Over a decade after release and still going strong, GTA 5 keeps adding faster cars with every update Rockstar drops — and in 2026, the speed rankings look completely different from where they stood even two years ago. If you’re playing right now and want to know what’s fastest, what’s worth buying, and how to actually go faster in Los Santos, this is the complete, current guide.
If you’re also looking to optimize your GTA gaming setup or compare how GTA Online stacks up on PC vs console, our guide on PC vs console gaming performance is worth checking before you invest in any serious upgrades.
The #1 Fastest Car in GTA 5 Online Right Now
The Bravado Banshee GTS is the fastest car in GTA Online as of April 2026, with a tested top speed of 138 mph (222 km/h) fully upgraded and an extraordinary 172.5 mph (277.6 km/h) when equipped with HSW upgrades exclusive to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
The Banshee GTS dethrones both the Weevil Custom (137.5 mph) and the Ocelot Pariah (136 mph) as the fastest car in GTA Online. It’s mainly inspired by a real-life Dodge Viper GTS (VX) and can be purchased on Legendary Motorsport for $1,989,500.
It was added in the Agents of Sabotage update (December 2024, update 1.70) and has held the top spot since. Unlike the previous fastest car record holder, the Banshee GTS does not need to be modified or customized to claim the top speed record it comes ready to go and can be stored in any garage or property.
Key stats at a glance:
- Base top speed: 138 mph (222 km/h)
- HSW top speed: 172.5 mph (277.6 km/h)
- Price: $1,989,500 (Legendary Motorsport)
- HSW upgrade cost: +$950,000 (PS5/Xbox Series X/S/PC only)
- Real-life inspiration: Dodge Viper GTS (VX)
- GTA+ members can obtain it for free
Top 10 Fastest Cars in GTA 5 Online Full Ranked List
All speeds are tested top speeds from fully upgraded vehicles on a long straight, as measured by the community’s trusted tester Broughy1322. Rocket-boosted vehicles (Vigilante, Scramjet, Arena War cars) are excluded as they only reach boost speeds temporarily.
| Rank | Car | Top Speed (Standard) | HSW Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bravado Banshee GTS | 138.0 mph | 172.5 mph | $1,989,500 |
| 2 | Weevil Custom | 137.5 mph | — | $980,000 |
| 3 | Progen Luiva | 136.25 mph | — | $2,697,500 |
| 4 | Ocelot Pariah | 136.0 mph | — | $1,420,000 |
| 5 | Grotti Itali RSX | 134.5 mph | — | $3,465,000 |
| 6 | Vapid FMJ MK V | 133.5 mph | 155.75 mph | $2,965,000 |
| 7 | Pfister 811 | 132.5 mph | — | $1,135,000 |
| 8 | Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT | 132.5 mph | 168.5 mph | $2,380,000 |
| 9 | Vapid Dominator GTT | 131.5 mph | — | $1,995,000 |
| 10 | Bravado Banshee 900R | 131.0 mph | — | $565,000 (Benny’s conversion) |
Car-by-Car Breakdown — What You Need to Know Before Buying
1. Bravado Banshee GTS — The Reigning Champion
The current king of Los Santos streets. The Banshee GTS doesn’t just win on top speed — it also has solid handling and acceleration for a car at the top of the speed charts. This sports car has really good handling, acceleration, and braking alongside its record top speed, making it stand out from other high-performance vehicles that sacrifice control for speed.
The HSW upgrade pushes it to 172.5 mph — a number that sounds fictional until you’re flying down the highway on a PS5 or Series X. Even without HSW, 138 mph makes this the fastest standard car in the game by a clear margin over the previous record holder.
Best for: Pure speed, highway racing, GTA Online flex, PS5/Series X HSW builds.
