How to Get HSW Upgrade in GTA 5: Hao's Special Works Guide
Unlock Hao's Special Works (HSW) in GTA 5. Complete walkthrough of the opening Vinewood time trial, upgrade costs, and all compatible vehicles.
How to Get HSW Upgrade in GTA 5: Hao's Special Works Guide
With the release of the Enhanced edition of Grand Theft Auto V, Rockstar introduced the most absurdly fast performance tier in the game's history: Hao's Special Works (HSW).
HSW upgrades push supercars, muscle cars, and motorcycles past their stock velocity ceilings, reaching blistering top speeds upwards of 140 to 168+ MPH.
Here is how to unlock HSW, beat the opening time trial, and upgrade your vehicles.
Hao's Special Works (HSW) Upgrade Unlock Pipeline
EXECUTION PIPELINE // SEQUENTIAL ACTION PROTOCOL
Confirm Next-Gen Platform
Available exclusively on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Enhanced Editions.
Answer Hao's Introductory Call
Receive incoming phone call from Hao shortly after entering Freemode.
Beat Hao's Vinewood Time Trial
Drive Hao's custom Grotti Turismo Classic and beat the 08:10 target time.
Claim Free HSW Vehicle Upgrade
Drive to LS Car Meet; claim 100% free HSW performance conversion on eligible cars.
Unlock HSW Weekly Time Trials
Race weekly HSW time trials across Los Santos for guaranteed $250,000 payouts.
Step 1: Check Platform Eligibility#
Before anything else, ensure your platform supports HSW:
- Supported: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S (and next-gen PC expanded versions).
- Not Supported: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Legacy PC versions.
Step 2: The Initial Call from Hao#
When you first log into an Enhanced session of GTA Online:
- 1Wait 2–5 minutes in freemode. You will receive a phone call from Hao.
- 2Hao invites you to check out his custom shop and tests your driving skills.
- 3A yellow vehicle blip will appear in Vinewood on your map marked with an "H".
Step 3: Beat Hao's Time Trial#
Head to the marker in Vinewood. You will enter Hao's personal garage and take the wheel of a fully tuned Grotti Turismo Classic:
- Target Time: You must complete the checkpoint course around Vinewood and downtown Los Santos in under 08:10.00.
- Key Driving Tip: Avoid colliding with civilian traffic on the downhill turns near the Vinewood Boulevard strip. The Turismo Classic has immense acceleration, so brake early before sharp 90-degree corners.
Once you cross the finish line under 8 minutes and 10 seconds:
- Hao officially unlocks his HSW Workshop inside the LS Car Meet (Cypress Flats).
- You receive your first HSW Vehicle Conversion completely FREE of charge (saving up to $1,000,000+)!
Step 4: Upgrading Your Car at the LS Car Meet#
- 1Drive any HSW-compatible car into the LS Car Meet warehouse in Cypress Flats.
- 2Park inside the mod shop area and press Right on D-pad to enter the workshop.
- 3Select Hao's Special Works.
- 4Choose HSW Performance Upgrade (Converts the base vehicle to HSW spec).
- 5Equip custom HSW Stage tuning:
- HSW Engine Tune
- HSW Brakes & Suspension
- HSW Turbo Tuning
- HSW Custom Chameleon Paint Jobs & Exclusive Liveries
Top 10 Best HSW Upgradable Vehicles#
Not every car can receive HSW upgrades. Here are the fastest, highest-ranking HSW rides in GTA Online:
| Vehicle Name | Vehicle Class | HSW Top Speed | Conversion Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grotti Weaponized Ignus | Super | 146.25 MPH | $500,000 |
| Shitzu Hakuchou Drag | Motorcycle | 157.50 MPH | $1,450,000 |
| Declasse Vigero ZX | Muscle | 157.50 MPH | $550,000 |
| Karin S95 | Sports | 155.50 MPH | Free (Promo) / $525,000 |
| Benefactor Stirling GT | Sports Classic | 156.80 MPH | $900,000 |
| Coil Cyclone II | Super | 141.00 MPH | $475,000 |
| Pegassi Torero XO | Super | 140.50 MPH | $515,000 |
| Pfister Astron Custom | SUV | 137.00 MPH | $395,000 |
| Übermacht Sentinel XS | Coupe | 137.75 MPH | $650,000 |
| Principe Deveste Eight | Super | 151.75 MPH | $1,110,000 |
Is HSW Worth the Money?#
Yes, absolutely. If you compete in open lobby races, drag strips, or need rapid transit across the map, an HSW Hakuchou Drag or Weaponized Ignus outpaces every standard non-HSW vehicle in the game by a wide margin.
Furthermore, completing the weekly HSW Time Trial in freemode awards $250,000 every single week for just 2 minutes of driving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)#
Can I upgrade regular cars with HSW?#
No. Only a designated list of approximately 25 vehicles currently supports HSW conversions at the LS Car Meet.
Do HSW upgrades carry over to races?#
Yes, provided the race host enables the "Custom Vehicles" toggle in the lobby settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you apply HSW upgrades in GTA 5 Online?
Drive an HSW-eligible vehicle inside the LS Car Meet in Cypress Flats after beating Hao's introductory time trial, then press the modify prompt to enter Hao's Special Works mod shop.
How much does an HSW upgrade cost in GTA 5?
HSW conversion upgrades cost between $300,000 and $1,900,000 depending on the car model, plus additional costs for HSW stage 4 engine, transmission, and turbo tuning.
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