You’re tearing down Great Ocean Highway. The sun is setting over the Pacific. Suddenly, a level 400 player in a multi-million dollar Krieger flies past you, but you aren't worried. Why? Because you’re behind the wheel of a classic. The GTA 5 Online Turismo R is one of those rare cars that refuses to die. It’s been in the game since the Business Update way back in 2014, and honestly, it still holds its own. Most players nowadays are obsessed with the HSW upgrades and the newest Imani Tech vehicles, but there is a specific kind of magic in the Grotti Turismo R that the newer, more expensive supercars just can't replicate.
It's dirt cheap. Well, relatively speaking.
When you look at the current inflation in Los Santos, where a basic hatchback can cost you a million bucks, the Turismo R is a total steal at $500,000. If you’ve got the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack, it’s actually free. Free! That is wild considering this thing used to be the king of the mountain. It’s based primarily on the Ferrari LaFerrari, with a little bit of the McLaren P1 and GTA Spano thrown into the mix for good measure. You can feel that DNA when you take a sharp corner at high speeds.
What Actually Makes the GTA 5 Online Turismo Special?
People always ask if it's still "meta." The short answer? No. If you're looking to break world records on a stunt track, you're going to want something like the Emerus or the Ignus. But "meta" is boring. The GTA 5 Online Turismo R has a personality. It sits incredibly low to the ground. In fact, it sits so low that you can actually use the front end as a ramp. I’m serious. If you hit a standard curb at the wrong angle, you might just go airborne, but if you’re chasing someone, you can sometimes slide right under their bumper and flip them.
The acceleration is punchy. It’s an electric-hybrid in the game’s lore, which means you get that instant torque. You hear that high-pitched whine mixed with the traditional engine roar? That’s the sound of a car that was designed to win races before the game got bloated with flying bikes and orbital cannons.
Handling is where things get interesting. The Turismo R is "sticky." That’s the best way to describe it. It hugs the asphalt. However, it’s got a bit of a weight issue in the back. If you’re not careful with the brakes while entering a turn, the back end will try to overtake the front. It’s a car that rewards a driver who knows how to feather the throttle rather than just slamming it down.
Performance Reality Check
Let's talk cold hard numbers, or at least how they feel in-game. The top speed sits around 121 mph. By today's standards, that's "okay." It's not going to win a drag race against a Pariah, but in a city circuit? In the tight, 90-degree turns of downtown Los Santos? The GTA 5 Online Turismo R can still embarrass people.
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 is almost instantaneous thanks to the hybrid motor.
- Braking: It stops on a dime. This is vital when a random NPC decides to swerve into your lane for no reason.
- Customization: It's decent. You’ve got the splitters, the spoilers, and some nice exhaust options. It doesn't have the 50+ liveries of the newer cars, but it doesn't need them. The lines of the car are the star of the show.
Comparing the Turismo R to the New School
If you look at the Turismo Omaggio—the newer sibling—it’s objectively "better." It’s faster, it’s tougher, and it has more tech. But it also costs nearly $3 million. For a new player or someone who just appreciates the history of the game, the original GTA 5 Online Turismo R represents a time when the game was more about the driving and less about the gadgets.
I remember when seeing a Turismo R meant the person driving it was a "high roller." Now, it's often seen as a "noob car" because it’s free for so many people. That is a massive misconception. A skilled driver in a Turismo R will beat a bad driver in a T20 any day of the week. The car is incredibly predictable. It doesn't have the weird physics bounces that some of the newer Epsilon-scripted cars have.
The Durability Problem
There is one major downside we have to be honest about. The Turismo R is a glass cannon. Because it sits so low and the bodywork is so intricate, it takes damage like a wet paper towel. A few head-on collisions and your front wheels will start to lock up. The engine cover in the back is also prone to flying off after a decent tumble. If you're planning on using this for a high-stakes heist getaway where the cops are ramming you, maybe pick something with a bit more heft. This is a precision instrument, not a tank.
Why You Should Still Own One in 2026
Honestly, it’s about the soul of the car. In a game that is increasingly dominated by futuristic nonsense, the GTA 5 Online Turismo R feels grounded. It’s a reminder of what the "Grand Theft" in Grand Theft Auto actually means. It’s about the car culture.
The car also features a unique "low-profile" hit box. This is a technical detail most people miss. Because the car is so flat, players trying to auto-aim you from the sidewalk often have a harder time hitting your character’s head compared to when you're sitting in a bulky SUV like the Baller. It’s a small advantage, but in a chaotic public lobby, every little bit helps.
Customization Tips for the Street
Don't overdo it. The Turismo R looks best in primary colors that pop—think Formula Red or a crisp Racing Yellow.
- Spoilers: Adding a spoiler actually increases the "traction" stat in the game's code. It’s not just cosmetic. Use the High Level Spoiler for the best grip.
- Suspension: Be careful. Lowering the suspension makes it look mean, but remember what I said about the curbs? If you drop it to the "Competition" level, you will struggle to drive over a candy bar wrapper without bottoming out.
- Wheels: Stick with the High End or Cheetah Carbon R wheels. They match the aesthetic of the Ferrari-inspired body perfectly.
The Verdict on the Streets
The GTA 5 Online Turismo R isn't just a car; it's a rite of passage. It represents the bridge between the old-school GTA Online and the modern era. It’s affordable, it’s beautiful, and it’s still fast enough to be dangerous. While everyone else is grinding for the next $4 million supercar that looks like a vacuum cleaner, you can be out there carving up the Vinewood Hills in a masterpiece of digital automotive design.
It handles like a dream if you treat it with respect. It punishes you if you’re reckless. It’s a driver’s car.
Actionable Next Steps for Players
If you want to maximize your experience with the Turismo R, follow this specific progression. First, check your Dynasty 8 Executive office or the Great Chaparral Clubhouse—if you have the Criminal Enterprise pack, claim the car for $0 from Legendary Motorsport immediately.
Once you have it, don't just dump all your money into the engine. Prioritize the Transmission and Turbo Tuning first. This car lives and dies by its acceleration. After that, take it to the track. Specifically, run a few laps on "Crossing Paths" or "Downtown Underground." These tracks have the kind of sharp turns that allow the Turismo R's high-traction stats to shine.
👉 See also: Why Ground Types Get Wrecked: What Ground Types Are Weak To and How to Survive
Avoid the off-road sections at all costs. This car is allergic to dirt. If you even think about taking it up Mount Chiliad, you're going to have a bad time. Keep it on the asphalt, keep the revs high, and use that low front end to slide through traffic. You'll find that even years after its release, this Grotti is still one of the most rewarding drives in all of Los Santos.