2. Weevil Custom — The Budget Speed King
This is the most interesting car on the list for value-conscious players. Based on the Volkswagen Beetle (heavily modified), the Weevil Custom hits 137.5 mph — a genuinely extraordinary number for what looks like a retro compact car. No HSW is available for it, but at $980,000 it gives near-top-tier speed for roughly half the Banshee GTS price.
Best for: Players who want elite speed without spending close to $2 million.
3. Progen Luiva — The McLaren Elva Newcomer
The Progen Luiva was added as part of the A Safehouse In The Hills update in December 2025, based on a real-life McLaren Elva. It sits at 136.25 mph and can be purchased from Legendary Motorsport for $2,697,500. A high-price new addition for collectors and speed enthusiasts who want the latest hardware.
Best for: Players who want the newest cars and don’t mind premium pricing.
4. Ocelot Pariah — The All-Around Legend
The Pariah held the #1 fastest car title in GTA Online for years before being overtaken, and it remains one of the most recommended purchases on the entire list. At 136 mph and just $1,420,000, it combines near-top speed with exceptional handling and accessible pricing. For any player who isn’t specifically chasing the absolute #1 spot, the Pariah is arguably a smarter buy than the Banshee GTS — more balanced, cheaper, and still dominant in most racing scenarios.
Best for: Players who want the best combination of speed, handling, and value. Excellent for competitive racing.
5. Grotti Itali RSX — The Sports Car Powerhouse
Based on a Ferrari 812 Superfast, the Itali RSX sits at 134.5 mph and is consistently ranked as one of the best cars for lap time performance (as distinct from pure straight-line top speed). It’s significantly more expensive than the Pariah at $3,465,000, but it handles exceptionally well on technical tracks with tight corners.
Best for: Track racing where cornering matters as much as top speed.
6. Vapid FMJ MK V — The Ford GT Monster
Based on a real-life Ford GT Mk IV, the FMJ MK V was added in December 2025. It reaches 133.5 mph standard and 155.75 mph with HSW upgrades, making it one of the top HSW performers outside of the Banshee GTS. At $2,965,000 it’s the most expensive option on this tier, but it delivers a premium all-around experience.
Best for: PS5/Series X players who want the best HSW performance outside of the #1 car.
7. Pfister 811 — The Underrated Classic
Based on the Porsche 918, the 811 at $1,135,000 has been a consistent presence in GTA speed discussions for years. It sits at 132.5 mph — competitive with cars costing three times as much — and has solid handling characteristics. For players building their first serious fast car collection, the 811 represents exceptional value.
Best for: Budget-conscious players who want genuine race performance without breaking the bank.
8. Bravado Banshee 900R — The Affordable Classic
At just $565,000 (as a Benny’s conversion of the classic Banshee), the 900R delivers 131 mph in a recognizable wide-body package. For players early in their GTA Online career who want competitive speed without grinding for millions, this is one of the smartest early purchases on the entire list.
Best for: Early-game GTA Online players who want solid top-end speed cheaply.
HSW Upgrades Explained What They Are and Who Can Use Them
HSW (Hao’s Special Works) upgrades are performance enhancements that push select vehicles far beyond their standard top speeds. They were introduced as part of the PS5/Xbox Series X Expanded & Enhanced edition of GTA V and were made available on PC in March 2025.
HSW upgrades were first introduced to GTA Online in 2022 as part of the next-gen update and are tied to the Expanded & Enhanced edition. They introduced HSW performance upgrades for select vehicles, HSW time trials, and a new auto shop location at the LS Car Meet.
Key facts about HSW:
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC only
- Not available on PS4 or Xbox One
- HSW upgrades are done at the LS Car Meet auto shop
- HSW-upgraded cars are typically flagged in races — other players can see if you’re running HSW
- The Banshee GTS HSW upgrade costs an additional $950,000 on top of the car purchase price
- Not all cars have HSW availability — only a select roster of vehicles
HSW Top Speed Champions:
- Bravado Banshee GTS — 172.5 mph
- Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT — 168.5 mph
- Declasse Tampa GT — 166.0 mph
- Vapid FMJ MK V — 155.75 mph
Fastest Car in GTA 5 Story Mode — Single-Player Rankings
Story Mode and GTA Online are different worlds when it comes to vehicle availability. HSW upgrades don’t exist in Story Mode, and many of the fastest GTA Online cars simply aren’t available to Michael, Trevor, and Franklin. Here’s what actually matters in single-player.
