Bravado

Bravado is a fictional car manufacturer that appears in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Created as a facsimile of [real-world American car maker Dodge¹, many in-game vehicles with the Bravado branding are modified, fictionalized versions of Dodge vehicles; however, not all models follow this rule. Bravado first appeared in the 2008 video game Grand Theft Auto 4 and returned in Grand Theft Auto 5.

Overview / Description

Bravado is a prominent American car manufacturer in the Grand Theft Auto universe. The brand's name, Bravado, is defined as "a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate," which reflects the large size and powerful engines characteristic of its vehicle lineup.

In the lore of Grand Theft Auto V, Bravado has a television commercial that showcases the Bison, Gauntlet, and Buffalo S, parodying various real-world Dodge commercials.

Design and Appearance

Bravado's design philosophy emphasizes a blend of raw power and stylish design, often resulting in vehicles with an aggressive and imposing presence. The manufacturer's logo, a charging bull, is a direct parody of the Ram logo used by Dodge since 1993.

An updated version of the Bravado logo and badge was introduced with the Banshee GTS in Grand Theft Auto Online, which is also featured on the vehicle's "Bravado Racing" livery.

Performance

Vehicles manufactured by Bravado are generally characterized by their powerful engines and high performance, particularly in terms of raw power and acceleration, much like their real-world Dodge counterparts. While specific performance varies by model, the brand consistently produces cars in the Muscle, Sports, and Off-Road classes that are competitive contenders.

Modifications / Customization

Bravado vehicles often feature a wide range of customization options. The Bravado Hotring Hellfire is a prime example, offering intricate customization options and a selection of 30 unique liveries that allow players to create a personal statement.

This focus on personalization extends to many other vehicles in the Bravado lineup, with numerous cosmetic and performance upgrades available at in-game modification shops.

Acquisition / Locations

Bravado vehicles are ubiquitous across the settings of the Grand Theft Auto series. Models like the Bravado Rumpo can be found commonly in traffic in locations such as Los Santos, Vice City, and Liberty City.

Players can acquire Bravado vehicles by stealing them from the street, purchasing them from in-game automotive websites such as Southern San Andreas Super Autos and Legendary Motorsports in GTA Online, or receiving them as part of mission rewards. Several models are confirmed to appear in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI.

Strategy and Usage

The diverse lineup of Bravado vehicles makes them suitable for a variety of purposes. High-performance models like the Bravado Banshee and Bravado Hotring Hellfire are excellent choices for street racing and getaways. Utility vehicles such as the Bravado Rumpo are common and versatile.

The brand also produces specialized vehicles, such as the Bravado Buffalo Police Cruiser, a modified version of the Bravado Buffalo specifically outfitted for law enforcement duties.

Notable / Special Variants

While not tied to a single user, Bravado has produced some of the most iconic vehicles in the franchise:

• Bravado Banshee: A two-door sports car that is one of the longest-tenured vehicles in the entire series, appearing in nearly every main title from Grand Theft Auto III to the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI.
• Bravado Buffalo Police Cruiser: A law enforcement variant of the Buffalo featured in multiple games. In earlier versions, it uniquely featured a badge on the hood instead of a two-digit number on the roof.
• Bravado Hotring Hellfire: A stock car designed for racing, notable for its extensive livery and customization options in Grand Theft Auto Online.
• Bravado Rumpo: A van that appears frequently in every major city featured in the series and was seen in the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI.

Grand Theft Auto Online

Bravado has a strong presence in Grand Theft Auto Online, with numerous vehicles available for purchase and customization. The game has introduced new models and variants over time, such as the Banshee GTS as part of the Agents of Sabotage update.

Special vehicles like the Bravado Hotring Hellfire are featured, and law enforcement vehicles like the Bravado Buffalo Police Cruiser are also present in GTA online.

List of Vehicles in Grand Theft Auto V & GTA Online

Gallery

Trivia

• In the game's lore, Bravado reportedly neared bankruptcy around 2013 and was bailed out by the United States government with taxpayer money. This storyline, which includes Weazel News reports of Bravado requesting another bailout and misusing $23 billion in public funds on a failed green car initiative, parodies the real-world bailout of the American auto industry in 2008.
• The Bravado Banshee is considered one of the longest-running vehicles in the franchise, sharing this distinction with the Pegassi Infernus.