Elite Traveler July-August 2018

2018 marks the marquee car’s 10th continuous year (consider car years like dog years), an impressive feat for any model cycle

Maserati GranTurismo BEST GRAND TOURER It should come as no surprise that the top grand tourer hails from the company that claims to have invented it. Maserati premiered its A6 1500 in 1947 on the floor of the Geneva Salon. There, the Modena, Italy–based brand made a clear distinction between quotidian cars and racing vehicles with its prototype. Through the celebrated decades of the Ghibli (which debuted its SS Coupé in 1967) and into the GranTurismo years, the very notion of an automobile purpose-built for luxurious distance driving while also incorporating performance handling felt revolutionary. Maserati lauds the idea that its 2018 GranTurismo is neither impressively fast (0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds) nor preposterously powerful. It is, however, freshly redesigned with a deep-cut oval front grille that eagerly inhales and a side profile that pays homage to the historic Tipo 60/62 “Birdcage” race car. Sumptuous in its interior, the GranTurismo is a pleasure rather than a puzzle behind the wheel.

Price from $134,300 Engine 4.7-liter V8 Power 454 hp

Porsche 911 GT3 BEST MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Although Porsche is known for creating interesting options with occasionally quizzical pricing, the 911 GT3 no-cost additional Touring Package swaps out the conspicuous fixed wing for a decidedly diminutive rear spoiler akin to 911 Carrera models

Step aside paddle shifters. Yes, that's right, a manual gearbox and clutch pedal is in production in the form of the 2018 911 GT3. A legacy, the 911 GT3 found its way into Porsche’s lineup 19 years ago, less 145 horsepower and minus nearly a half cylinder. The naturally aspirated engine remains horizontally opposed over the center-lock back wheels, and the six-speed manual transmission zeros in on nostalgic memories of learning to drive a manual car. Immensely practical and downright fun, its short shift-throws allow the car to playfully enter and exit corners in a way oft reserved for floor clutches. With two seats and a duo of long gears in both first and second, the 911 GT3 may not have much competition when it comes to manual transmissions, but the thoughtfulness behind the design and the Stuttgart-helmed status quo excellence behind the engineering have created a winning engine/ transmission combination. The power to weight ratio (6.4 pounds per horsepower), it’s worth noting, is near motorsport levels. May the clutch popping begin.

Price from $143,600 Engine 4.0-liter V6 Power 500 hp