The Vapid Speedo is a utility cargo van manufactured by Vapid that is confirmed to return in Grand Theft Auto VI. As a long-standing workhorse vehicle in the series, the Speedo has appeared in Grand Theft Auto IV, Grand Theft Auto V, and Grand Theft Auto Online, typically serving as a common civilian and commercial vehicle.
Overview / Description
The Vapid Speedo is a staple vehicle of the Grand Theft Auto HD Universe, representing a typical American-style cargo van. Manufactured by Vapid, the in-game parody of the Ford Motor Company1, the Speedo embodies the brand's reputation for producing common, everyday vehicles. In its previous appearances, it has been a common presence in traffic, often used in missions for transport or getaways due to its unassuming nature. Its role in Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to be similar, serving as a functional and common sight on the streets of Vice City.
Design and Appearance
In all its appearances, the Speedo has consistently drawn its primary design inspiration from the 2006–2010 Chevrolet Express2. Additional design cues are taken from the 2003–2007 Ford E-Series, particularly for its front-end features and rear bumper3. The vehicle's taillights are reminiscent of those found on GM's GMT400 platform trucks4.
The Speedo's appearance in Grand Theft Auto VI was confirmed in the game's first promotional trailer. It is one of the first vehicles seen in the opening shot, driving on a highway in Vice City alongside other vehicles like the Brute Shuttle Bus, the Dashound, and the Jobuilt Phantom. Its design in the trailer appears consistent with its established look from previous titles.
Performance
The Vapid Speedo can reach a top speed of 167.37 km/h (104.00 mph) according to the testings done by Broughy5. It also has bulletproof windows, but it is only resistant to explosives during Nightclub sell missions.
Historically, in Grand Theft Auto V, the Speedo had a high top speed for a van and stable handling, though it suffered from poor traction when accelerating. In Grand Theft Auto IV, it was considered agile but prone to bouncing on hilly terrain with weak braking power.
Acquisition / Locations
The standard Vapid Speedo can be purchased in GTA Online from the Premium Deluxe Motorsport for $15,000. The Speedo Custom comes for free with the purchase of any Nightclub.
Notable Users / Special Variants
- In Grand Theft Auto V, a unique white Speedo with the license plate "LAMAR G" is owned by Lamar Davis.
- In Grand Theft Auto IV, Phil Bell owns a Speedo which is used by the players to escape during the mission, "To Live and Die in Alderney."
- In GTA Online, El Rubio also owns a black speedo which can be seen parked outside his compound.
Trivia
- The name "Speedo" is a play on the name of its real-life inspiration, the Chevrolet Express, as both names refer to swiftness.
- The name is also a likely double entendre, rhyming with a common mispronunciation of "pedo," referencing the "stranger danger" stereotype associated with windowless cargo vans. This is reinforced by the vehicle's frequent use in kidnapping-related missions throughout the series6.
- In Grand Theft Auto V, the Speedo is reportedly the only vehicle capable of maxing out its analog speedometer, which reads up to 100 mph.
- The "ST" badge seen on the rear door in Grand Theft Auto IV bears a close resemblance to the badge used on the real-world Ford Focus ST7.
