You've probably seen it a thousand times sitting in the Legendary Motorsport catalog. It's low, it's aggressive, and it looks like something that should cost at least two million bucks. But it doesn't. The GTA Online Turismo R is a weird anomaly in a game where a literal Honda Civic (the Kanjo SJ) can cost you more than a supercar. Honestly, if you’re just starting out or even if you’re a veteran looking to fill a garage with high-end machinery without going broke, this car is basically the gold standard for value.
It’s been around since the Business Update way back in 2014. That’s ancient history in gaming years. Yet, it still holds up. Why? Because Rockstar Games accidentally made a car that punches way above its weight class, especially when you consider you can often snag it for free or for a measly $500,000.
The Hybrid Identity of the Turismo R
When you look at the GTA Online Turismo R, you aren't just looking at one car. It’s a Frankenstein’s monster of Italian engineering. The front end screams Ferrari LaFerrari. The rear? That’s pure McLaren P1. It’s a hybrid-electric supercar, which in GTA terms means it has incredible low-end torque. You tap the accelerator and it just goes.
There’s a specific sound it makes—a high-pitched whine mixed with a traditional engine growl. Most cars in the game sound like generic vacuum cleaners or aggressive lawnmowers. Not this one. It sounds sophisticated. It’s got that "I have a trust fund" energy but at a "I work at Burger Shot" price point.
Most players overlook the fact that this thing is a low-profile beast. Literally. It sits so low to the ground that it can actually slide under certain barriers or even flip other cars if you hit them at the right angle. It’s kiddy-corner to a ramp car if you’re creative enough. But that low clearance is a double-edged sword. Hit a curb at 120 mph? You’re going to lose control. It’s the price you pay for looking that good.
Handling the Curves Without Ending Up in the Ocean
Let’s talk about the driving feel. Some cars in GTA Online feel like they’re driving on ice (looking at you, Mamba). Others feel like they’re glued to the track but can’t turn for anything. The GTA Online Turismo R sits right in the middle. It has an incredible turn-in response. You point the wheel, and the nose follows immediately.
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However, it is rear-wheel drive. If you’re heavy-handed with the throttle coming out of a corner, the back end will step out. It’s a "driver’s car." You can’t just mash buttons and expect to win. You have to actually feather the brakes and understand weight transfer.
- Top Speed: Around 121.75 mph (fully upgraded).
- Price: $500,000 (Free with the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack).
- Class: Super.
Is it the fastest car in the game? No. Not by a long shot. The Benefactor Krieger and the Pegassi Tezeract will leave it in the dust on a long straightaway. But in a tight city race through downtown Los Santos? The Turismo R can hold its own because its acceleration out of corners is snappy. It catches people off guard. They expect the old car to be slow. It isn't.
Why the Price Tag is Deceptive
If you bought the Premium Edition of GTA V—which, let's be real, almost everyone has at this point—the GTA Online Turismo R is free. You go to the website in-game, sort by price, and there it is. A $0 supercar.
Even if you have to pay the $500,000, it’s a steal. Compare that to the newer cars. The Grotti Itali RSX is nearly $3.5 million. Is the RSX seven times better than the Turismo R? Absolutely not. You’re paying for the "new car" tax. The Turismo R is the smart person’s purchase. It’s the car you buy when you want to look like a millionaire while actually saving your heist money for an Kosatka submarine or an Arcade.
Customization: Keeping it Classy
The mod options aren't as insane as the newer Benny’s Original Motor Works vehicles, but they’re solid. You can swap the splitters, add a massive carbon wing, and change the engine cover. It looks best in a classic Rosso Corsa red or a sleek metallic black.
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One thing people get wrong is the spoiler. In GTA’s physics engine, adding a spoiler actually increases the "downforce" stat for most cars. Even if you hate how the big wings look, put one on. It makes the GTA Online Turismo R significantly more stable at high speeds.
The Reality of Modern Racing
In 2026, the racing meta has shifted. We have HSW (Hao’s Special Works) upgrades now on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The Turismo R doesn't have an HSW upgrade path. This is its biggest weakness. If you take a stock Turismo R into a lobby against a modified HSW Entity MT, you’re going to have a bad time.
But not everyone is a hardcore racer. For missions, heists, and just cruising from your bunker to the Diamond Casino, it’s perfect. It’s small enough to weave through traffic and fast enough to outrun most NPC police cars.
What People Get Wrong About This Car
A lot of "influencers" tell new players to save up for the Zentorno. Look, the Zentorno is great. It’s a classic. But the GTA Online Turismo R has better visibility and, honestly, a much sleeker profile. People think because it’s "cheap" or "old" that it’s obsolete.
That’s a mistake.
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The weight distribution is actually better than many newer cars that feel "floaty." The Turismo R feels heavy in a good way. It feels planted. When you hit a jump, it doesn't tumble through the air like a piece of paper. It flies straight.
Actionable Advice for New Owners
If you just picked up the GTA Online Turismo R, don't just leave it stock. The stock brakes are kind of trash. That should be your first upgrade. Here is the path you should take to make this car competitive:
First, hit the Los Santos Customs and max out the Transmission and Engine Tuning. This maximizes that hybrid acceleration. Second, get the Race Brakes. Because the car is light, good brakes allow you to dive deep into corners, later than the heavier cars.
Third—and this is a pro tip—lower the suspension only if you plan on racing on the airport track or the highways. If you’re driving in the hills or through the pothole-filled streets of South Central, keep the suspension at "Street" or "Sport." If you go "Competition" low, you will bottom out on every tiny bump, which kills your speed.
Finally, check your tires. A lot of high-level players swear by "Off-Road" tires even on supercars because they clip through bumps better, but on the Turismo R, it kind of ruins the aesthetic. Stick with "High End" tires but make sure you add the Bulletproof upgrade. There is nothing worse than being on a getaway and having a stray bullet pop a tire on your $0 supercar.
The GTA Online Turismo R isn't just a "starter car." It’s a statement that you don't need to spend $5 million to dominate the streets. It’s reliable, beautiful, and surprisingly quick.
Go to the Legendary Motorsport site. Scroll down. Find that Grotti logo. If it’s free, grab it. If it’s $500k, buy it anyway. You won't find a better balance of performance and style for that price in the entire game. Once you've mastered the RWD handling, you'll be a better driver for it, and you'll have the extra cash to spend on the businesses that actually make you money. It’s the smartest move you can make in Los Santos.