The Phoenix is a two-door muscle car appearing in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online and due to appear in Grand Theft Auto VI. It is manufactured by Imponte in the HD Universe.
Influence[]
3D Universe[]
The Phoenix is based on the Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am and 1982–1992 Chevrolet Camaro, but the round tail lights are similar to 1970–1973 Chevrolet Camaros.
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
The Phoenix returns in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online with a near-identical appearance from the 3D Universe, although it takes on a resemblance to the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, with elements from 1970s Chevrolet Camaro models. The front bumper and grille shape are derived from the 1978–1981 Camaro models, while the rear fascia and the boot are derived from the 1970–1973 Camaros, although retaining the spoiler from the Trans Am.
Design[]
3D Universe[]
The Phoenix is distinctive by its angled front and flat rear end, sporting rectangular headlights, circular tail light and side trim detail. The vehicle has been changed slightly throughout the games, with a rear deck lid blackout panel in GTA San Andreas, and a thinner stripe in GTA Vice City Stories. The car is distinctive by its hood scoop, where in GTA Vice City it is fully functional.
The car can spawn with single colors or a two-tone paintjob, where the secondary color is applied in the form of a stripe passing through the hood, the roof and the rear.
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
The vehicle assumes a slightly larger bodywork with a similar shape to the 3D Universe renditions, where the front end has a more vertical profile with a pointy shape around the center. The lower area is predominated by a bulky bumper with a central wide intake and a plastic lower section, while the upper area is predominated by the dual meshed grilles bearing the corresponding badges and the chrome inset housings with circular headlights. The hood slightly curves towards the front and has a small bulge that slightly elevates as it approaches to the windshield, with a decal on the driver-side front displaying its name.
The sides of the car are very similar to the 3D Universe model, with flared arches and elevated rear section, along with additional manufacturer badges and the "Phoenix" decals on the front fenders. The greenhouse area is relatively short and wide, where the rear section features a curved profile with additional badges next to the door windows. The roof has sectioned panels on it.
The rear of the car is similar to the 3D Universe iterations, featuring a slanted rear end with a blacked-out panel identical to the GTA San Andreas version. A set of circular tail lights with chrome trim and inner reverse/turning lights can be seen on either side, along with a central plate holder. The lower area of the bumper has two small cut-outs for the exhaust tips. On the underside, two exhaust pipes runs across the car and ends in two exhaust silencers, which both splits into two long pipes, resulting in four tail pipes that are seen under the rear bumper. The car prominently spawns with a ducktail spoiler.
Like its 3D Universe iteration, the car may spawn either with a single body color or with a randomly colored stripe in the middle, where it is determined by the secondary color when modified at Los Santos Customs. The decals displaying its name are also painted with the secondary color. It uses a unique set of wheels consisting of numerous rims crossing at each other, forming various pentagons and triangles around the center.
Performance[]
3D Universe[]
The Phoenix is acceptably fast, however has great acceleration and torque, offset by having somewhat of a loose rear end. It has a top speed of 200 km/h (230 km/h in GTA Vice City Stories), faster than other comparable muscle cars such as the Sabre, Clover, and Stallion, which all share a top speed of 160 km/h. This makes it a great vehicle for drifting with. The Phoenix drives and sounds as if it is powered by a large supercharged engine, and also features a large air scoop for the carburetor. It can also be modified in TransFender in GTA San Andreas with nearly all of the available options for customization, but most of the categories have only one option as with most car customization in San Andreas. Like most muscle cars, it has a two person capacity. On the downside, the brakes are not as good as the other sports cars in GTA San Andreas.
With the exception of GTA San Andreas, all of the 3D Universe appearances of the Phoenix bear a sports/high end car engine sound rather than the iconic V8 muscle car engine the car is associated with.
3D Universe Overview[]
| Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh) |
Gears | Engine | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) |
Mass (kg / lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 124 / 200 (GTA Vice City & GTA San Andreas)
143 / 230 (GTA Vice City Stories) |
5 | Petrol | RWD | 1400 / 3086 (GTA Vice City & GTA Vice City Stories)
1500 / 3307 (GTA San Andreas) |
| N/A | N/A | 5 | N/A | RWD | Cannot be observed |
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
The Phoenix has a high top speed and decent acceleration. It also has excellent torque and can climb steep hills with ease. Unfortunately, it suffers from poor handling. Its poor weight distribution and light rear end leads to severe oversteer, especially at high speeds. Its back end is prone to fishtailing, and crashes and spin-outs may occur more often than usual in this car. The durability is below-par, and it is prone to frame loss (fenders, bumpers, hoods, etc.) in event of a rollover accident.
