- "Tricking out a near-perfect muscle car like the Sabre is a fine art. A mainstream mod shop won't understand that its deafening wheelspin isn't inefficient - it's the foreplay a car like this requires. Its brakes aren't dangerously unresponsive, they're smooth and gradual. The lack of protection isn't careless, it's thrilling. Luckily for you, here at Benny's we can serve a whole lot of style without adding one tiny bit of substance. It's what a car this stupid deserves."
- ―Benny's Original Motor Works description.
The Sabre Turbo (also known as the Sabre GT in Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars) is a high-performance variant of the Sabre featured in both the 3D Universe and the HD Universe. The Sabre Turbo is manufactured by Declasse in the HD Universe.
Design
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City & Vice City Stories
Other than the presence of a racing stripe, the Sabre Turbo appears mostly the same as a standard Sabre. The Grand Theft Auto: Vice City rendition of this vehicle appears only in red with a white stripe (the stripe is fixed to the car in the .txd file in gta3.img), whereas in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, it appears in several colors, while retaining a racing stripe that is always light green. In GTA Vice City Stories, the Cholo Sabre looks the same as the Sabre Turbo except that the Cholo Sabre is yellow with a white stripe.
HD Universe
Named as the Sabre GT in Grand Theft Auto IV, it borrows bits and pieces from various American muscle cars. The back and sides resemble a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass, but the sides have softer lines and could be from a '70 Chevelle SS, the front is similar to a '70 Buick GSX or a '70 Chevelle Malibu (the headlights and the shape of the bumper are also very similar to those of a 1970 Cutlass or 1969 Plymouth Road Runner), and the front bumper's round turning signals are similar to those of a '69 Dodge Coronet. The wheels appear to be based on those found on a '70 Pontiac Firebird. The paintjob seems to look like that of a Mustang Mach 1 with some characteristics of a Shelby Mustang. The different hood scoop on some Sabre GTs resembles that of a 1968 Shelby Mustang, while some resemble the 442 Cutlass. Overall, the look created emulates the GM big body V8 coupes of the early 70's (Cutlass, Skylark, Chevelle). The Sabre GT, being an older design, has a different Declasse logo than the manufacturer's other cars: a circle with "Declasse" written around the inside edge.
Several variants of the Sabre GT appear in GTA IV:
- A variant with a pentagon-shaped intake bulge on the hood.
- A variant with a twin ram-air hood as well as cui (cubic inches) markings and other stickers.
- A variant with none of these and a completely standard hood.
In Grand Theft Auto V, the vehicle is again called a Sabre Turbo but remains almost identical to its GTA IV appearance. The differences include a shinier grille and the loss of the chin spoiler. The Sabre Turbo also sports a fairly wide selection of parts that can be installed in Los Santos Customs, including a chin spoiler that makes it look like the GTA IV version.
Current Design Gallery
Version History Gallery
Performance
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City & Vice City Stories
Compared to a regular Sabre, the Sabre Turbo is capable of better acceleration, top speed, and cornering, and it emits a different engine sound from that of its stock counterpart. Because of its modified engine, the car also emits a noise associated with vintage turbo-charged engines (possibly a turbocharged V8 with multi-barrel carburettor). In GTA Vice City, the Sabre Turbo is an excellent car for street racing, as it's as competitive as more modern sports cars like the Banshee, Infernus, and Stinger despite its rather soft suspension.
In GTA Vice City Stories, its performance traits are similar to those of the Polaris V8.
3D Universe Overview
| Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) | Top Speed (mph / kmh) | Gears | Engine | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) | Mass (kg / lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 112 / 180 | 5 | Petrol | RWD | 1800 / 3968 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Cannot be observed |
Grand Theft Auto IV
The Sabre GT houses a turbocharged version of the regular Sabre's herculean 9-litre (550 ci) V8 (a massively exaggerated capacity for a vehicle of its type), equipped with the same drivetrain. The behemoth of an engine is comparable to that of the Imponte Dukes, though the wider tires and shorter wheelbase eliminate some of the hideous wheelspin resulting from the rear wheels having to cope with such levels of torque. Though the back-end readily swings round corners, this issue is noticeably more controllable in corners than for the Imponte equivalent. The exhaust note is unique to the Sabre GT, and it shares its horn with the Sabre. Although the exhaust note more closely resembles the Stallion when heard from the rear of the car, the Sabre's exhaust is slightly less audible in comparison. However, when heard from the front of the car, the whistle of the turbo and the roar of the 550ci V8 are distinct.
