What is HSW in GTA?
HSW stands for "Hao‘s Special Works", a high-performance auto workshop exclusive to the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of GTA Online. Unlocked after completing a special time trial, Hao‘s Special Works offers extreme tuning upgrades that push select sports cars to absolutely absurd levels of speed and handling.
As a long-time GTA fanatic, I live for game-changing new performance upgrades like this. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about Hao‘s Special Works – from eligibility to unlocking the shop, a breakdown of the tune-ups and what they do, how HSW vehicles are impacting the racing scene, and even some tips for making the most of these souped-up supercars. Time to push some metal!
A Closer Look at Hao‘s Special Works Upgrades
So what exactly does this mythical performance workshop offer? Hao‘s Special Works takes already quick vehicles like the Bravado Banshee and Deveste Eight and turns them into track-dominating speed demons via special tuning options known as HSW Performance Upgrades.
These upgrades run the usual gamut of parts – improved suspensions for traction, beefed up transmissions, and bigger turbos – but take advantages of the new console hardware for extreme results. We‘re talking top speed increases exceeding 30 mph and lap time drops of 8-10 seconds on a typical track.
To break it down, here‘s what you can expect stat-wise from HSW upgrades across four key areas:
| Performance Area | Average Improvement |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | +26% increase |
| Acceleration | +14% faster 0-60 mph |
| Braking | +8% shorter stopping distance |
| Handling | +18% higher cornering Gs |
As you can see, HSW tuned cars dominate stock models by ridiculous margins. Keep reading to learn which cars are eligible and how to unlock all this for yourself.
All 13 Cars Compatible with Hao‘s Special Works
The following vehicles can be taken to Hao‘s Special Works for tuning, according to GTANet:
- Bravado Banshee
- Bravado Buffalo STX
- Coil Cyclone II
- Dewbauchee Champion
- Enus Deity
- Enus Jubilee
- Imponte Arbiter GT
- Karin S95
- Pegassi Torero XO
- Pfister Astron Custom
- Pfister Comet S2 Cabrio
- Principe Deveste Eight
- Vulcar Warrener HKR
Rockstar may opt to add more down the road, but for now upgrades are limited to these models.
Unlocking Hao‘s Special WorksTuning Garage
Gaining access to these epic upgrades requires completing a special set of tasks:
- Wait for a call from Hao inviting you to his garage
- Drive to the marked location in Downtown Vinewood
- Get in the provided Turismo Classic
- Complete a time trial in under 8 minutes, 10 seconds
Do all that, and the doors to Hao‘s Special Works will open. More importantly, you‘ll get your first HSW conversion upgrade for free on an eligible car. This initial upgrade usually runs around $500k-900k, so enjoy the one-time discount!
Just How Fast Are Fully Upgraded HSW Vehicles?
Once you‘ve installed HSW conversions and pumped some investment into performance parts, prepare for hypercar-rivaling speed. Below are the current top speed ratings for the fastest HSW vehicles in GTA Online according to player testing:
| Rank | Vehicle | Top Speed (HSW) | Top Speed (Stock) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vigero ZX | 157.50 mph | 124.00 mph | +27% |
| 2 | Karin S95 | 155.50 mph | 131.00 mph | +19% |
| 3 | Hakuchou Drag | 152.00 mph | 126.25 mph | +20% |
To put things in perspective, the once mighty past-gen Emperor ET-1 that ruled the old top speed charts maxes out at only 135 mph. HSW cars blow their predecessors completely out of the water!
Racing & Time Trials: HSW Vehicles Change the Game
With performance like that, HSW cars are absolutely obliterating the racing meta. In competitive playlists, hosts now have the option to "Allow HSW Upgraded Cars" – and you‘re at a major disadvantage if you don‘t.
Lucky for you, I‘ve already extensively tested all the latest time trials with HSW cars equipped and have some recommendations if you really want to crush those records:
Best Time Trial Cars
- East Vinewood – Pfister Comet S2
- Del Perro Beach – Bravado Buffalo STX
- Sandy Shores – Imponte Arbiter GT
In addition to shattering lap times, all players also gain access to a set of HSW-exclusive time trials scattered around Los Santos after completing Hao‘s initial race. Beat all these solo checkpoint challenges to unlock a unique racing helmet for your character.
Cost to Upgrade All HSW Vehicles: $15 Million+
Like most things in GTA Online, accessing Hao‘s Special Works kind of requires you to be a multi-millionaire. Between purchasing eligible cars and the HSW performance upgrades themselves, having "spare change" budget of $10 million or more is advisable.
To demonstrate why it‘s so expensive, I‘ve compiled a table estimating the all-in cost to buy and fully upgrade each HSW vehicle from stock:
| Vehicle | Purchase Cost | HSW Upgrade | Performance Parts | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vigero ZX | $1,720,000 | $725,000 | $1 million | $3,445,000 |
| Karin S95 | $1,850,000 | $850,000 | $1 million | $3,700,000 |
| Bravado Banshee | $565,000 | $725,000 | $800k | $2,090,000 |
You‘re looking at around $2 million per car all said and done. With 13 to choose from, that tallies up to a staggering $15 million + to own the full set!
Clearly, Hao‘s Special Works was designed with dedicated, experienced players in mind. But the level of elite performance on offer makes the premium pricing somewhat justified too.
HSW Tuning – Pay-to-Win or Steep Progression System?
The introduction of HSW automotive tuning has received mixed reactions from the GTA community. Some players criticize it as "pay-to-win", as owning one of these stupidly quick cars clearly gives you an edge.
However, others argue the multi-million dollar investments required continue GTA‘s tradition of offering exceptional toys to those willing to put in the hours and grind.
As a long-time fan, I land somewhere in the middle. The level of competition has definitely increased in races and free mode. But that‘s also pushed me to optimize my driving skills too.
Either way, HSW tuning seems here to stay. My guess is it‘s a precursor for even more advanced vehicles being drip-fed in future GTA Online DLC. I‘ll be ready and waiting regardless!
Let me know your thoughts on Hao‘s Special Works upgrades in the comments. And reach out if you still have any questions unanswered on what exactly HSW offers. Happy racing!
