Best New GT Cars

What Makes It Special

It's no secret that the SL has had it rough in the past few years and the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL is set to spin the wheel of fortune for the long-running dynasty. Officially named R232, this power roadster was developed by AMG, ensuring a much needed injection of fun to the nameplate that has fallen from grace in recent years. Its design follows the vision behind it, with the R232 looking sharper and more dynamic than its predecessor, hinting that the SL wants to restore its former glory of an exclusive, technologically advanced driver’s car.

Upon introduction, purists cheered at the notion of the SL keeping V8 power under its hood while also getting a rag top, yet on the other hand, the internet was quick to boo the entry-level 2023 SL 43 powered by an inline-four. Still, the four-banger has a lot to offer, producing 318 horsepower and 353 lb-ft of torque, in part thanks to using the F1-derived electric exhaust gas turbocharger, for the first time in a production car.

For those inclined towards a more traditional SL experience, the SL 63 and SL 55 both offer a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged AMG V8 tuned to produce 577 and 469 horsepower respectively. The R232 SL has garnered nothing but positive reviews, exactly what Mercedes-Benz needed, but it’s still early to find it the definitive place in history.

What Makes It Special

Since its launch in 2003, the Bentley Continental GT has been the brand's best-seller and a benchmark in itself, a car that combines the utmost elegance and distinction with a sporty spirit and the great thrust of a large-capacity engine.

Now, its third generation incorporates a new variant, the GT S, which boasts a sportier aesthetic focused on driving performance.

Currently, it's almost impossible to rival the Bentley Continental in luxury. The closest thing in terms of elegance and exclusivity is the Rolls-Royce Wraith. A more sporty competitor would be the Aston Martin DBS, while on the grand tourer side, the closest thing would be a BMW M850i xDrive.

The new S range keeps the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine with 550 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The GT S can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 198 mph.

To provide a greater sporting experience, a new exhaust system amplifies the engine's sound when charging on the accelerator. In addition, this model has active anti-roll bars that help minimize body roll in tight corners while improving ride comfort at cruising speeds.

What Makes It Special

There isn't a single car lineage that can as loudly identify British-born motoring as the Aston Martin DB. Regarding the DB12's powertrain, Aston Martin is forced to continue using the 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine coupled to an 8-speed automated transmission. The V8's output has improved over the previous version, producing 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

Larger turbos, more robust cooling systems, and a reprogrammed engine management system have allowed the hand-built Mercedes-AMG engine to reach new heights in performance. Additionally, the gearing of the 8-speed automatic transmission has been changed to enhance acceleration and enable a sportier driving style.

Since the DB12 is a super tourer rather than a track-focused instrument, you can anticipate enhancements that will make operating one seem more exhilarating, sporty, and sophisticated than previously. Aston Martin's discerning client base will enjoy a revolutionary drive thanks to a new state-of-the-art adaptive suspension system, upgraded electric power steering unit, and redesigned rear differential system. This starts electronically.

What Makes It Special

The BMW M8 Competition is among the greatest exponents of mixing sportiness with luxury. Under its hood lies a 4.4-liter V8 engine with dual turbochargers that pumps out 617 horses and 553 pound-feet of torque, making it imposing, technological, and completely radical. The M8's mighty engine is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system that can disconnect the front wheels if necessary.

The M8 Competition can sprint to 60 miles per hour in 3.0 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph, delivering elegant manners and blistering acceleration. Additionally, this Bimmer's automatic transmission is lightning-quick and incredibly intuitive.

Although the all-wheel-drive system delivers old-school fun since it's biased toward the rear axle, because of the M8's track-focused skills, you might want to try its capabilities in a controlled environment, preferably on a race track.

The M8 chassis provides exceptional grip and communicates with the steering wheel. The M8's agility and responsiveness make it an appealing companion on open or winding roads. The M8 is incredibly quick in a straight line, but because of its size and weight, you'll want to do most of your braking before cornering.

What Makes It Special

To celebrate 75 years of Maserati grand tourers, the company released a special anniversary edition of the ICE-powered GranTurismo Trofeo in 2023, called the Prima Serie (Italian for "first edition").

There are two distinct decor styles available in the 2+2 cabin. The wheels and trunk of the Grigio Lamiera matte-painted vehicle include carbon fiber accents and anniversary plaques. The inside of the GranTurismo Trofeo has perforated two-tone leather seats with distinctive red insignia on the headrests. Like the console, the dashboard is covered in sleek black leather with eye-catching red stitching.

The GranTurismo PrimaSerie takes its cues from the Trofeo variant, which features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 Nettuno engine producing 542 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque and driving all four wheels. A top speed of 199 mph and a sprint to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds result from the powertrain's eight-speed automated transmission. The new GranTurismo is a groundbreaking take on a flagship model that exemplifies the company's commitment to cutting-edge engineering, refined craftsmanship, and timeless design.

