GTA Online
Vapid Hotknife GTA Online
GTA Online Wiki Team · Updated:
The Vapid Hotknife is a Muscle vehicle in GTA Online, available from Southern S.A. Super Autos for $90,000, known for its versatility and value.
Reliable option suitable for most players.
The Vapid Hotknife costs $90,000. It achieves a top speed with a top speed of 110 mph (177 km/h) in the Muscle class. It ranks #270 out of 475 vehicles by top speed. Solid all-rounder suitable for most players. According to community testing methodology by Broughy1322.
| Price | $90,000 |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 110 mph (177 km/h) |
| Class | Muscle |
| Manufacturer | Vapid |
| Category | Vehicles |
"A classic hot rod."
Editor's Verdict
Is the Vapid Hotknife Worth Buying in 2026?
Editor's Take
The Vapid Hotknife is a niche purchase at $90,000. For similar money, the Albany Buccaneer ($29,000) provides more practical value in most gameplay scenarios. Buy it for the collection factor or personal preference, not competitive advantage.
The Vapid Hotknife is 10 speed points above the Bravado Rat-Truck at a similar price. Buyers should consider whether the Vapid Hotknife's styling and handling feel justify the difference over its closest rival.
Best Uses for the Vapid Hotknife
Affordable at $90,000 with forgiving handling.
Enjoyable to drive around Los Santos in freemode.
For Grinders
Decent budget option for grinders. The Hotknife won't break the bank at $90,000 and performs well enough for missions, though you'll want to upgrade to something faster as your budget grows. It's an excellent placeholder vehicle while saving for Imani Tech or weaponized alternatives.
For Beginners
Great starter choice! The Hotknife offers solid performance at an affordable $90,000. New players can rely on this vehicle while learning the game's driving mechanics and building their bank account. Its forgiving handling characteristics make it ideal for players still mastering GTA Online's physics.
For Racers
Not recommended for competitive racing. Currently ranked #270 out of 475 vehicles by top speed, the Hotknife is outclassed by faster options in its category. Fun for casual races but don't expect to win against optimized builds. If racing is your priority, invest in a top-3 vehicle within the Muscle class instead.
For PvP Players
The Hotknife has limited direct PvP applications. For dedicated freemode combat, invest in weaponized vehicles or Imani Tech upgrades instead.
For Collectors
Classic appeal for collectors. The Hotknife's timeless design makes it a worthy addition to any vintage or themed garage, and it consistently draws compliments at community car meets. Sports Classics and Muscle cars hold a special place in GTA Online's culture, representing the franchise's automotive heritage.
Bottom line: Buy it for the collection factor or personal preference, not competitive advantage.
How Fast Is the Vapid Hotknife?
- Top Speed:110 mph (177 km/h)
- Lap Time:Not yet confirmed (Broughy1322 testing)
- Class Rank:#270 in Muscle
Handling Tips
- Brake early in the Hotknife—its lower grip means carrying too much speed into corners leads to understeer. Build speed gradually on corner exit to avoid wheelspin.
- If the Hotknife pushes wide mid-corner, lift off the throttle instead of adding more steering lock. This shifts weight forward and naturally restores front-end grip.
- The Hotknife's rear-wheel drive means easy slides under hard acceleration. Entertaining at car meets, but in races, straightening quickly always beats a flashy drift for lap times.
- Master weight transfer in the Hotknife: braking loads the front for sharper turn-in, while accelerating plants the rear for better traction out of corners.
When NOT to Buy
- Don't buy for competitive racing. The Hotknife will lose to faster vehicles in its class.
The 110 mph figure above reflects fully upgraded standard configuration.
