Hao's Special Works is a separate upgrade tier that sits above every other modification in GTA Online. HSW cars are meaningfully faster than anything a fully upgraded standard vehicle can manage — and they only exist on one set of platforms.
Short answer
HSW upgrades are exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. They are installed at Hao's shop in the LS Car Meet, they cost far more than normal upgrades, and only a specific list of vehicles supports them — the shop itself shows the current list.
Platform exclusivity
This is the first thing to check, because it explains most confusion. HSW does not exist on PlayStation 4, Xbox One or PC. It was introduced as part of the expanded and enhanced release for current-generation consoles, and it has stayed there.
If you migrated a character from an older console, the vehicles came with you, but the upgrade option only appears on the newer hardware.
See also: GTA Online Jobs — another GTA Online answer people look up right after this one.
Unlocking the upgrades
Access is gated behind Hao's time trials rather than being available from the start. Completing the relevant trial unlocks the ability to purchase HSW work, after which the upgrades appear as an option for eligible vehicles at his location beneath the LS Car Meet.
The trials are not difficult, but they do require a fast car and a clean run — which is a mild chicken-and-egg problem the first time.
See also: GTA Online Fast Travel — another GTA Online answer people look up right after this one.
What the upgrade actually gives
- A substantial top speed increase beyond what standard upgrades allow.
- Improved acceleration, which matters more than top speed on most of the map.
- HSW-specific performance parts that cannot be fitted any other way.
- A price tag that frequently exceeds the cost of the car itself.
The performance gap is real rather than cosmetic. An HSW vehicle competes in a different class from a fully modified standard one, which is why HSW cars are often restricted in organised racing.
See also: GTA 5 Flying Bike — the same question, but for GTA 5.
Which vehicles qualify
The eligible list is specific and has expanded gradually with updates rather than covering the whole garage. Rather than trusting an outdated list, check Hao's shop directly: eligible vehicles show the HSW option when brought in, and ineligible ones simply do not.
As a rule of thumb, the list skews toward vehicles added or updated alongside the current-generation release, plus a rotating set of older performance cars.
Is it worth the money?
| If you… | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Race competitively in open lobbies | Worth it — the speed difference decides races |
| Mostly do heists and missions | Hard to justify; travel time savings are marginal |
| Collect vehicles | Worth it on one or two favourites rather than across the garage |
| Play on PC or last-gen | Not available at all |
GTA Online FAQ
Can PC players get HSW upgrades?
No. HSW is exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Where do I install HSW upgrades?
At Hao's shop in the LS Car Meet, after unlocking access through his time trial.
Do HSW cars work in every race?
Not always — many custom and organised races restrict them because of the performance gap.
How much do the upgrades cost?
Considerably more than standard modifications, often more than the vehicle's purchase price.
Check the platform first, unlock Hao's trial second, and spend on one car rather than the whole garage.