Welcome to the ultimate living FAQ for Hao Special Works in GTA Online. This guide is updated for the latest patch and covers everything you need to know about the fastest cars in the game. I have spent hundreds of hours in the Los Santos Car Meet testing these builds so you do not have to. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first conversion or a pro looking for the perfect race setup we have you covered.
Beginner Questions
How do I unlock Hao Special Works?
To unlock Haos shop you first need to visit the Los Santos Car Meet in Cypress Flats. Shortly after your first visit Hao will call you to participate in a special time trial. Complete this trial under the target time and you will gain access to his workshop and even get a free HSW conversion for the Karin S95 if you are lucky. It is a great way to jumpstart your career in the fast lane.
What consoles support HSW?
Currently HSW is only available on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. It is part of the Expanded and Enhanced version of the game. If you are on PC PS4 or Xbox One you unfortunately cannot access these specific upgrades yet. I know it is a bit of a bummer but the hardware requirements for these speeds are quite high. You have got this though just keep an eye out for future updates.
Builds and Classes
What is the best HSW car for racing?
For most tracks the Shitzu Hakuchou Drag is the most dominant vehicle due to its insane acceleration and handling. However if you prefer four wheels the Weaponized Ignus or the Cyclone II are top tier choices. I personally love the Ignus because it handles like a dream even at 150 mph. Try experimenting with different tires to see what fits your driving style best.
Are HSW cars allowed in standard races?
Yes but only in races where HSW is enabled by the host. Most standard Rockstar created races for the next gen version have a toggle for HSW. If it is on be prepared for a much faster pace than you are used to. It really changes the dynamic of every turn and jump in the game.
Myth vs Reality
Myth: HSW cars are the only ones that matter now.
Reality: While HSW cars are faster in top speed many standard cars like the Krieger or Emerus still hold their own on tight technical tracks where handling is more important than raw speed. Do not sell your old fleet just yet.
Myth: Every car in GTA will eventually get an HSW upgrade.
Reality: Rockstar handpicks specific vehicles for HSW based on their popularity or potential for performance. While new cars are added they usually focus on newer DLC releases or iconic classics.
Myth: HSW upgrades are just more expensive engine tunes.
Reality: HSW conversions actually change the physics and top speed caps of the vehicle allowing them to break the standard game speed limits which usually hover around 120-130 mph.
Myth: You need to be a high rank to use HSW.
Reality: You just need to have access to the Los Santos Car Meet and enough cash for the conversion and upgrades. There is no specific level gate for Haos services.
Myth: HSW is coming to PC next month.
Reality: There has been no official confirmation from Rockstar regarding a PC release for HSW despite many rumors. Always check official Newswire posts for the real story.
GTA HSW cars, Hao Special Works list, GTA 5 E and E upgrades, fastest cars GTA Online PS5, Los Santos Car Meet HSW, Karin S95 HSW, Principe Deveste Eight HSW, GTA Online performance tuningIf you are looking to dominate the streets of Los Santos with the absolute fastest rides available in the current console generation then you need to know what cars have HSW in GTA. Haos Special Works also known as HSW is an exclusive performance tuning shop found only in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S versions of GTA Online. This shop allows players to upgrade select vehicles with top tier performance parts that far exceed standard engine and turbo modifications. In this guide we explore the complete list of compatible vehicles ranging from the lightning fast Coil Cyclone II to the iconic Karin S95 and the heavyweight Weaponized Ignus. We discuss why these upgrades are essential for competitive racing and how you can unlock Haos services at the Los Santos Car Meet to transform your garage into a high speed powerhouse. Stay ahead of the competition with our expert analysis of the best HSW cars and their performance capabilities in the latest version of the game.
- What are the fastest HSW cars in GTA Online? - The Principe Deveste Eight and Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT currently lead the pack with top speeds exceeding 160 mph. For bikes the Shitzu Hakuchou Drag is the undisputed king of acceleration and speed making it a must have for any competitive player.
- Do I need a membership to access HSW? - Yes you must own a Los Santos Car Meet membership which costs 50000 GTA dollars. Once you have this and have completed Haos initial time trial you can access the HSW workshop located within the meet to upgrade your compatible vehicles.
- Can I use HSW cars in Heist setups? - Yes HSW vehicles can be used in most Heist setups and contact missions. Their increased speed and acceleration can significantly reduce travel time between objectives making your grind for cash much more efficient although some specific missions may restrict vehicle choices.
- Are HSW upgrades permanent for my vehicle? - Once you pay for the HSW conversion it is permanent for that specific car. You can still customize other parts of the vehicle but the HSW core remains. If you sell the car you will lose the investment so choose your vehicles wisely.
- Which HSW car is best for beginners? - The Karin S95 is the best entry point for HSW upgrades. It is frequently free for returning players and offers a very forgiving handling model. It allows new players to get used to the extreme speeds of next gen GTA without crashing constantly.
- Is the HSW upgrade better than the Benny's upgrade? - They serve different purposes. Bennys is focused on hydraulics interior detail and lowrider aesthetics while HSW is purely focused on extreme performance and top speed. If you want to win races HSW is the clear choice over Bennys modifications.
- How often does the HSW time trial reset? - The HSW Time Trial resets every Thursday as part of the GTA Online weekly update. Completing the weekly trial is a great way to earn over 250000 GTA dollars in just a few minutes of driving providing a massive return on investment.
