Look, let’s be honest. If you aren't driving one of the all HSW upgradable cars in Los Santos right now, you’re basically standing still. I've spent an unhealthy amount of time at the LS Car Meet, and it’s clear that Hao’s Special Works has completely broken the power scaling of GTA Online. It's not just about "going fast" anymore. It's about that terrifying moment when your car hits a bump at 170 mph and you realize you've lost control of your life.
Rockstar keeps adding these things, and the list is getting kind of ridiculous. We just got the Safehouse in the Hills update (yeah, the mansion one), and it brought some serious heat. If you're on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or the "Enhanced" PC version, you have access to a level of performance that makes the old Zentorno look like a lawnmower.
🔗 Read more: Wait, Is Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game Actually Happening? Here Is The Real Situation
The Heavy Hitters: Fastest HSW Cars in 2026
So, what is actually the fastest?
The Bravado Banshee GTS currently sits on the throne. Honestly, it’s a monster. We’re talking about a top speed of 172.5 mph. It’s based on the Dodge Viper GTS, and it drives exactly like you’d expect: it wants to kill you. You floor it, the back end wiggles, and suddenly you’re in a different zip code.
Coming in right behind is the Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT. This thing hits 168 mph. What makes the Stinger special—and why I usually prefer it over the Banshee—is the utility. You can put Imani Tech on it. Having a car that fast that also has a Missile Lock-On Jammer and enough armor to tank a few RPGs? That’s basically the "get out of jail free" card for public lobbies.
Then we have the new kid on the block, the Vapid FMJ MK V. It was added in the 1.72 update. It clocks in around 155.75 mph, which sounds slower, but the handling is lightyears ahead of the Banshee. It doesn't skip across the pavement like a flat stone on a lake.
The Full List of HSW Compatible Vehicles
Keeping track of every single car that Hao can touch is a nightmare. I’ve gone through the menus, checked the sites, and here is the breakdown of what's currently eligible for that purple HSW badge.
📖 Related: Is Skate on Xbox? Why Getting Back on the Board is Complicated
The Super Class Elites
The Pegassi Weaponized Ignus is still a fan favorite because of that roof-mounted turret. It hits 146.25 mph. Then you have the Coil Cyclone II, which is electric. The acceleration is so violent it genuinely feels like a glitch. The Överflöd Entity MT and the Principe Deveste Eight also stay relevant, though the Deveste is starting to feel its age in the corners.
The Sports and Muscle Powerhouses
This is where most people spend their money.
- Bravado Banshee GTS (The speed king)
- Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT (The all-rounder)
- Karin S95 (The one you get for free if you migrated your character)
- Übermacht Niobe (Incredible handling, very BMW i8-esque)
- Declasse Vigero ZX and the ZX Convertible (Muscle kings hitting 158 mph)
- Annis Euros X32
- Vapid Firebolt ASP
The "Wait, That's HSW?" Category
You’ve got some weird ones in here. The Maibatsu MonstroCiti is an off-roader that can hit 135.75 mph. It’s a literal brick on wheels. The Karin Vivanite is a minivan. Yes, a minivan that can outrun a Ferrari. Also, don't sleep on the Grotti Turismo Classic or the Übermacht Sentinel XS. These older cars get a complete second life once Hao gets his hands on them.
Why HSW Upgrades Are a Money Pit (But Worth It)
Let’s talk about the cost. It is painful.
Buying the car is only step one. The HSW conversion usually costs between $800,000 and $1.5 million on its own. And that’s before you even buy the Stage 3 Engine, the HSW Brakes, or the Transmission. By the time you’re done, you’ve easily sunk $4 million into a single car.
Is it worth it?
If you do the HSW Time Trials, yes. These trials pay out $250,000 for a three-minute drive. You do that every week, and the car eventually pays for itself. Plus, if you’re trying to win races in the HSW class, you literally cannot compete without these upgrades. You’ll be left in the dust before you even hit second gear.
The "Safehouse in the Hills" Additions
The most recent update changed the meta again. The Pfister Astrale is the one everyone is talking about. It’s a Sports Classic, basically a reimagined Porsche 928. Without HSW, it’s a respectable 126 mph. With the HSW kit? 148.5 mph.
It’s a "looker," as the car meets guys say. The interior is actually high-res for once. But more importantly, it handles bumps better than the Tampa GT, which was the previous HSW powerhouse that had a nasty habit of spinning out if it hit a pebble.
Real Talk: Handling vs. Top Speed
I see so many players buy the Bravado Banshee GTS because they saw the 172 mph stat on a YouTube thumbnail.
Don't be that guy.
Top speed only matters on the Great Ocean Highway. If you’re driving through Vinewood or Downtown, you want the Übermacht Niobe. It’s glued to the road. The Niobe whispers to you. It tells you everything is going to be okay as you weave through traffic at 130 mph. The Banshee, on the other hand, screams at you and then throws you into a pole.
How to Get Started with HSW
If you’re new to this or just finally upgraded to a next-gen console, here’s how you actually get these cars:
- The Call: Wait for a phone call from Hao. He’ll invite you to his workshop in Cypress Flats.
- The Trial: You have to beat his time in a modified Grotti Turismo Classic. It’s not hard, but the traffic can be a jerk.
- The Shop: Once you beat the time, you unlock the HSW area inside the LS Car Meet.
- The Freebie: If you’re a returning player, check Southern San Andreas Super Autos. The Karin S95 should be free. Upgrade that one first.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Garage
Don't just buy every car on the list. You’ll go broke.
If you want the best possible HSW experience right now, start with the Itali GTO Stinger TT. It’s the most "useful" car because of the Imani Tech compatibility. Once you have that, look into the Banshee GTS for raw speed, or the MonstroCiti if you want to humiliate people in off-road races.
Keep an eye on the weekly updates. Rockstar often puts the HSW conversion costs on a 30% discount. That’s the time to strike. You save nearly half a million dollars per car. Honestly, in the 2026 economy of Los Santos, every dollar counts, especially with those mansion utility bills hitting your bank account every 48 minutes.
Go to the LS Car Meet, check the "Test Ride" vehicles, and see how they feel. Most weeks, at least one of the test cars is an HSW-spec vehicle. Drive it before you buy it.
Your bank account will thank you.