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What exactly does Grand Tourer (GT) mean?

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Old 03-25-2015, 06:18 PM
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Default What exactly does Grand Tourer (GT) mean?

I have always wondered what qualifies a car to be classed as a Grand Tourer (GT)?

Is this the same GT they are referring to in some racing events like the Rolex Series last year?

I'm sure it will be an easy question to answer for some of you guys

thanks in advance
 
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Old 03-25-2015, 06:34 PM
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Originally Posted by paulyling
I have always wondered what qualifies a car to be classed as a Grand Tourer (GT)?

Is this the same GT they are referring to in some racing events like the Rolex Series last year?

I'm sure it will be an easy question to answer for some of you guys

thanks in advance
You should know, you've got one! (lol)

A cross between a High Performance Sports Car and a Luxury Saloon.
 
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Old 03-25-2015, 07:35 PM
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Usually the GT's have better suspention (maybe sport suspension) and are more powerful.
 
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Old 03-25-2015, 09:53 PM
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When I think Grand Tourer I see a refined, distinctive long distance cruiser.

I do not see a brutish, quick off the line sports car.

I had to drive a 2010 Corvette the other day which was the Grand Sport model and all I can say was the whole time that I was in the car I longed for the refinement and smoothness of my XJS. That is not knocking the Corvette but to say rather how much it made me appreciate the refinements of the Jag.

Could not imagine going on a 200 mile road trip in the Corvette as the suspension was very stiff and just seemed like the car was geared for short distance type driving compared to the Jaguar which is a quiet and smooth road warrior.
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 02:25 AM
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Originally Posted by LuvmyXJS'
When I think Grand Tourer I see a refined, distinctive long distance cruiser.
100% right. Get into it at 8.00 a.m., drive from London to mid France (via the tunnel). Alight from the vehicle for lunch. Drive on to South of France/Alps/North Italy. Smooth up to the fine old Hotel feeling wonderfully fresh and exhilarated. Assist the lovely Madamoiselle from the car and shower before dinner.

The next day, after a world class cup of coffee, all you want to do is to get in it again and go further south to Rome. That is what a proper GT car can do and the XJS is IMO the best there has ever been. AND, long long ago, pre-children, I did just that with my (subsequently) lovely wife.

Greg
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 02:29 AM
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So to summarise ....a car built for long distances in comfort
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 02:36 AM
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Originally Posted by paulyling
So to summarise ....a car built for long distances in comfort
A two seater glamourous-looking low-slung car built for FAST long distances in comfort with superb handling and ride.

Greg
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 02:51 AM
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Cheers Greg

So....what makes a Saloon then like the XJ6?
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 04:35 AM
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Originally Posted by paulyling
So....what makes a Saloon then like the XJ6?
A sedan (American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand English) or saloon (British and Irish English) is a passenger car in a three-box configuration with A, B & C-pillars and principal volumes articulated in separate compartments for engine, passenger and cargo.[1] The passenger compartment features two rows of seats and adequate passenger space in the rear compartment for adult passengers. The cargo compartment is typically in the rear, with the exception of some rear-engined models
.
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 05:30 AM
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Cheers Clarke

Good info. So just means a sedan in Oz talk.

So do we call a GT in Oz a GT?
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 05:55 AM
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Originally Posted by paulyling
Cheers Clarke

Good info. So just means a sedan in Oz talk.

So do we call a GT in Oz a GT?
Guess not, all these Aussie built muscle cars are labeled "GT ",
So an Aussie GT is a muscled up Saloon.

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Old 03-26-2015, 06:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Greg in France
A two seater glamourous-looking low-slung car built for FAST long distances in comfort with superb handling and ride.

Greg
I wish you hadn't said that Greg!

Its making me want to go out! but its chucking it down at the moment, with no high pressure in sight!
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 06:06 AM
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Originally Posted by o1xjr
A sedan (American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand English) or saloon (British and Irish English) is a passenger car in a three-box configuration with A, B & C-pillars and principal volumes articulated in separate compartments for engine, passenger and cargo.[1] The passenger compartment features two rows of seats and adequate passenger space in the rear compartment for adult passengers. The cargo compartment is typically in the rear, with the exception of some rear-engined models
Ooooooh! You've made me want one of those now Clarke!
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 06:09 AM
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GT stands for: Grand Touring or Grand Tourismo
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 07:30 AM
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Yes Clarke that was why I was confused. You hear the word GT dropped around near muscle cars and the like here in Oz. Confusing!
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 02:23 PM
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Some of my favorites...

- Porsche 928 (even though it's lacking 4 cylinders - superb automobile)
- Mercedes CL600
- Ferrari 456
- Ferrari 612
- BMW 850
- Aston Martin DB9

I'd like one example of each, black on black.
 
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Old 03-26-2015, 02:50 PM
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No the Ferrari will have to be in red....come on!
 
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Old 03-27-2015, 12:19 AM
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Every single "sports" car today is in effect a GT, although the manufacturer may desire or not desire to be associated with that image.

For example, Jaguar wants us to believe the F type is proper "sports" car to distance it from the "GT" XJS, XK8 and XK. But in reality, the F type is as much a GT as the XJS. When the car is heavy, loaded with creature comforts and capable of taking you long distances in comfort its a GT. Since most people today won't buy a super light sports car stripped of all safety and creature comforts, then GT's are really all that's produced. Even my 74 series 3 E type is a GT. The car has A/C, the seats where made very comfortable, the floor pans where made deeper and it's an automatic. The last real "non" GT sports car Jaguar made was the series 1 E type, and I don't think most people could handle that today.
 
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Old 03-27-2015, 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Greg in France
A two seater glamourous-looking low-slung car built for FAST long distances in comfort with superb handling and ride.
Well said!
 
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Old 03-28-2015, 03:24 AM
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Paul, MAAAATE.

YOU GOT THE ULTIMATE GT.

Get in the Goose, on the Eastcoast (home), get out on the Westcoast, about a week later, that is what a GT is all about.

Greg has it nailed with the Wine, Women, "Song", maybe, and he is THE MAN.

It is:

Grand

and its a

Tourer.

NUFF SAID.

The JAGUAR name helps a fair bit.

Then that engine, FAIR DINKUM.
 
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