GTA IV Overview
| Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) | Top Speed (mph / kmh) | Gears | Engines | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) | Mass (kg / lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 90 / 145 | 5 | N/A | RWD | 1700 / 3748 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | 9.0 Liter (550ci) Turbocharged (Badging) | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | 5 | FR SOHC V8 (In-game model) | RWD | Cannot be observed |
Grand Theft Auto V
In GTA V, the Sabre Turbo features the same powerful 550 ci turbocharged V8 coupled to a long-throw 5-speed semi-auto manual transmission powering the rear wheels. As a classic seventies muscle car, the vehicle has a heavy body, soft suspension, and mediocre brakes, and it suffers from large amounts of wheelspin when accelerating. However, it can still keep up with more modern muscle cars as a result of its surprisingly good turning circle and exceptional power. The vehicle's weight also works to its advantage in reducing oversteer and providing exceptional durability and ability to shunt other cars around.
GTA V 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 | 87 / 140 | 5 | N/A | RWD | 1200 / 2646 | 65 |
| N/A | 140 / 225 | 5 | 9.0 Liter (550ci) Turbocharged (Badging) | RWD | 1202 / 2650 | N/A |
| 6.1 Seconds | 110 / 177 | 5 | FR SOHC V8 (In-game model) | RWD | Cannot be observed | Cannot be observed |
 | Speed | |||||
| Acceleration | ||||||
| Braking | ||||||
| Traction | ||||||
Modifications
Grand Theft Auto V
| Type | Upgrade | Cost (Story) | Cost (Online) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armor | 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 | Street Brakes | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Sport Brakes | $2,700 | $5,400 | |
| Race Brakes | $3,500 | $7,000 | |
| Bumpers | Custom Chin Spoiler | $500 | $1,000 |
| Extended Chin Spoiler | $750 | $1,500 | |
| Painted & Chin Spoiler | $1,000 | $2,000 | |
| Painted & Large Splitter | $1,300 | $2,600 | |
| Painted Rear Bumper | $500 | $1,000 | |
| 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 | Chrome Tip Exhaust | $375 | $750 |
| Big Bore Exhaust | $899 | $1,800 | |
| Side Exit Exhaust | $1,499 | $3,000 | |
| Grilles | De-Chromed Split Grille | $375 | $750 |
| Painted Light Surround | $670 | $1,340 | |
| Hood | Cowl Induction Hood | $325 | $650 |
| Ram Air Hood | $750 | $1,500 | |
| Carbon Hood | $875 | $1,750 | |
| Triple Intake Bug Catcher | $1,000 | $2,000 | |
| Single Intake Bug Catcher | $1,200 | $2,400 | |
| Lights | Xenon Lights | $300 | $3,000 |
| - | - | ||
| Loss/Theft Prevention | Tracker | N/A | $2,000 |
| Full Coverage | N/A | $1,875 | |
| Respray | - | - | |
| Crew Emblem | N/A | $25,000 | |
| Roll Cage | Roll Cage and Chassis Upgrade | $550 | $1,100 |
| Stunt Cage | $675 | $1,350 | |
| Sell | Sell Vehicle | N/A | $1,500 |
| Spoiler | Low Level Spoiler | $275 | $550 |
| Suspension | Lowered Suspension | $500 | $1,000 |
| Street Suspension | $1,000 | $2,000 | |
| Sport Suspension | $1,700 | $3,400 | |
| Competition Suspension | $2,200 | $4,400 | |
| Transmission | Street Transmission | $2,950 | $5,900 |
| Sports Transmission | $3,250 | $6,500 | |
| Race Transmission | $4,000 | $8,000 | |
| Turbo | Turbo Tuning | $2,500 | $30,000 |
| Wheels | - | - | |
| Wheelie Bar | Wheelie Bar | $350 | $700 |
| Windows | Light Smoke | $200 | $1,500 |
| Dark Smoke | $450 | $3,500 | |
| Limo | $700 | $5,000 |
Image Gallery
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Add a photo to this galleryGrand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto V
Official Screenshots
Variants
Sabre Turbo CustomGrand Theft Auto Online |
|---|
 The Sabre Turbo Custom in Grand Theft Auto Online. |
A heavily-modified variant of the Sabre Turbo was released on April 19, 2016, as part of the continuation of the Lowriders: Custom Classics update. This variant allows extra modifications and various details have been changed. |
Special Variants
- Stevie requests a unique green pearlescent Sabre GT. It spawns on a driveway of a house in Tudor Street, Meadow Hills. The player can save one before delivering another to Stevie.
Prominent Appearances in Missions
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- The Driver - Hilary owns a Sabre Turbo, against which the player must race in this mission.
