Hydraulics and Horsepower: A Deep Dive into Cars with Hydraulics in GTA
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise is renowned for its detailed vehicle roster, and the ability to customize these vehicles is a core element of the gameplay. One of the most iconic modifications available is the addition of hydraulics, allowing cars to bounce and dance in the streets of Los Santos and beyond.
So, which cars in the GTA universe boast this bouncy feature? The answer varies depending on the specific game. In GTA V and GTA Online, hydraulics are primarily found on lowrider vehicles available at Benny’s Original Motor Works. These include classics such as the Declasse Sabre Turbo Custom, the Albany Hermes, and the Voodoo Custom, each offering unique ways to express your style through customizable suspensions. In the classic GTA: San Andreas, hydraulics were more widely available and could be fitted on a broader range of vehicles, adding another dimension to its already rich gameplay experience.
GTA V and GTA Online: The Lowrider Scene
In the world of GTA V and its online counterpart, the hydraulic system takes centre stage in a specific segment of the car culture: the lowriders. These vehicles are not only about bouncing; they are a statement of style, personality, and a deep appreciation for automotive artistry.
Benny’s Original Motor Works: Your Hydraulics Hub
Benny’s Original Motor Works is the go-to location for upgrading and customizing vehicles with hydraulics. This shop, introduced in the Lowriders update, brought a whole new level of customization to the game, focusing on turning classic cars into bouncing masterpieces. The process generally involves converting a stock car into a “Custom” variant which unlocks hydraulic options.
Notable Cars with Hydraulics in GTA Online:
- Buccaneer Custom: An affordable option, this car offers decent performance with the hydraulic bounce you crave.
- Chino Custom: This car provides the ultimate cruising experience with its smooth ride and flashy looks.
- Faction Custom/Faction Custom Donk: A classic car that provides an aesthetic that fits with its hydraulics.
- Glendale Custom: A car with a unique and sleek look and great handling.
- Hermes: A car with great performance and a classic look.
- Manana Custom: A comfortable vehicle with a classic look.
- Sabre Turbo Custom: It’s considered the fastest car with hydraulics.
Beyond the Bounce: Customization Galore
It’s important to note that the appeal of lowriders extends beyond the hydraulics. These cars offer a range of visual customization options, including:
- Paint Jobs: From vibrant colours to intricate designs, express your individual style.
- Wheels: Choose from a variety of wheel styles and sizes to match your aesthetic.
- Interiors: Customize your car’s interior with new seats, steering wheels, and dashboards.
- Engine Modifications: Upgrade your engine for improved performance and sound.
GTA: San Andreas: A Wider Application of Hydraulics
In GTA: San Andreas, the presence of hydraulics was more widespread. While lowriders were still central to the hydraulic scene, a broader selection of vehicles could be equipped with this modification. This allowed for a unique range of experimentation and customization, giving players more freedom to create their ideal bouncing ride.
Notable Cars with Hydraulics in GTA: San Andreas
- Blade
- Remington
- Slamvan
- Savanna
- Broadway
- Tornado
- Voodoo
- Landstalker
- Huntley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cars with Hydraulics in GTA
1. What exactly are hydraulics in GTA?
In the context of GTA, hydraulics refer to a suspension system that allows a car to raise, lower, and bounce its chassis. This is achieved using hydraulic cylinders connected to the car’s suspension, allowing for dynamic movements and visual flair.
2. How do I activate the hydraulics in GTA V/Online?
Once you’ve installed hydraulics on a compatible vehicle, you can activate them while driving. The default controls are generally mapped to the left stick (L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox) to control the height of the vehicle. Tapping the button makes the car jump, while holding it down adjusts the ride height smoothly.
3. Can any car be fitted with hydraulics in GTA V/Online?
No, only specific vehicles, primarily those available at Benny’s Original Motor Works, can be fitted with hydraulics in GTA V and GTA Online. These are typically lowrider-style cars.
4. Are hydraulics just for show, or do they affect performance?
In GTA, hydraulics are primarily for visual customization and aesthetics. They don’t significantly impact the car’s speed, acceleration, or handling.
5. How much does it cost to install hydraulics on a car?
The cost of installing hydraulics varies depending on the car and the tier of hydraulics chosen at Benny’s. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred thousand to over a million dollars in GTA Online currency to fully upgrade a lowrider with hydraulics and visual customizations.
6. Can I control each wheel independently with hydraulics?
Yes, in GTA V and GTA Online, you can control each wheel independently with the hydraulics, allowing for complex movements like dancing and tilting. This requires mastering the control scheme and practicing your hydraulic skills.
7. Are there any cars that are similar to the Albany Hermes?
The Albany Hermes is based on the Buick Super, and the Albany Roosevelt is quite similar to the Hermes as well.
8. Which car is the fastest lowrider in GTA Online?
The Sabre Turbo Custom is widely regarded as one of the fastest lowriders in GTA Online, thanks to its performance upgrades available at Benny’s.
9. Does the Vapid Slamtruck have hydraulics?
Yes, the Vapid Slamtruck has hydraulics.
10. Is there a difference between hydraulics in GTA V and GTA San Andreas?
Yes, there is a significant difference. In GTA: San Andreas, hydraulics were more widely available for a broader range of vehicles, and the control mechanics were simpler. In GTA V, hydraulics are more specialized, found primarily on lowriders, and offer more complex control options for independent wheel movements.
11. What is a lowrider in the context of GTA?
A lowrider in GTA refers to a customized car with a lowered suspension and, often, hydraulics. These vehicles are heavily influenced by the real-world lowrider culture, originating from Mexican American communities in Southern California.
12. What is Benny’s Original Motor Works?
Benny’s Original Motor Works is a customization shop in GTA Online that specializes in converting and upgrading vehicles, especially lowriders. It offers a wide range of visual and performance modifications, including hydraulics.
13. What are the best cars to convert in Benny’s?
The best cars to convert in Benny’s will depend on what you are looking for. The Sabre Turbo Custom is generally considered the best, but if you are on a budget, consider the Buccaneer Custom and Faction Custom.
14. What other updates are similiar to the Lowrider DLC?
The Los Santos Tuners Update is similar to the Lowrider DLC as it also features a customization shop, this one is called Los Santos Car Meet.
15. How does this relate to educational gaming or “serious games”?
The complex economics of vehicle customization in GTA Online, combined with the strategic decision-making required to optimize performance and style, can be seen as a light form of educational gaming. Players learn about resource management, customization options, and even aspects of car culture. Further research into how games like GTA can be used for informal learning is being conducted by organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Bouncing Through Los Santos
The world of hydraulics in GTA offers players a unique and engaging way to express their style and creativity. Whether you’re cruising through the streets of Los Santos in a bouncing lowrider or experimenting with hydraulic tricks in San Andreas, the possibilities are endless. So, hop into your favourite ride, head to Benny’s or your local mod shop, and start bouncing!