The world's 10 best GT cars - 6-4
These cars have the ability to make long-distance journeys relaxing while still being able to thrill on a twisting road
6. Bentley Flying Spur W12
The Bentley Mulsanne and its 6.75-litre V8 is no more, with the new Flying Spur taking its place as the brand’s flagship luxury saloon. Despite the advent of today’s latest in-car technology, the Flying Spur still utilises the marque’s long-standing twin-turbocharged W12 power plant, but the similarities with its predecessors stop there…
The unit is more refined than ever, and despite an increase in efficiency it now sends 626bhp and 664lb ft of torque to all four wheels for a 3.7sec 0-60mph time and a 207mph top speed – impressive numbers for a 2437kg Bentley. Straight-line performance isn’t where it ceases to impress, however.
Thanks to the use of active anti-roll bars, four-wheel steering, three-chamber air suspension and more, the new Flying Spur is one of the only cars in its class that’s as good to drive as it is to be driven in. Adaptive all-wheel drive also sends power only to the rear unless traction is required at the front, making it more agile than you might imagine.
Both its kerb weight and starting price are higher than most would like, but should you be looking to cover miles at a brisk pace and in the utmost comfort, you can’t go wrong with the new Bentley Flying Spur.
> 2020 Bentley Flying Spur review
5. Ferrari GTC4 Lusso
These days, even Ferrari’s sports cars have an amazingly supple ride – especially when in their ‘Bumpy Road’ mode. So it’s not surprising to find the Italian firm’s grand tourer, and its replacement for the FF, the GTC4 Lusso, is even more proficient at smoothing out rough and craggy tarmac.
It’s not all about its pillowy ride though. As you’d expect from a Ferrari GT, there’s a big V12 up front – to be precise, a 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V12 with a rev limit of 8250rpm, developing 680bhp and 514lb ft of torque. There’s also four-wheel drive for better traction, four-wheel steering for better agility as well as stability, and four seats for plenty of interior space; it ticks all the necessary GT car boxes.
However, although it might be a refined GT car, we can’t help but want to hear the Ferrari’s V12 a little bit more prominently within the cabin; it’s just a little too muted as it is.
> Ferrari GTC4Lusso review - the ultimate in practicality and performance?
4. Porsche Taycan
Revealed as Porsche’s first modern-day EV, the Taycan goes head-to-head with Tesla’s venerable Model S. Though the Tesla boasts some of the best straight-line performance and range figures in its class, the Taycan is the driver’s EV we’ve all been waiting for.
Range is down on that of the Model S and it’s not as accelerative on paper, but the Taycan applies Stuttgart’s formula to an EV, with ride and body control far superior to that of even the accomplished Panamera. Damping from the PASM chassis masks its 2295kg weight figure, and although lacking detailed feedback, the steering is remarkably accurate too.
> New Porsche Taycan review - Stuttgart puts its stamp on the electric car era
In the range-topping Turbo S, the 93.4kWh Performance Battery Plus sends power to a pair of electric motors, one on the front axle and one at the rear. Unlike in the Tesla, the latter puts power through a two-speed gearbox for acceleration to match that of seven-figure hypercars. Thanks to the 750bhp boost available during a launch, standstill to 62mph happens in only 2.6sec, with top speed restricted to 160mph.
Though a WLTP range of between 241 and 256 miles means you’ll have to stop more frequently than with internal combustion counterparts, the use of 270kW fast charging is said to allow drivers to go from five per cent to 80 per cent charge in just over 20 minutes.
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