#1 Story Mode Speed King: Truffade Z-Type
The Truffade Z-Type is the fastest car in GTA 5 Story Mode, reaching a top speed of 127 mph (204 km/h). It’s based on the Bugatti Type 57 and costs $10,000,000 in the in-game internet store. That price tag makes it a very late-game purchase or a flex item — but in pure story mode top speed terms, nothing beats it.
#2 Truffade Adder — The Free Alternative
The Adder is based on the Bugatti Veyron and sits at 126.25 mph — only marginally slower than the Z-Type, at a fraction of the cost, and crucially: you can steal it for free.
The Truffade Adder spawns parked outside Ponsonbys in Rockford Hills, near Michael’s house. You don’t have to buy it — just head to the right spot on the map and it’s yours. For most story mode players, the Adder is the practical answer to “what’s the fastest car I can actually drive today.”
If it’s not spawning, it can also be purchased from Legendary Motorsport for $1,000,000 — still exceptional value compared to the Z-Type.
Story Mode Top 5 at a Glance
| Rank | Car | Top Speed | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Truffade Z-Type | 127.0 mph | Buy for $10,000,000 |
| 2 | Truffade Adder | 126.25 mph | Steal (Rockford Hills) or $1,000,000 |
| 3 | Vapid Pißwasser Dominator | 125.0 mph | Complete Stock Car Races |
| 4 | Pfister 811 | 132.5 mph | $1,135,000 (Legendary Motorsport) |
| 5 | Pegassi T20 | 122.25 mph | $2,200,000 or street spawn |
Quick tip for story mode players: The Adder spawn at Portola Drive in Rockford Hills (near Michael’s house) is one of the most valuable pieces of GTA 5 geography knowledge. Drive past multiple times if it’s not there — it doesn’t always appear on first pass.
Best Cars by Use Case — Not Just Top Speed
Straight-line top speed is only one dimension of performance in GTA 5. Depending on what you’re actually doing, a different car might serve you better.
Best for Competitive Racing (Lap Times)
Progen Emerus — Based on the McLaren Senna, this car has a tested top speed of 126.75 mph but excels in lap times on technical circuits. The Emerus is ranked as the second-best Super Car in GTA 5 Online by overall lap performance, beating many faster cars on real race tracks where cornering and braking matter.
Best for Drag Racing
Bravado Banshee 900R — Exceptional acceleration from a standing start, paired with its 131 mph top speed, makes the 900R the classic choice for drag events. Launch timing matters in drag racing, and the 900R is forgiving enough for most drivers to nail it consistently.
Best Budget Speed Car (Under $1.5M)
Ocelot Pariah ($1,420,000) — 136 mph for $1.4 million is genuinely unmatched value in the upper speed tier. The Pariah was the #1 fastest car in GTA Online for years before being dethroned, and it remains one of the best all-around purchases in the game.
Best Car for Missions and Heists
Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT — The Stinger TT is compatible with Imani Tech, which means it can be equipped with a Missile Lock-On Jammer. The Stinger is compatible with Imani Tech for added protection and versatility, including the Missile Lock-On Jammer and Remote Control Unit, and can be installed with full armor withstanding up to 12 homing missiles. That survivability in a car that also hits 132.5 mph (168.5 mph HSW) makes it one of the most practical fast cars for actual gameplay rather than just speed runs.
Best Classic Fast Car (Nostalgic Pick)
Pfister 811 — If you want something that’s been fast since the pre-HSW era, looks like a Porsche 918, and doesn’t require you to spend close to $2 million, the 811 at $1,135,000 is still completely relevant.
