950s

The 1950-1960 was a groundbreaking era for GT cars. The GT variant of cars raised in demand at Italy’s prestigious Mille Miglia race from 1927 to 1957. 

Even after the race, the popularity of GT cars didn’t fade. In fact, they were also great candidates for other racing events, like the FIA World Sportscar Championship.

GT cars on the road

Away from racing, GT cars emerged as the epitome of luxury and stylishness. The mix of high-performance engine and functional design allowed the GTs to attract the attention of end-consumers. 

Some renowned GT cars that followed in the footsteps of the 6C 1750 included the 1935 Fiat 508 Balilla S Berlinetta, 1949 Ferrari 166 Inter, and 1951 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT.

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What are the Features of a GT Car

In today’s market, not all GT cars live up to the original definition of a Grand Tourer. 

But what exactly are those expectations? Here are the features that one would typically expect from a GT car: 

1. High performance: GT cars are known for top performance. So, their engines must be able to reach maximum limits and maintain that over a long period.
2. High functionality: This is essential in GT cars, and the driver needs to have complete control over the features. 
3. Extra seating: A grand touring car must have sufficient space and at least two seats—the driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat. A GT car must have a standard 2+2 arrangement, as seen in a supercar or hypercar on the market. This helps manage the interior space to allow for maximum performance.
4. Full comfort and luxury: The chassis and suspension of a GT car must ensure smooth driving on any type of road, including wet, dry, or slippery surfaces.

If you’re looking to buy a car with high performance comfortable enough for a long-range drive, a GT model can be the right choice. 

Provided you decide to buy a used GT car, you’re advised to conduct a VIN number lookup to assess the history and condition and physically inspect and test drive the car before signing the papers.

Some of the luxurious features typical of a modern GT car include:

• Adjustable seating, including multi-contour seats, automatic comfort fit seat belts, and 12-way seat adjustability.
• Safety features include anti-lock brakes, airbags, and pre-tensioners; some may have engine intrusion alarms or locks.
• A temperature-regulated steering wheel that has coils to warm the steering during cold weather.
• Infotainment systems, including GPS, rear-view cameras, and audio devices.

The Cons of GT Cars

Just like the two sides of a coin, a GT car may provide all the luxury, comfort, style, and performance, but it comes at a price. Some of the challenging aspects of owning a GT automobile include:

• High maintenance: To keep GTs in good condition calls for frequent maintenance. This also includes the cost of insurance and repairs, which are higher than for an average standard car. Regarding fuel efficiency, some GTs have poor fuel economy and are not advisable for daily driving.
• High Price Tag: Although older GT cars may be affordable, modern GTs can be very expensive due to their range of capabilities in terms of speed, performance, and luxury. This removes them from the list of most car shoppers.

Comparison: GT Cars Vs. Sports Cars

While GT cars often find the balance between performance and comfort. This means that the cars are not only fast but also packed with features like heated seats, climate control, automatic starts, motorised seats, and more. These small conveniences, combined with superb performance, make GT cars attractive to the typical consumer.

On the other hand, sports cars put performance as the north star. That’s why most sports cars lack convenient features and aesthetics. Basically, if it doesn’t contribute to the car’s performance, it should not be included. 

However, there are modern high-end sports cars that can be considered as exceptions, like the Ferrari 488 Spyder and Bugatti Chiron – which are sports cars – but they have a decent amount of bells and whistles inside.

You need to be able to decide on what you want – if it’s speed and performance, go for a sports car, but if you prioritise performance combined with luxury, you should opt for a GT car.

Conclusion

The acronym GT is no longer what it used to be, as definitions are ambiguous whenever you see a car categorised as a GT or a sports car. There are no real differences between the two words, which are now used for commercial purposes.

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