It highly benefits from customization, as its acceleration can be topped with the right modifications. In essence, the Phoenix is quite similar to the Ruiner, however the Ruiner is generally superior in all areas. Thus, the Phoenix is better suited to more mundane roles, such as cruising at intermediate speeds. Despite this, the Phoenix can still be a competitor in the right hands, especially in races with more straights than corners.
The Phoenix is powered by what is stated to be a V8 turbo, somewhat true to its engine model, which is coupled to a 5-speed gearbox in a front engine, rear wheel drive layout. Its engine sound is of a high-performance engine, similar to the Ruiner and the Dominator in that aspect.
GTA V and Online Overview[]
| Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh) |
Gears | Engine | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) |
Mass (kg / lbs) |
Fuel Tank Size (litres) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 90 / 145 | 5 | N/A | RWD | 1700 / 3748 | 65 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | V8 Turbo (Badging) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5.2 Seconds | 110 / 177 | 5 | FR SOHC V8 (In-game model) | RWD | Cannot be observed | Cannot be observed |
Rockstar Games Social Club[]
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
Modifications[]
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
The Phoenix can only be modified in a TransFender garage.
| Type | Upgrade | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Car Color 1 (body, 64 different colors) | $ 150 |
| Car Color 2 (stripe, 64 different colors) | $ 150 | |
| Vents | Oval Hood Vent | $ 150 |
| Square Hood Vent | $ 100 | |
| Exhausts | Large Exhaust | $ 250 |
| Twin Exhaust | $ 300 | |
| Upswept Exhaust | $ 350 | |
| Lights | Square Fog Lamp | $ 50 |
| Nitro | 2x Nitrous | $ 200 |
| 5x Nitrous | $ 500 | |
| 10x Nitrous | $ 1000 | |
| Roof | Roof Scoop | $ 80 |
| Spoilers | Win | $ 550 |
| Fury | $ 350 | |
| Side skirts | Side Skirt | $ 500 |
| Wheels | Import | $ 820 |
| Atomic | $ 770 | |
| Ahab | $ 1000 | |
| Virtual | $ 620 | |
| Access | $ 1140 | |
| Off Road Wheel | $ 1000 | |
| Mega | $ 1030 | |
| Grove | $ 1230 | |
| Twist | $ 1200 | |
| Wires | $ 1560 | |
| Car Stereo | Bass Boost | $ 100 |
| Hydraulics | Hydraulics | $ 1500 |
NOTE: Las Venturas Transfender will charge 20% more (except for colors)
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
| Category | Modification | Cost (GTA V) | Cost (GTA Online) | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armor | No Armor | $100 | $200 | ||
| Armor Upgrade 20% | $500 | $4,500 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 40% | $1,250 | $7,500 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 60% | $2,000 | $12,000 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 80% | $3,500 | $21,000 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 100% | $5,000 | $30,000 | |||
| Brakes | Stock Brakes | $100 | $200 | ||
| Street Brakes | $2,000 | $4,000 | |||
| Sport Brakes | $2,700 | $5,400 | |||
| Race Brakes | $3,500 | $7,000 | |||
| Bumpers | Stock Front Bumper | $250 | $500 | ||
| Extended Chin Spoiler | $500 | $1,000 | |||
| Custom Chin Spoiler | $750 | $1,500 | |||
| Engine | EMS Upgrade, Level 1 | $900 | $1,800 | ||
| EMS Upgrade, Level 2 | $1,250 | $2,500 | |||
| EMS Upgrade, Level 3 | $1,800 | $3,600 | |||
| EMS Upgrade, Level 4 | $3,350 | $6,700 | |||
| Exhausts | Stock Exhaust | $130 | $260 | ||
| Big Bore Exhaust | $375 | $750 | |||
| Titanium Tuner Exhaust | $899 | $1,800 | |||
| Explosives | Ignition Bomb | N/A | $5,000 | ||
| Remote Bomb | N/A | $7,500 | |||
| Grilles | Stock Grille | $100 | $200 | ||
| Iron Mask | $375 | $750 | |||
| Hoods | Stock Hood | $150 | $300 | ||
| Cowl Induction Hood | $325 | $650 | |||
| Triple Intake Bug Catcher | $750 | $1,500 | |||
| Single Intake Bug Catcher | $875 | $1,750 | |||
| Horns | Main article: Los Santos Customs/Horns | - | - | ||
| Lights | Headlights | Stock Lights | $100 | $200 | |
| Xenon Lights | $300 | $3,000 | |||
