The Return of the Grand Tourer – Modern Cars for the Ultimate Road Trip
For the discerning driver, there’s a peculiar romance to the open road: the thrill of the journey as enticing as the destination. The spirit of the grand tour—or “Grand Tourismo,” if we’re being fancy—has long embodied this wanderlust. In an age where SUVs dominate and electric cars are racing ahead, it might seem the classic Grand Tourer (GT) has been left behind. Yet, a quiet renaissance is underway, and today’s GTs are proving that there’s still no better companion for the ultimate road trip.
Let’s take a spin through the world of modern luxury grand tourers, with a look at some stunning examples and the art of combining long-distance comfort, breathtaking performance, and sublime craftsmanship.
What Makes a Car a Grand Tourer?
A Grand Tourer is more than just a fast car; it’s a philosophy. The perfect GT strikes a delicate balance: elegant and powerful, plush yet thrilling. They’re built for covering vast distances at high speed in effortless luxury. Think of them as the ultimate road trip partners, blending comfort with dynamism.
Typically, a GT features a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, plenty of torque, and impeccable refinement. But it’s the intangibles—the sense of occasion, the aura of exclusivity—that truly define the genre. This is not just driving; it’s arriving.
The Bentley Continental GT – Effortless Elegance
If one car epitomises the modern GT, it’s the Bentley Continental GT. First introduced in 2003, the Continental GT redefined what a grand tourer could be, marrying British craftsmanship with brute force. Fast-forward to today, and the latest iteration continues to set benchmarks.
Underneath the hand-stitched leather and gleaming veneers lies a technological marvel. The flagship twin-turbocharged W12 engine delivers 650 horsepower and a top speed of 208 mph. Alternatively, the V8 option—no slouch at 542 horsepower—offers a slightly lighter, more agile feel while still exuding luxury. Both engines pair with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for seamless performance.
What truly sets the Continental GT apart is its adaptability. With an active all-wheel-drive system and advanced air suspension, this Bentley effortlessly transitions between sporty dynamism and cloud-like comfort. Whether you’re tackling hairpins in the Alps or gliding down a German autobahn, it remains composed, confident, and deeply rewarding.
Inside, the craftsmanship is unparalleled. Bentley’s artisans spend up to 100 hours perfecting each interior, with options like knurled metal detailing, open-pore wood veneers, and even a hand-painted dashboard fascia. The rotating display—a slick three-sided unit that toggles between a touchscreen, analogue dials, and a plain veneer panel—epitomises Bentley’s blend of tradition and innovation.
For road trips, the Continental GT is hard to beat. Its 358-litre boot is more practical than most rivals, and the plush seats offer massage functions to keep you refreshed on long drives. In short, it’s as indulgent as it is capable.
The Aston Martin DB12 – The “Super Tourer”
Aston Martin’s DB lineage has always been synonymous with style, but the DB12 takes things further. Aston calls it the “world’s first super tourer,” a bold claim backed by equally bold engineering.
At its heart is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, courtesy of AMG, producing a jaw-dropping 671 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. This power translates to a 0-62 mph time of just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. But the DB12 is about more than just raw performance; it’s about delivering an exhilarating yet refined driving experience.
The chassis is where the DB12 truly shines. Aston has equipped it with intelligent dampers, a stiffer structure, and a new electronic differential that provides exceptional agility and grip. The car’s various drive modes—GT, Sport, Sport+, and Wet—allow drivers to fine-tune their experience to match road conditions and their mood.
Step inside, and the DB12 continues to impress. The cabin is a masterclass in bespoke luxury, featuring hand-stitched leather, Alcantara accents, and an elegant new infotainment system developed in-house. The 10.25-inch touchscreen offers crystal-clear graphics and intuitive controls, and Aston’s focus on connectivity ensures you’re always in command.
One standout feature is the DB12’s focus on practicality. While undeniably thrilling, it’s also surprisingly user-friendly, with enough space for weekend luggage and a suite of driver aids that make long journeys stress-free. For those who crave excitement without sacrificing comfort, the DB12 is a game-changer.
The Ferrari Roma – La Nuova Dolce Vita
Ferrari is not a brand typically associated with understated elegance, but the Roma is a delightful exception. It channels 1960s Italy, a time when driving was as much about glamour as it was about getting somewhere.
Visually, the Roma is a stunner: clean lines, minimalist curves, and just enough aggression to remind you of its prancing horse heritage. Its design feels almost sculptural, a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to marrying form and function. The slender LED headlights and discreet rear spoiler add to its understated allure.
Beneath the bonnet lies a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 612 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which shifts gears with breathtaking precision. The Roma can sprint from 0-62 mph in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of over 199 mph. But what truly sets the Roma apart is its versatility: it feels just as at home cruising along the Amalfi Coast as it does attacking a racetrack.
Inside, the Roma strikes a balance between tradition and innovation. The cabin features a driver-centric layout with a fully digital instrument cluster and a vertical 8.4-inch centre touchscreen. Luxurious materials—from fine leather to polished aluminium—create an ambience that’s both modern and timeless. Even the key is a work of art, designed to resemble a miniature Ferrari badge.
For long journeys, the Roma’s relatively spacious boot (by Ferrari standards) and 2+2 seating configuration make it a surprisingly practical choice. It’s proof that Ferrari can create a grand tourer without compromising its racing DNA.
The Perfect Road Trip – Scenic Routes for the Modern GT
What’s a grand tour without a grand destination? These cars demand roads that can showcase their talents while offering stunning views. Here are a few suggestions to inspire your next adventure:
The Amalfi Coast, Italy: Twisting roads, dramatic cliffs, and the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea make this a must for any grand tourer. Stop in Positano for a leisurely espresso before continuing to Ravello for breathtaking views.
The Scottish Highlands, UK: The North Coast 500 route offers an unparalleled mix of winding roads and rugged beauty. With a Bentley or an Aston Martin, you’ll feel like royalty navigating these picturesque landscapes.
Route Napoléon, France: This historic route takes you from the French Riviera to the Alps, offering a thrilling mix of tight hairpins and sweeping vistas. Perfect for stretching the legs of a Ferrari Roma.
Pacific Coast Highway, USA: Hugging the California coastline, this route offers sun-drenched scenery and plenty of opportunities to put the car’s cruising capabilities to the test.
The Future of Grand Touring
As the automotive world shifts towards sustainability, the grand tourer is not being left behind. Brands are finding innovative ways to blend tradition with technology. Bentley has already pledged to go fully electric by 2030, and its upcoming models promise to retain the spirit of the GT while embracing greener credentials.
Aston Martin is also exploring hybrid and electric options, ensuring their super tourers remain relevant. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s first SUV, the Purosangue, hints at how they might approach electrification in the GT space.
Yet, what makes these cars special goes beyond powertrains. It’s about the connection they create – with the road, the scenery, and the driver. Whether powered by petrol or electrons, the essence of the grand tourer remains alive and well.
The grand tourer represents more than just a mode of transport; it’s a lifestyle, an ode to the art of travel. Cars like the Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DB12, and Ferrari Roma remind us that luxury and performance needn’t be mutually exclusive. They’re the perfect companions for those who value the journey as much as the destination.
So, the next time you’re planning a road trip, leave the SUV behind and opt for something with a little more panache. Because in the world of grand touring, every mile is an event.
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