5 of the Best Summer Road Trip Cars 2024
As we enter the summer months of 2024, Romans International would like to introduce you to our top 5 list of cars we believe would be perfect for your road trips this summer.
Ferrari 812 GTS
Whether your road trip involves cutting up the twisty roads of the Pyrenees or blasting down the autobahn at full chat, the Ferrari 812 GTS is a top pick from us here at Romans. The 812 GTS can either be a comfortable GT cruiser or at the flick of the Manettino can transform into a completely different animal. Fitted with a retractable hard top (RHT) which opens in 14 seconds, the 812 GTS ticks all the boxes for a summer road trip across continental Europe.
In addition to its overall versatility, the 812 is likely to be one of Ferrari’s last naturally aspirated front front-engine V12s they produce. It’s a true Italian, thoroughbred rocket ship that would blend into any European street scene with heritage that harks back to the 365 GTS4 ‘Daytona Spider’, the last ‘Spider’ Ferrari produced prior to the 812 GTS with a front mounted V12 engine. The ideal setting for the 812 GTS would be putting the top down, blasting ‘In the Air Tonight’ by Phil Collins navigating your way through the hills around Maranello where the Daytona Spider was developed some 52 years ago.
Ferrari being Ferrari, offered endless options to their customers for both the 812 Superfast and the 812 GTS. So even though the 812 GTS has ceased production, there’s a wide array of specifications available on the market for someone yearning for a versatile, elegant, high- performing piece of Italian craftsmanship for their summer road trip.
BMW M3 Touring
Over the 6 previous generations of the M3, BMW has introduced saloons, coupes and cabriolets, but never introduced an estate until the G80 M3 Touring came along. The M3 Touring enters our list as the most practical of our summer road trip cars with it's spacious interior comfortably accommodating five adults and being an estate car, there is a versatile cargo area for stowing luggage and all the other gear needed for your summer getaways.
Another important aspect when choosing the perfect car for your summer trips is the creature comforts and technology it comes with. The M3 Touring has an extensive suite of advanced technology, fitted with BMW’s 7.0 iDrive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Audio displayed on a crisp 12-inch screen. The Touring also comes with a full Harman Kardon sound system to keep you entertained on those long motorway stretches. This isn’t BMW’s first attempt into the realm of high-performance touring vehicles; the marque boasts a commendable legacy with estate cars. The 2009 M5 Touring fitted with a V10 engine that remains legendary car among enthusiasts and it’s great to see BMW channelling their renowned M Sport pedigree into their newer platforms.
Whether you are driving around continental Europe in the summer or braving the winter conditions, this all-rounder delivers reliable performance year-round. Overall, the BMW M3 G80 Touring blends practicality with performance, offering a perfect solution for those who crave family adventures without sacrificing everyday usability.
Bentley Continental GT / GTC
The Bentley Continental GT is a British icon in the world of luxury GT cars, with very few cars being able to compete with the prestigious nature of the Bentley's flagship vehiclel. It’s an amalgamation of luxury, performance, and elegance that will be appreciated for generations to come.
Underneath its elegant exterior, the Continental is hiding some pretty impressive performance but it's the way it delivers its power in such a smooth and sumptuous manner which is what often appeals so much. Customers initially had the option to choose between a 562bhp 4.0L V8 or a 6.0L W12 engine boasting a whopping 626bhp whilst there is an even more powerful 'Speed' version but the W12 engine has now ceased production.
The Continental is for an individual looking for a more refined, comfortable journey with an exceptionally crafted interior often described as a sanctuary where both the driver and passengers can relax on those long motorway journeys. Unlike the 812 GTS, the Continental has 4 seats and also ample storage for luggage, so it may be more suitable if you plan on embarking on a family road trip. In summary, we couldn’t recommend the Continental GT enough for individuals in the market for an extremely comfortable, elegant, and effortlessly quick GT car to tackle some serious miles on the European continent.
Aston Martin DB12
Our penultimate summer road trip car is the latest entrant into Aston Martin's iconic 'DB' range and the DB12 has been marketed as the world’s first ‘Super tourer’; a car designed to cut through continents whilst maintaining a high level of driver engagement. Superseding the DB11, Aston Martin aimed to bridge the gap between a GT car and a supercar, which is a concoction that, in our minds, ticks all the boxes for your perfect summer road trip car.
Few manufacturers in the automotive space hold the same level of respect and notoriety as Aston Martin, and the DB12 is a true testament to this making a marked improvement on the outgoing DB11. The design language of the DB12 reflects on its ‘Super tourer' moniker, with has a mix of sharp supercar lines and slightly softer lines reflecting the touring nature of the car whilst optimised damping and body control transforms the driving experience with the reworked 4.0L V8 offering exhilarating acceleration. The totally revamped interior includes both a brand new in-house designed infotainment system as well as improved visibility thanks to a cleared out A-pillar to make for safer driving on your summer road trip.
So for those seeking the perfect blend of power, style and comfort, look no further than the Aston Martin DB12. Navigating through the picturesque landscapes and exotic cities around Europe, you couldn’t help but think that you’re a James Bond-esque character ready to take down the next bad guy.
Porsche 992 GT3 Touring
To round off this article, we’ve saved the best for last, the Porsche 992 GT3 Touring. Porsche GT products are famed for their lairy aero kits, decals, and bright colours, however the Touring version is for someone who wants to fly under the radar. Despite it's understated exterior the 992 GT3 Touring is every bit as dialled in as it’s winged sibling with the same high-revving 4.0L straight-six heart accompanied with a six-speed manual or the PDK gearbox.
It shares the same splitter, air intakes and nostrils cut out of the front bonnet of the car. Additionally, it shares the same double wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link set up at the rear. Despite clearly looking less track focused and not being able to generate quite as much downforce as the winged GT3, owners can adjust the toe, camber, and roll-bar stiffness for a full track configuration if they wish to do so.
Like any good road trip car, the GT3 Touring are often specified with an abundance of leather inside reflecting the ‘Touring’ name as well as aluminium inserts in place of black anodized window surrounds and exhausts. Though these changes are fairly minimal, it makes for a softer overall aesthetic. The Touring will allow you to creep around the streets of your chosen European city without attracting too much attention and rip up the twisties of the Dolomites if you wish to do so.
Top Image Credit: Supercar Driver