| Neon Kits | Main article: Los Santos Customs/Lights | - | - | ||
| Loss/Theft Prevention | Tracker | N/A | $2,000 | ||
| Full Coverage | N/A | $2,500 | |||
| Plates | Blue on White 1 | $50 | $200 | ||
| Blue on White 2 | $50 | $200 | |||
| Blue on White 3 | $50 | $200 | |||
| Yellow on Blue | $75 | $300 | |||
| Yellow on Black | $150 | $600 | |||
| Respray | Main article: Vehicle Customization in GTA V/Respray Colors | - | - | ||
| Roofs | Stock Roof | $100 | $200 | ||
| Glass Roof | $350 | $700 | |||
| Sell | Sell Vehicle | N/A | $2,000 | ||
| Skirts | Stock Skirts | $300 | $600 | ||
| Custom Skirts | $415 | $830 | |||
| Spoilers | None | $150 | $300 | ||
| Mid Level Spoiler | $275 | $550 | |||
| High Level Spoiler | $350 | $700 | |||
| Suspension | Stock Suspension | $100 | $200 | ||
| Lowered Suspension | $500 | $1,000 | |||
| Street Suspension | $1,000 | $2,000 | |||
| Sport Suspension | $1,700 | $3,400 | |||
| Competition Suspension | $2,200 | $4,400 | |||
| Transmission | Stock Transmission | $100 | $200 | ||
| Street Transmission | $2,950 | $5,900 | |||
| Sports Transmission | $3,250 | $6,500 | |||
| Race Transmission | $4,000 | $8,000 | |||
| Turbo | None | $500 | $1,000 | ||
| Turbo Tuning | $2,500 | $30,000 | |||
| Wheels | Main article: Los Santos Customs/Wheels | - | - | ||
| Windows | None | $100 | $500 | ||
| Light Smoke | $200 | $1,500 | |||
| Dark Smoke | $450 | $3,500 | |||
| Limo | $700 | $5,000 | |||
Gallery[]
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City[]
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
Design[]
Version History[]
Prominent Appearances in Gameplay[]
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City[]
- Sunshine Autos Import Garage – The Phoenix is one of the 24 vehicles wanted by Sunshine Autos for its import garage. Placed on the third list.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
- A Home in the Hills – CJ has to chase and kill the Vagos leader Big Poppa that owns a Phoenix.
- Race Tournaments – The player has to race with the Phoenix through San Fierro Hills.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories[]
- From Zero to Hero – A Phoenix is parked at the location of the Barracks OLs.
- Purple Haze – After the opening cutscene, a Phoenix is parked outside the apartment for Vic to take.
- Drug Running – In the second job, the buyers use a Phoenix, then another one chases Victor.
- Civil Asset Forfeiture Impound – The Phoenix is one of the 32 vehicles wanted by the Civil Asset Forfeiture Impound in the side-mission of the same name. Placed on the second list.
Grand Theft Auto Online[]
Further Adventures in Finance and Felony[]
- Special Cargo Steal Missions[vague]
The Diamond Casino & Resort[]
- Meth Lab Survival – Used by attacking enemies.
Los Santos Tuners[]
- The Prison Contract
- Planning Work: Inside Man – Lil' Dee's associate owns a black Phoenix.
- Exotic Exports – This car may randomly appear for delivery.
Bottom Dollar Bounties[]
- Madrazo Hits – If the target is the Marabunta Grande gang member, a black Phoenix will be parked nearby.
Special Variants[]
- During the shootout phase in Trevor Philips Industries, four Phoenixes will spawn in the parking lot around Liquor Ace. A black example and a white example will spawn at the abandoned gas station west of Liquor Ace, while a gray one and another black one will spawn east of the building. All four Phoenixes can spawn with any pearlescent luster from its default traffic color set. This means that there's a 1/5 chance for it to spawn with a unique pearlescent color that cannot be obtained at Los Santos Customs or Beeker's Garage under normal circumstances. The respective pearlescents are Matte Gray, Worn Dark Red, Utility Green and Utility Light Brown.
- The black Phoenix that spawns on the east side is colored Util Black, which is unobtainable at mod shops under normal circumstances.
Notable Owners[]
3D Universe[]
HD Universe[]
- Aztecas
- Unnamed Vagos leader
- The Families
- Lil' Dee's associate
Locations[]
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City[]
- Commonly driven throughout the region of Vice Beach.