How It Compares
The Vapid Hotknife sits at the top of the Muscle tier; here is how it stacks up against its true rivals.
| Vehicle | Price | Top Speed | Rank | Class | HSW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vapid Hotknife | $90,000 | 110.0 mph/ 177 km/h | #270 | Muscle | No |
| Truffade Adder | $1,000,000 | 126.3 mph/ 203.2 km/h | #78 | Super | No |
| Overflod Autarch | $1,955,000 | 117.0 mph/ 188.3 km/h | #160 | Super | No |
| Bravado Banshee 900R | $565,000 | 131.0 mph/ 210.8 km/h | #53 | Super | No |
| Vapid Bullet | $155,000 | 121.3 mph/ 195.1 km/h | #107 | Super | No |
Truffade Adder
The Adder is a legendary hypercar based on the Bugatti Veyron, and was the fastest car in GTA V's original 2013 release. While the in-game speedometer shows inflated numbers, tested top speed is around 126 mph. Its heavy weight requires careful braking in tight corners.
Overflod Autarch
The Autarch is a track-focused supercar inspired by the SCG 003, featuring aggressive aerodynamics and exceptional cornering ability. Its lightweight construction makes it one of the best choices for stunt races and tracks with many turns.
Bravado Banshee 900R
Benny's upgraded Banshee with widebody kit and twin-turbo engine.
Vapid Bullet
An American supercar based on the Ford GT.
How Do You Upgrade the Vapid Hotknife?
The Vapid Hotknife can be customized at Los Santos Customs for visual modifications including paint, wheels, and window tints. Performance upgrades such as engine, transmission, brakes, and turbo are available and significantly improve vehicle performance. Full modification typically costs $150,000-$300,000 depending on upgrade levels selected. Based on community testing, the turbo and engine upgrades provide the most noticeable performance gains per dollar spent, so prioritize those before cosmetic modifications.
Modifications Available
- Engine
- Brakes
- Transmission
- Suspension
- Armor
- Respray
- Wheels
- Liveries
Recommended Order
- 1Engine + Transmission — Taming the Hotknife's rear-wheel torque starts with smoother power delivery through upgraded drivetrain components.
- 2Bulletproof Tires — At the Hotknife's price point, this is your best value upgrade. Prevents spinouts from gunfire during missions.
Special Features
- Standard vehicle features including insurance and personal vehicle recall.
- Can be modified at Los Santos Customs for visual and performance upgrades.
Can You Get the Vapid Hotknife for Free?
As of 2026, no confirmed permanent free unlock method has been documented for the Vapid Hotknife. The methods below are community observations and time-limited opportunities, not guaranteed acquisition paths.
- 1Look for this vehicle spawning in traffic around Los Santos - it can be stolen and kept if you have garage space.
- 2Check if this vehicle is available as a Prize Ride at the LS Car Meet by completing weekly challenges.
- 3The Lucky Wheel at the Diamond Casino occasionally features vehicles like the Vapid Hotknife as the podium prize.
Where to Find
Purchase from: 🚗 Southern S.A. Super Autos(www.southernsanandreassuperautos.com)
- Can sometimes be found in traffic around East Los Santos and Rancho during daytime hours.
- Check the Lucky Wheel at the Diamond Casino for a chance to win it for free—the podium vehicle rotates weekly on Thursdays.
The Vapid Hotknife sells back for $54,000 at Los Santos Customs.
Event & Discount History
- The Vapid Hotknife has been featured as a Lucky Wheel podium vehicle at the Diamond Casino & Resort during past weekly rotations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Vapid Hotknife cost in GTA Online?
The Vapid Hotknife costs $90,000 in GTA Online.
What is the top speed of the Vapid Hotknife?
The Vapid Hotknife has a tested top speed of 110 mph (177 km/h) based on community testing data.
Is the Vapid Hotknife worth buying?
Yes. The Vapid Hotknife offers solid performance for its price of $90,000. Prioritize essential business properties before luxury purchases.
Can I get the Vapid Hotknife for free?
As of 2026, no confirmed permanent free unlock method exists for the Vapid Hotknife. It has appeared during weekly GTA Online events, Lucky Wheel spins at the Diamond Casino, and as a Prize Ride at the LS Car Meet. Check Rockstar's Newswire for current promotions.
What is the sell price of the Vapid Hotknife?
The Vapid Hotknife sells for $54,000 at Los Santos Customs, which is 60% of the original purchase price. Upgrade investments are only partially recovered when selling.