Hey there fellow gearhead. If you have been cruising the sun drenched streets of Los Santos lately on a next gen console you have probably noticed some cars absolutely flying past you like they are powered by rocket fuel. No it is not a mod and no it is not a glitch. You are likely seeing the power of Haos Special Works or HSW. I remember the first time I took the Karin S95 for a spin after Hao got his hands on it. The sheer torque nearly sent me into a palm tree on Del Perro Beach. In this guide we are going to break down exactly what cars have HSW in GTA and why you need to get your hands on them if you want to stay relevant in the high stakes world of GTA Online.
The 5W1H of HSW Upgrades in GTA
Before we dive into the garage lets look at the quick facts you need to know right now.
- Who: Hao is the legendary underground mechanic who runs Haos Special Works.
- What: HSW provides exclusive performance conversions and aesthetic mods for a select group of vehicles.
- Where: You can find Hao located inside the Los Santos Car Meet LSCM in Cypress Flats.
- When: These features are available exclusively on the Expanded and Enhanced editions for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- Why: HSW cars can reach top speeds exceeding 150 mph leaving standard supercars in the dust.
- How: Join the LSCM take Haos introductory time trial and bring a compatible car to his mod shop.
The Masterminds: A Biography of Rockstar Games
To understand why GTA continues to evolve with features like HSW we have to look at the architects behind the chaos. Rockstar Games founded by Sam and Dan Houser has always been about pushing boundaries. Since the early days of the DMA Design era the Housers envisioned a living breathing world. Their commitment to detail and satirical take on American culture have made the Grand Theft Auto series a cultural juggernaut. While Dan Houser has moved on to other ventures the foundation he helped build alongside Sam and key creatives like Leslie Benzies ensures that GTA remains the gold standard for open world gaming. The introduction of HSW is just another example of how Rockstar caters to the evolving power of hardware giving players more speed and more detail than ever before.
A Brief History of the GTA Series and GTA Online
From the top down chaos of the original GTA to the cinematic masterpiece that is GTA 5 the franchise has always been about the cars. When GTA Online launched in 2013 it changed everything. It was no longer just about a single player story it was about building a criminal empire. Over the years we have seen the introduction of Heists the Diamond Casino and now the Enhanced and Expanded edition. This latest iteration brought us Hao Special Works specifically to utilize the SSD and processing power of new consoles allowing for faster streaming of assets while driving at breakneck speeds.
The Ultimate HSW Vehicle Deep Dive
Now lets talk about the cars. Not every ride in Los Santos is worthy of Haos touch. Here are the heavy hitters that currently support HSW upgrades.
The Supercar Elite
- Coil Cyclone II: This electric beast has acceleration that will literally make your head spin. It is arguably the best getaway car in the game.
- Principe Deveste Eight: Already a monster on the highway the HSW version turns this into a legitimate land rocket.
- Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT: A beautiful classic silhouette with modern power that challenges even the fastest HSW bikes.
- Pegassi Weaponized Ignus: Perfect for those who want speed and defense. The added turret makes it a formidable choice for freemode.
Muscle and Sport Powerhouses
- Karin S95: This is the poster child for HSW. It is nimble fast and looks incredible with the exclusive HSW liveries.
- Bravado Banshee: An OG classic that finally gets the respect it deserves with a massive performance leap.
- Declasse Vigero ZX: If you love American muscle this Camaro inspired beast is the king of the straight line.
The Two Wheeled King
- Shitzu Hakuchou Drag: If you prefer bikes this is the only one you need. With HSW upgrades it is the fastest vehicle for time trials in the entire game.
Why GTA Still Dominates the Charts
You might wonder why we are still talking about a game that came out a decade ago. It is because Rockstar treats GTA Online like a living service. The cultural impact is undeniable from the music to the fashion. Features like HSW keep the community engaged by providing new goals for long term players. It is not just about the game anymore it is about the community the car meets and the shared experience of living in Los Santos.
How to Play and Access HSW in 2024
Getting started is easy if you have the right gear. First you must be on a current gen console. After completing the intro mission for Hao at the Los Santos Car Meet you will receive a free HSW conversion for a specific car if you are a returning player. For others you just need to bring a compatible car to the LSCM and select the HSW Conversion option. Be warned these upgrades are expensive often costing over a million dollars but the performance gain is worth every GTA dollar.
People Also Ask
Is GTA 6 released yet?
No GTA 6 is currently in development with a confirmed release window of Fall 2025 as announced by Rockstar Games.
Can I get HSW on PC?
As of right now HSW is exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. There has been no official word on when or if it will come to the PC version.
Which HSW car has the highest top speed?
The Principe Deveste Eight and the Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT are currently the leaders for top speed reaching over 160 mph when fully upgraded.
How much does an HSW conversion cost?
The conversion fee varies by vehicle but generally ranges between 250000 and 1400000 GTA dollars.
Conclusion
Understanding what cars have HSW in GTA is the first step to becoming a legend on the streets of Los Santos. Whether you are hitting the drag strip or escaping a five star wanted level these upgrades provide a level of performance that has to be felt to be believed. Hao has truly changed the game for console players. So go grab that Karin S95 or Deveste Eight head down to the Car Meet and let Hao work his magic. You will never look at a standard supercar the same way again. See you on the track. Primary: GTA HSW Cars | LSI: GTA Online, Hao's Special Works, Los Santos Car Meet, GTA gameplay, Rockstar Games GTA.
Hao Special Works HSW is exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles offering unmatched speed and acceleration. The conversion process requires a visit to the Los Santos Car Meet and a specific conversion fee for each compatible vehicle. Top speed champions like the Principe Deveste Eight and Hakuchou Drag dominate the HSW category. New vehicles are frequently added to the HSW roster through weekly updates and DLC expansions like the Mercenaries and Chop Shop updates. HSW upgrades include engine tuning suspension transmission and unique liveries that are not available elsewhere in Los Santos.