Some time ago, while watching the launch of the Denza Z9GT, a colleague asked me why the Z9GT was a hatchback. Aren't all GTs supposed to be three-box cars? I asked him why he thought so, and he explained that his old Yinglang had a GT that represented a three-box design and an XT that represented a two-box design. Later, I checked and found that Yinglang used this labeling.
However, it's clear that the idea of GT meaning a three-box design isn't accurate. So, what does "GT" actually mean?
In fact, in today's automotive world, "GT" no longer has a strict definition; otherwise, no car would dare put "GT" on the rear. The term "GT" first appeared on the 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Turismo. So, GT is short for "Gran Turismo."
Initially, the definition of GT was very clear: it referred to a car that was between a sports car and a luxury car. It should be as fast and well-handling as a sports car, but also offer the same level of comfort as a luxury car. It was meant to be the perfect car.
As the concept of GT spread, many car manufacturers adopted it, such as the famous Lancia Aurelia B20 GT.
However, as more and more manufacturers followed suit, the definition of GT gradually evolved, and even pickup trucks began to offer GT versions.
So, if you ask me what the true meaning of GT is, I can only interpret it based on its original definition: "high-performance luxury car." Although this definition may not apply to all GT versions of cars, I still believe this is what GT should mean. Do you agree?