What Makes It Special

The goal of the 911 Carrera T is to offer Porsche customers a more purist alternative to its 'access' variant, a car with sportier tuning, a lighter weight, and special equipment.

Putting it in perspective, the new Porsche Carrera T 2023 is something similar to a GT3, but, of course, with a big difference in cost and performance.

The 911 Carrera T is a commitment to purism—a conscious waiver for greater driving enjoyment. The silhouette of the 911 Carrera is unmistakable thanks to the iconic, elegantly sloping roofline, which has shaped the DNA of the Porsche brand since 1963.

The powertrain comprises a six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer engine with 385 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque and rear-wheel-drive, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 mph.

Being a variant with a more purist approach, it received some improvements compared to the conventional Carrera, with a curb weight of only 3254 pounds, 100 pounds less than the base Carrera.

The Carrera T features a seven-speed manual, Torque Vectoring, the Sport Chrono package, and a sports suspension with a 10mm lowered suspension.

What Makes It Special

The RS Competition Plus adds more equipment and exclusive details that affect the aesthetic and dynamic departments. This version offers slight improvements in its 0–60 mph times, and the top speed is no longer restricted, reaching 161 mph.

Under the hood, the same 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 is still present, developing 450 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system transmits power to all four wheels, and a sports differential with a specific adjustment gives the rear axle a more prominent role, especially in the "dynamic" driving mode.

In addition, Audi has optimized the software of the eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission (torque converter type) so that it reduces gear change times to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds. That's one-tenth less in each case compared to a base RS.

While power and torque remain the same, the engine's sound has improved thanks to a specific sports exhaust system with matte black tailpipes. Additionally, Audi removed more than 17 pounds of sound deadening between the engine and the driver for a total weight savings of 35 pounds.

What Makes It Special

The Ferrari Roma is a high-performance grand touring car ideal for long-distance trips because of its utmost sophistication but without the usual sense that the car is out to get you that comes with driving other Ferraris. In other words, this is a more "civilized" Ferrari.

Like the rest of Maranello's offerings, the Roma is an exclusive luxury sports car. Its performance, history, and refinement puts it above many of its closest competitors in terms of exclusivity.

The chassis of the Roma and the Ferrari Portofino are identical. However, the Ferrari engineers managed to reduce the weight by 440 pounds compared to the Portofino.

Under the bonnet of the Roma lies a 620-horsepower, 3.9-liter aluminum V8 engine turbocharged for maximum performance. The engine is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends all the car's power to the rear wheels.

The Ferrari Roma isn't the most powerful model in Ferrari's lineup, but it still possesses supercar-level acceleration and top speed. The dry weight of under 3,245 pounds contributes to the 199 mph top speed and 3.4 second 0–60 mph sprint time.

What Makes It Special

In 2014, Jaguar unveiled the F-Type, and the automotive industry lauded the work of then-Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum. Many people saw this new Jaguar as a modern reincarnation of the classic E-Type, one of the most aesthetically pleasing sports cars ever built.

After Callum's retirement, a new wave of Jaguar design professionals took over to create the new F-Type R. The result was a slightly sharper look and chassis, but it retained its endearingly old-school vibe. There are no hiccups with the F-Type.

The 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine produces 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, which puts the F-Type R in supercar territory. So much so that the Porsche 911 Turbo, the Audi R8 V10, or the Mercedes-AMG GT S would have to be considered close competitors in size and power, and that was the point with the Type-R for Jaguar. This vehicle could easily compete with German cannons.

While the F-Type R's features a Quiet Start system, which minimizes engine noise, you can make this angry cat growl when put into Sport mode (or by pressing the sports exhaust button).

What Makes It Special

The LC 500 is immediately recognizable as a Lexus. With a remarkable dynamic character, the Lexus LC represents the brand's most passionate exercise in design.

The design must also be functional: the elegant shapes provide greater aerodynamic stability, and the air intakes favor engine and brake cooling.

The LC offers a mechanical range that no other coupé vehicle in the luxury segment does: It's available with a high-performance V8 engine or with a hybrid powertrain.

Lexus outfitted the LC 500 with 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheels to go from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. The Lexus LC quickly reaches the redline thanks to forged connecting rods, titanium intake, and exhaust valves.

When you step on the gas, the LC 500 V8 reveals its sporty character in a progressively increasing power curve. With 471 horsepower at 7,100 rpm, the V8 emits an impressive soundtrack.

This sound is amplified inside the cabin thanks to a special resonance tube. In addition, the Lexus LC has an active exhaust that roars as a sports car would.