Obey Tailgater

The Obey Tailgater is a four-door sedan manufactured by Obey featured in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online. As a staple luxury sedan with surprisingly high performance, it is expected to return in Grand Theft Auto VI.

Overview

The Obey Tailgater is a sleek, executive sedan that combines luxury with performance, reflecting the "American dream" as described by Simeon Yetarian. Beneath its polished exterior, it offers acceleration and handling comparable to many sports cars, making it a versatile choice for players. Its name references the aggressive driving habit of tailgating, nodding to a stereotype often associated with drivers of similar real-world vehicles. In Grand Theft Auto Online, the Tailgater has proven to be a dependable choice for a variety of missions, including heists and contracts.

Design and Appearance

The Tailgater's design is heavily influenced by several Audi models. The overall body shape is inspired by the Audi A6 (C6)¹, while the grille and lower body bulge resemble the Audi A8 (D4)². The distinct quarter panel bulges are drawn from the Audi RS6 (C6)³.

Its front end is dominated by a large grille with chrome edges and two horizontal strips. The main body features a prominent bulge near the base that spans most of the wheelbase, with a straight character line connecting the front and rear quarter bulges. The greenhouse area has very thin B and C pillars, contributing to an elegant appearance. The rear of the car features a chrome strip connecting the tail lamps, which are similar to those on a Holden Commodore (VZ)⁴, and twin rectangular exhaust tubes. The secondary color is applied as a wide stripe running from the front, over the roof, to the rear of the vehicle.

Performance

For a sedan, the Tailgater possesses surprisingly high performance, comparable to many vehicles in the Sports class. Its acceleration and top speed are both above average, allowing it to compete with sportier cars like the Exemplar or F620. The vehicle maintains decent grip at low to moderate speeds but is prone to understeer in high-speed corners without careful braking. It is also quite durable, capable of withstanding several significant impacts before the engine begins to fail. And it is expected to hold a similar performance in GTA VI. The Tailgater shares its engine sound with other vehicles like the Sentinel and Schafter.

The Obey Tailgater can reach a maximum speed of 168.98 km/h (105.00 mph) when it is fully upgraded in GTA Online⁵.

Modifications / Customization

The Tailgater can be upgraded and personalized at workshops such as Los Santos Customs. The Los Santos Tuners update highlights options like louvers and bulletproof tires to improve performance during missions. Players can apply a variety of cosmetic and mechanical enhancements, similar to the modifications seen on Michael De Santa's vehicle after the "Monkey Business" mission, which included Race Brakes, a Rear Painted Bumper & Diffuser, EMS upgrades, a Dual Exit Exhaust, Chrome Grille, Double Vented Hood, Xenon Lights, Sport Skirts, a Lip Spoiler, and a Sports Transmission.

Acquisition / Locations

In Grand Theft Auto V, the Tailgater is most notably Michael De Santa's personal vehicle. It can also be obtained during or after missions such as "Complications" and "Eye in the Sky."

In Grand Theft Auto Online, the Tailgater was previously available for purchase from Southern San Andreas Super Autos for $55,000 but was later removed as part of the San Andreas Mercenaries update. It can still be found parked at various locations, including the lots near the Galileo Observatory, Los Santos Golf Club, Del Perro Pier, and Maze Bank Arena. Its spawn is more likely if the player is already driving a Tailgater.

In Grand Theft Auto VI, the Tailgater is expected to return, as seen in the Grand Theft Auto 6 First Trailer, where it was spotted in traffic in Vice Beach behind a Grotti Carbonizzare and a Dundreary Landstalker XL.

Usage

The Tailgater combines speed, handling, and four-door practicality, making it a versatile choice for a variety of missions. In the Union Depository Contract, Sessanta's yellow Tailgater is highlighted as an ideal getaway vehicle. Its acceleration is sufficient to evade police even without performance upgrades, and its durability makes it reliable in gunfights or other high-risk scenarios where protection is essential.

Notable Users / Special Variants

Michael De Santa: Owns a signature black Tailgater throughout Grand Theft Auto V.
Devin Weston: Possesses at least two Tailgaters, seen in his hangar during the mission "Eye in the Sky."
Franklin Clinton: Drives a red Tailgater after completing "The Big Score."
Epsilon Program Tailgater: A unique variant in Epsilon Blue with the custom license plate "K1FFL0M," featured in the mission "Unknowing the Truth." It becomes obtainable if the player chooses to steal the money at the end of the mission.

Grand Theft Auto Online

In Grand Theft Auto Online, the Tailgater is a versatile and widely accessible vehicle. It was offered as a starter car in the tutorial and often appeared on Simeon Yetarian's export request lists, allowing players to steal and keep it as a personal vehicle. Although it was later removed from in-game websites, it still spawns in certain locations and appears during specific missions. Notably, an Epsilon-themed Tailgater shows up in the Fooligan Job "Liquid Assets," though it cannot be stored permanently. It is also available as a getaway vehicle option in the Union Depository Contract finale.

Gallery

Trivia

• The name "Tailgater" references the act of driving aggressively close to the car in front, likely nodding to the stereotype associated with Audi drivers⁶.
• In Grand Theft Auto V, the Tailgater consistently uses the same "Stock" horn sound.
• The original game files for GTA V include two separate but nearly identical handling files for the vehicle, both labeled "TAILGATE."