Is the progen PR4 real?
As an avid gamer and content creator focusing on the GTA franchise, one of the most common questions I see is "Is the Progen PR4 real?". The unequivocal answer is no, the PR4 is not a real car. It is a fictional open wheel racer added to GTA Online in the 2019 Diamond Casino Heist update.
The PR4 Captures the Spirit of Formula 1
So while literally not real, the Progen PR4 embodies the soul of actual F1 with its scintillating speed, grip, and aerodynamics modeled on pinnacle racing technology. According to analysis on GTAMag.com, it can reach a staggering speeds up to 162.5 km/h! As a passionate racing enthusiast, taking the PR4 around winding tracks truly gives me an adrenaline rush reminiscent of real Formula 1.
| Specification | PR4 Stats |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 162.5 km/h (100.97 mph) |
| Engine Layout | Mid-rear mounted V10 |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
Rockstar Games has always pushed boundaries in replicating the look, feel, and emotions of driving exotic vehicles. So while not literally rolling out of the McLaren factory, attention to detail on aerodynamics and sound gives an uncanny emulation of sitting in a real Formula 1 beast!
Visual Design Harkens to Racing History
Visually, the PR4 draws clear inspiration from 1990s F1 icons like the 1991 McLaren MP4/6 piloted to glory by Senna and Berger. Design cues adapted straight from the MP4/6 into the PR4 include:
- The rounded nose and slope into the air intake
- Narrow rear endplates flanking a high plane rear wing
- Sponsors placement on sidepod and minimalist livery allowing clean airflow
It speaks to Rockstar‘s eye for detail that such historical touches are adapted into this modern video game experience. As someone passionate about automotive design and history, I appreciate how the PR4 simultaneously pushes futuristic boundaries yet pays homage to legends of circuits past in its style.
How The PR4 Stacks Up In-Game
The Progen PR4 is certainly one of the podium contenders when it comes to Open Wheel class performance in GTA Online. Up against heavy hitters like the Benefactor BR8 and Annis S80RR, the PR4 can hold its own with a flawless RWD drivetrain and peerless traction when taking turns.
That said, my personal testing suggests the BR8 edges out ever-so-slightly with a faster top speed of 122.75 mph (197.55 km/h). Nonetheless, the PR4 remains firmly in the upper echelon for competitive racing in GTA Online. Further head-to-head comparisons:
| PR4 | BR8 | S80RR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | 100.97 mph | 122.75 mph | 118.75 mph |
| Acceleration | High | Lower | High |
| Cost | $3,515,000 | $3,400,000 | $2,575,000 |
Based on my testing across over 20 different tracks, the PR4 gets the edge for rapid acceleration and gluing itself to circuits with sheer cornering traction. For those reasons, it just nudges out the S80RR as my personal recommendation for tackling twistier races in GTA Online!
In closing, through a legacy design honoring Formula 1 history, and performance benchmarked against the fastest ever open-wheel racers, I‘d say the Progen PR4 echoes the great racing machines it‘s modeled after. It may not actually have rolled onto the grounds of Monza or Spa, but this video game adaptation pays homage by capturing that same spirit drivers live for when donning the helmet to pilot the world‘s fastest cars!
