i like the 512tr as a gt because it works well, the fitted luggage carries a lot of my wife's stuff and it is fast, stable and attractive. BUT, the 456mgt is still the better gt at the end of the day... btw, it does well as a polo car too since it carries all my gear without any problem. here it is at the game today - 11 year old car, 20 year old design, and still looks elegant. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Apropos my comments on the Porche 928 is that aside from issues, it did have cruise and that really made a difference on long highway trips where shifting was not needed. The 575 is a marvelous car but, for long trips it is tiring to drive on turnpikes. Absolute death on the right foot.
And a less jarring suspension, and less engine noise behind the head, and decent storage space, and 70 MPH at 2500 RPM and cupholders and... ;-)
To me, a big qualifier in a GT is also looks. Sports can be plain, they can be daring, and they can even be ugly, if distinctive. A GT must be handsome, and preferably, downright gorgeous -- and not in that girl-next-door way -- more in the supermodel way. I also expect technology and convenience. This is what disappoints me most about the "super premium" cars like the Aston DB9. I went streaming Bluetooth from my phone and, generally, a systematic eradication of anything that I might find annoying while driving on a long trip. I want ergonomics that are thought at. Finally, I expect great craftsmanship and some gratuitous opulence as well. Today, while I absolutely love the DB9, the ergonomics and tech are a bit of a let down. I think the best all around embodiment of the GT is the new BMW M6. The current gen has improved by light years in the looks department. The interior detailing has also been kicked up a notch. Finally the latest version of iDrive with BMW Apps is actually good. It's also fast, comfortable, etc.
I feel like a convertible isn't a GT but I do refer to my Mondial as a gentlemens touring car. I think the coupe would be closer to a GT but it does not run low rpms on the highway so it's a bit busy to be a GT. I put about 12,000 highway miles on my Mondial last year going from FL to CA and then BC. It's comfortable but it's no 456 or 928. And the noise can wear you out after a while if your hearing doesn't start to go bad. I think in the coupe and with lower revs on the highway and a quieter exhaust it could be much closer.
I think I see a gt differently here. The tr and muira are definitely super cars but not gt cars. Sure they are kind of comfortable and every Ferrari is fast over long periods of time. A true gt care is a little bit softer. There was a void in the lineup between the 412 an the 456. I have always been a fan of the queen mother and the gtc4. The current times have brought a blurred line between the gt and the supercar because so many manufacturers have returned to a front engine vehicle. I definitely see the California and the ff as gt cars but the f12 as a supercar. Is the 599 a true gt car?- I think that designation went to the 612 in the lineup. It was bigger, softer and a little more comfortable. Do the mid engine v8's count? Not really because they are more of an edgy sports car. Though many cars have gt(b,s,c,4 or any combination of these) in the title, you have to look at the entire lineup and figure out what purpose did this car serve compared to its siblings. If it is or was the fastest in the lineup then it is not the gt car. The mondial and gt4 Dino are rare examples of mid engine gt and deserve respect for pulling that off - stop making fun of them - their owners don't make fun of your cars and they were hot when they were new. Just sayin.