How to use GTA Online Hao's Special Works to upgrade rides

GTA Online Hao's Special Works
(Image credit: Rockstar Games)

GTA Online Hao's Special Works is a significant new addition exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X players, which builds on the groundwork laid by the LS Car Meet to further expand the area of vehicle modification. With this update things are getting taken to extremes in GTA Online, as Hao is the undisputed master of car customization and has some wild upgrades at his disposal. This means you can create motors that deliver tight handling and G-force inducing acceleration, with unique paintwork that is guaranteed to have everyone looking your way. If you want to get things moving, then here's how to use GTA Online Hao's Special Works and the services available once it's set up.

How to start GTA Online Hao's Special Works

GTA Online Hao's Special Works

(Image credit: Rockstar Games)

Not long after you start GTA Online on PS5 or Xbox Series X, you'll receive a phone call from Hao to introduce you to his Special Works service, after which an icon for Hao's Vehicle will appear on your map. Go to this location and interact with the marker to open Hao's garage, where you'll find a heavily modified Grotti Turismo Classic and get behind the wheel. Hao will challenge you to an epic checkpoint time trial around the city, and if you can beat his time of 08:10.00 then you'll unlock the GTA Online Hao's Special Works services for use. As a bonus, players transferring from PS4 or Xbox One will also be able to claim a fully upgraded Karin S95 for free after this point, and receive the Dark Purple Pearl and Red Prismatic Pearl Chameleon Paints.

Where is Hao's Workshop in GTA Online

(Image credit: Rockstar Games)

To find Hao's Workshop location in GTA Online, you need to head to the LS Car Meet icon in Cypress Flat. This is to the southeast side of Los Santos, and we've indicated it on the map above – you can also scroll down the list of markers to highlight the LS Car Meet. Once inside the meet, move to the northeast corner of the warehouse to reach Hao's Mod Shop.

GTA Online Hao's Special Works vehicles

GTA Online Hao's Special Works

(Image credit: Rockstar Games)

There are currently a total of nine GTA Online Hao's Special Works vehicles that you can bring to his Mod Shop for customization, which are as follows:

  • Existing vehicles:
  • Bravado Banshee
  • Grotti Turismo Classic
  • Shitzu Hakuchou Drag
  • Ubermacht Sentinel XS

  • GTA Online new cars:
  • Coil Cyclone II
  • Karin S95
  • Imponte Arbiter GT
  • Pegassi Weaponized Ignus
  • Pfister Astron Custom

You can also find this compatible HSW Vehicle List by accessing the laptop in Hao's workshop, which also provides direct links to the relevant websites to make your purchase.

GTA Online Hao's Special Works services

GTA Online Hao's Special Works

(Image credit: Rockstar Games)

Once you own a suitable ride to use with GTA Online Hao's Special Works services, drive it to the LS Car Meet and make your way to Hao's Mod Shop. Select a conversion with a HSW Performance Upgrade to make your vehicle compatible, after which you can then apply HSW custom options including:

  • Chameleon Paint
  • Countermeasures (for the Weaponized Ignus)
  • HSW Brakes
  • HSW Engine Tune
  • HSW Suspension
  • HSW Transmission
  • HSW Turbo Tuning (Stage I, II, and III)

Other services provided by Hao include the HSW Specification Service, where he can duplicate the customization of any other player vehicle on display at the Car Meet, Hao's Premium Test Ride to try out a selection of modified vehicles with the option to purchase them immediately if you approve, plus the HSW Race Series and HSW Time Trial to prove your driving skills in these high-end rides.

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Iain Wilson
Guides Editor

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has over 500 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.