- Parked at the north-western mansion on Starfish Island, as well as commonly found around the rest of the island.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
The Phoenix is an extremely rare car, akin to the Euros, Berkley's RC Van and Hotknife.
- Rarely found inside of the impound lot of the San Fierro Police Headquarters. Use a Police Car or stealth abilities to enter the lot and avoid a three-star wanted level.
- It may spawn if the "Fast Cars" cheat is activated.
- It can be obtained in the Vigilante side mission.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories[]
- One is parked to the side of the road that extends along the beach on Ocean Beach.
- One is parked behind the Malibu Club in Washington Beach.
- One is parked to the side of the road in front of a building, to the north-west of the Vice Point Mall in Vice Point.
Grand Theft Auto V[]
- Notably more popular when driving a Fusilade.
- The Phoenix can spawn in the Paleto Bay area at the Clucking Bell Farms.
- May spawn in the near vicinity of Vinewood Racetrack.
- Can spawn in Grapeseed and Harmony.
- Can be obtained from the Eastern Motel in Harmony during the police shootout random encounter.
- May spawn in South Los Santos around the Vanilla Unicorn.
- Commonly found spawning around Pillbox Hill and Textile City.
- After replaying the mission Trevor Philips Industries, it will spawn on the eastern highway, that leads to Sandy Shores. Once the mission ends, the player have to get into the white Phoenix near the ice box, and drive away, as the game will continue automatically. Then, it will start spawning on the highway.
- If the player is doing the mission for the first time, just steal the Phoenix, then simply take it to the garage in order to keep it.
- Often spawns around Rancho being driven by the Los Santos Vagos.
- Sometimes spawns in Strawberry, being driven by the Families.
- It is mostly seen in Carson Avenue after Franklin has taken Liz for a Booty Call.
Grand Theft Auto Online[]
- The Phoenix may occasionally spawn around Terminal, near the drop-off point for Simeon's missions.
- May spawn near the Maze Bank Arena area.
- May spawn in and near the Cypress Flats area.
- Frequently spawns in the parking spaces near the East Vinewood soccer field area (where the gang attack is located) when driving a Dominator.
- Available to test drive and purchase from the Premium Deluxe Motorsport showroom for $20,000 during Kanjo SJ and Postlude Week.
Radio Stations[]
- In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the Phoenix plays Playback FM.
- In Grand Theft Auto V and Online, the default radio stations are grouped by genre. The Phoenix uses the "Punk" group which plays Channel X.
Trivia[]
General[]
- A Phoenix is a legendary mythical bird said to set fire to itself and arise from its ashes in a new form. It is also one of the vehicles in the series to be named after a mythical creature, the others being the Hydra, Leviathan, Banshee, Valkyrie, Titan, Daemon, Chimera, Cerberus and the Kraken.
- Phoenix is likely a play on "Firebird", the car it is based on throughout the series, as phoenixes are "firebirds" due to their association with fire.
- Pontiac had a real model called the Phoenix, a compact car made from 1977-84.
3D Universe[]
- In GTA Vice City, the butterflies in the supercharger's hood scoop open when accelerating. However, in GTA San Andreas, they remain in a fixed position, and in GTA Vice City Stories the butterflies are removed altogether. It is also noteworthy that the GTA San Andreas version of the Phoenix has been made with three-dimensional butterflies in the scoop, while the ones in GTA Vice City were only two-dimensional.
- In GTA Vice City, as Rockstar used photographs and decals for textures, the Phoenix's rims actually have the Porsche logo visible; this also applies to all vehicles using the same type of rims.
- In GTA San Andreas, the car was meant to spawn regularly through all the affluent areas of the state, as shown in the cargrp.dat file, but a coding error prevents it from spawning around. The same happens with Euros and Tornado.
- In GTA San Andreas, the Phoenix has a door sound that is used on older cars such as the Glendale and Perennial.
- When the health cheat is activated or when the car is taken to a garage, the butterflies will be fixed open, due to a glitch.
HD Universe[]
- In the first trailer for GTA V, the car is customized with Spooner muscle custom wheels, a custom chin spoiler and side-skirts[1] and the rare (not customizable) no-spoiler option.
- Once all of the customization options have been unlocked in Los Santos Customs, the Phoenix has the option for a high level spoiler, modeling a high level rear wing. It is possibly a reference to the 1970 Plymouth Superbird.
- Another customization item, the "Iron Mask" for the grille, can be used with the single intake bug catcher to make a vehicle vaguely resembling the Pursuit Special from the Mad Max film series.
References[]
- ↑
Trailer screenshot
