There’s some debate about precisely who invented the grand touring coupé however little or no about the place, in nationwide phrases, it occurred.
The well-liked response to the query of what the primary and defining instance was is the 1951 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT (additional credit score if you happen to reel off the whole thing in a mockney twang, like Paul Whitehouse in his grocer’s apron).
It may have been the 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter, although, or the 1947 Maserati A6 – or one thing pre-war, even. Wherever the credit score finally involves relaxation, nevertheless, the gran turismo was positively given life after which popularised in Italy.
And reasonably regrettably, it may need simply been slaughtered in Warwickshire. That’s as a result of, so far as Aston Martin is anxious, the grand tourer idea, though wonderful for the likes of its personal DB5, Mercedes-Benz’s 300 SL, Jaguar’s E-Type and Ferrari’s Daytona, simply isn’t ‘grand’ sufficient to successfully describe its new DB12.
We’re to name this a brilliant tourer, apparently.
Introducing the Aston Martin DB12, Maserati Granturismo, and Ferrari Roma
Quick hyperlinks: Introduction – Exterior design – Powertrains – Interiors – Driving dynamics – Verdict – Full specs
Luckily, we will now depart Aston’s advertising spiel far behind, as a result of this broadly up to date coupé is about to check its value by turning into the British beef in an Italian panino sandwich.
On one flank is the brand-new Maserati Granturismo Trofeo, on take a look at right here in left-hand-drive kind however as a consequence of arrive within the UK very quickly in right-hand drive.
On the opposite is the automobile that its DB11 predecessor may by no means fairly topple: the painfully fairly, splendidly agile and demonstrative Ferrari Roma.
Whatever you need from a GT, be it magnificence, magnificence, pedigree, tempo, luxurious, touring practicality, pleasure, noise or simply essentially the most worshipful standing within the golf membership automobile park, you can find it right here.