How to Actually Go Faster in GTA 5
Having the fastest car is only part of the equation. These techniques apply to all vehicles and can close the gap against faster opponents significantly.
Fully upgrade your engine and transmission first. Always max out the Engine, Transmission, Turbo, and Brakes at Los Santos Customs or the LS Car Meet. A fully upgraded Pariah is faster than a stock Banshee GTS.
Use slipstream in online races. Following directly behind another car in GTA Online races creates a temporary speed boost. Positioning yourself in a slipstream approaching a straight and then pulling out gives you an overtake window without needing the absolute fastest car.
Stay on highways for top speed runs. GTA’s roads have surface variation that affects top speed calculations. Smooth highway tarmac lets fully upgraded supercars reach their tested numbers. Dirty roads, grass, and urban streets all reduce real-world top speed compared to benchmark conditions.
Use Franklin’s special ability in story mode. Franklin’s unique ability slows down time while driving, effectively giving you more reaction time at high speeds. Paired with the Adder or Z-Type on a highway, it makes story mode high-speed driving significantly more manageable.
Don’t chase the most expensive car. Price and speed have almost no correlation in GTA 5. The Weevil Custom ($980,000) is faster than cars costing $3.5 million. The Banshee 900R ($565,000) beats dozens of supercars that cost 10 times as much. Always check tested top speed numbers before spending your GTA dollars.
Where to Buy the Fastest Cars in GTA Online
Most of GTA Online’s fastest cars are available from two main in-game websites accessible via the in-game phone:
Legendary Motorsport — The primary source for supercars and exotic vehicles. The Banshee GTS, Pariah, Itali RSX, Progen Luiva, and FMJ MK V are all here.
Southern San Andreas Super Autos — Covers a wider range of vehicle classes including the Tampa GT and other performance cars.
Benny’s Original Motor Works — Required for the Banshee 900R conversion from the standard Banshee. Specializes in custom lowrider and performance conversions.
LS Car Meet (HSW upgrades) — Once you’ve purchased an HSW-eligible vehicle, this is where the upgrades are applied. Located in Cypress Flats.
Fastest Car in GTA 5 Quick Answer Summary
| Situation | Fastest Car | Top Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTA Online (standard) | Bravado Banshee GTS | 138 mph | $1,989,500 |
| GTA Online (HSW) | Bravado Banshee GTS | 172.5 mph | $1,989,500 + $950K HSW |
| GTA Online (best value) | Ocelot Pariah | 136 mph | $1,420,000 |
| GTA Online (budget) | Bravado Banshee 900R | 131 mph | $565,000 |
| Story Mode | Truffade Z-Type | 127 mph | $10,000,000 |
| Story Mode (free) | Truffade Adder | 126.25 mph | Free (street steal) |
| Best lap time car | Progen Emerus | 126.75 mph | $2,750,000 |
| Best for missions | Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT | 132.5 mph | $2,380,000 |
FAQs
What is the fastest car in GTA 5 Online in 2026?
What is the fastest car in GTA 5 story mode?
Do HSW upgrades work on all platforms?
Is the Ocelot Pariah still worth buying in 2026?
What is the fastest free car in GTA 5?
Does expensive mean faster in GTA 5?
What’s the fastest motorcycle in GTA Online?
GTA 5 has been adding faster and faster cars for over a decade, and the Bravado Banshee GTS at 138 mph standard — or a jaw-dropping 172.5 mph with HSW represents the current ceiling. But the Ocelot Pariah at $1.4 million remains the smartest buy for most players who want near-top speed without chasing absolute records, and the Truffade Adder is still the best free car in story mode regardless of what Rockstar releases.
For more on squeezing every bit of performance out of your GTA 5 PC setup, our guide to optimizing your gaming PC for better FPS covers the settings and hardware changes that make the biggest difference.
