Vapid Chino

The Vapid Chino is a two-door muscle car manufactured by Vapid set to appear in Grand Theft Auto VI. It was originally introduced in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online as part of the Ill-Gotten Gains Part 2 update. The Chino features a large, heavy body and classic styling inspired by 1960s luxury coupés¹.

Overview

The Vapid Chino is a large coupé that has been part of the series since Grand Theft Auto V. It is set to make its return in Grand Theft Auto VI, where it has been observed multiple times in the game's first trailer. It can be seen in traffic in the Stockyard neighborhood, parked behind two hustlers, and stopped at an intersection during a street takeover in Crosstown, indicating it will be a relatively common vehicle in the world of Vice City. The car is known for its distinctive retro aesthetic and its role as a stylish cruising vehicle.

Design and Appearance

The Chino's design is heavily inspired by 1960s American luxury cars, primarily the 1962 and 1966 Lincoln Continental², with additional cues from the 1964 Chevrolet Impala³, 1963 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight⁴, and 1966 Mercury Monterey⁵.

In previous appearances, the Chino featured a large, grilled front end with dual circular headlights, a prominent chrome bumper, and a long body with distinctive chrome side trim. The rear included twin tail lights and a second chrome bumper.

In Grand Theft Auto VI, the Chino retains its classic silhouette but incorporates several updates: the front bumper now has a small central opening in place of the license plate, the grille has been simplified to a single horizontal chrome bar linking the headlights, and the interior has been significantly upgraded, with more detailed door cards and a better-defined B-pillar, showcasing higher overall model quality.

Performance

The performance characteristics of the Vapid Chino in Grand Theft Auto VI are currently unknown.

In Grand Theft Auto V, the Chino was a low-performing Muscle-class vehicle. Its heavy weight contributed to slow acceleration and a decent top speed. However, the lower engine output made the car relatively easy to control and resistant to spin-outs, providing stable handling for a muscle car. It was also highly durable, able to withstand significant crash damage, making it suitable for casual cruising but a poor option for competitive racing. In GTA V, the Chino could reach a max speed of 151.28 km/h (94.00 mph) when it was fully upgraded⁶. It is possible that GTA VI will retain similar characteristics.

Modifications

The full range of customization options for the Vapid Chino in Grand Theft Auto VI has not yet been revealed.

In Grand Theft Auto Online, the Chino could be modified at Los Santos Customs for standard performance and cosmetic upgrades. A standout feature was the ability to convert it into a lowrider variant, the Chino Custom, at Benny's Original Motor Works. This conversion added hydraulics and offered extensive visual modifications, representing the aspects commonly seen within the lowrider culture.

Acquisition / Locations

In Grand Theft Auto VI, the exact methods for acquiring the Vapid Chino are currently unknown. Its appearances in traffic and parked throughout the first trailer suggest that it will be obtainable as a stealable vehicle in Vice City.

Previously, in the Expanded and Enhanced versions of Grand Theft Auto V and in Grand Theft Auto Online, the Chino was available for purchase from the Legendary Motorsport website for $225,000.

Usage

Based on its design and historical performance, the Vapid Chino in Grand Theft Auto VI is likely to excel as a cruising vehicle. Its anticipated heavy weight and moderate speed may make it less ideal for high-speed pursuits or competitive racing. However, its expected durability could provide a reliable option for navigating the busy streets of Vice City during missions.

Notable Users / Special Variants

In Grand Theft Auto Online, a unique variant of the Chino is used by the Ballas gang during the Scrapyard Survival event. The most notable variant is the Chino Custom, a heavily modifiable lowrider version available from Benny's Original Motor Works.

Gallery

Trivia

• The name "Chino" is likely a reference to Chino pants, which were a common piece of apparel among Latino gang members in 1990s California⁷, tying into the lowrider culture that the car's custom variant embraces.
• In Grand Theft Auto Online, the Legendary Motorsport description mentions the Chino as a vehicle choice for statesmen, possibly alluding to President John F. Kennedy's modified 1961 Lincoln Continental limousine⁸.
• A red Chino appears next to a yellow Blade in the "Serpents of Destruction" tattoo option in Grand Theft Auto Online ⁹.