- Upon purchasing Sunshine Autos, a Sabre Turbo is seen being driven to the property during the triggered cutscene.
Locations
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Appears on the first floor of Sunshine Autos when the second list is completed.
- Can be spawned by inputting a cheat.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
- Parked in a parking lot by Escobar International Airport in Viceport.
- Always parked outside the smuggling empire sites owned by the player.
Grand Theft Auto IV
- Often Spawns in Rotterdam Hill, South Slopes (Broker), The Meat Quarter, Middle Park, Suffolk, Varsity Heights and Westminster (Algonquin).
- Sometimes spawns in Downtown and Outlook (Broker).
- Occasionally spawns in Berchem, Leftwood and Westdyke (Alderney).
- Sometimes parked in a driveway in Beachgate.
- Rarely spawns in Northwood.
- Sometimes spawns in Drug Wars missions in TBoGT with unique colors.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
- Can be purchased from the auto merchant for $700.
Grand Theft Auto V
- Starts to spawn consistently after the player has completed Trevor's Minutemen Strangers and Freaks side-mission strand.
- Spawns more commonly in Downtown Los Santos when the player is driving another muscle car. E.g. Dominator, Gauntlet, or Phoenix.
Grand Theft Auto Online
- Appears rarely driving along the Great Ocean Highway.
- Usually spawns when driving the Phoenix or Dominator.
- Available at Benny's Original Motor Works for $15,000 (enhanced version only).
- Appears occasionally in Vinewood Hills near Lake Vinewood.
- Rarely spawns near any Los Santos Customs shop, usually pre-modified (enhanced version only).
Notable Owners
- Hillary King as seen in the mission The Driver.
- Tommy Vercetti (after completing the second List in the Sunshine Autos Import Garage)
- Vic Vance (If he owns a Smuggling Business)
Rewards
Grand Theft Auto IV
- After collecting all cars for Stevie he agrees to purchase cars off Niko, with the Sabre GT fetching $2000.
Trivia
General
- The Sabre Turbo/Sabre GT plays following radio stations by default when entered:
- GTA Vice City: Wildstyle
- GTA IV: Liberty Rock Radio 97.8
- GTA V: Los Santos Rock Radio, Vinewood Boulevard Radio or Radio Mirror Park
3D Universe
- In the GTA Vice City beta, the Sabre Turbo had twin tail lights and had its grille split in the middle.
- A unique Sabre Turbo can be obtained in GTA Vice City, during the mission The Driver.
- Even though the Sabre Turbo in GTA Vice City Stories has dual exhaust pipes, exhaust fumes only come from the right pipe.
- The Sabre's name could be inspired by its real-life counterpart the Oldsmobile Cutlass, as the names are two types of swords.
HD Universe
A papercraft version of the Sabre GT in Chinatown wars, can be downloaded at the Rockstar Games Social Club.
- On the back cover of the GTA IV disc case, there is a picture of Niko outrunning several Police Cruisers in a red and white Sabre GT.
- In GTA IV, the police refer to the Sabre GT as a "Classique Sabre GT".
- One of the cars on which the Sabre Turbo is based in the HD universe, the Buick GSX, prominently appeared on one of the promotional posters for the original Grand Theft Auto.
- Although the car is called a "Sabre Turbo" in GTA V, the badge on the trunk says "Sabre GT". On the handling files, it also reads "Sabre GT".
- In GTA V, the Stunt Cage modification will remove the car's passenger seat, yet the vehicle is still able to seat two. Part of the Stunt Cage's tubular structure also passes between the two passenger places, an arrangement which in reality would make moving from one side to the other impossible (or at the very least incredibly difficult), yet if the player enters their vehicle from the passenger side, they will slide over to the driver's seat as normal, actually clipping through the Stunt Cage as they do so.
- Unlike the GTA IV version, the GTA V Sabre Turbo does not include a turbo whine, despite "Turbo" having replaced "GT" in the vehicle's name.
- In GTA V, the reverse light casts seem to be misplaced from the physical reverse lights. In the driver side, the light cast is located between the two lights, while in the passenger side, it is located on the outer light. It is more noticeable at night or in dark areas.
- In addition, if the driver-side light is destroyed, the passenger-side light cast will not be visible anymore when reversing. It does not happen for the other light cast if the opposite is destroyed.
See also
- Sabre Turbo Custom - Lowrider custom variant.
- Sabre - The standard version of the Sabre Turbo.
- Cholo Sabre - A variant of the Sabre Turbo, appearing exclusively to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories.
- Stallion - A similar muscle car appearing in most Grand Theft Auto titles.
- Tampa - A similar muscle car appearing in GTA IV.
