Grand Theft Auto 5 is now eight years old, and during that time, players have built up an impressive collection of cars. From the slick super cars to the drop dead gorgeous classics, GTA 5 players have spent an obscene amount of money on pimping their cars – and they naturally want to show them off.
That’s where GTA 5 car meets come in. Previously, car meets in Los Santos had been happening in an unofficial capacity, allowing petrolheads to come together to show off their latest upgrades. However, since these are unofficial events, players have either had to go in passive mode or risk having their entire line up blown up by someone in a Hydra.
But this year’s GTA Online Summer Event reduces the risk of attending one of these events. Rockstar’s new update for the game includes the Los Santos Car Meet, giving fans a proper way of channelling their inner Fast and Furious.
But what details do we have on the GTA Online Summer Event and the Los Santos Car Meet? Well, you’re about to find out.
Here’s everything you need to know about GTA 5 car meets, both in an official and unofficial capacity.
GTA 5 car meets
Prior to the update the only way to host or take part in a GTA 5 car meet was to keep an eye on the in-game chat or join a GTA Online clan dedicated to car meets. A time and a place for the car meet was decided and anyone who wanted to attend could pop along with the car of their choice.
However, this process was changed with the GTA Online Summer Event, which brings proper car meet events to our screens.
GTA Online LS Car Meet
The Los Santos Tuners Summer Event, which dropped on July 20 2021, includes the Los Santos Car Meet, which is apparently the “beating heart of car culture in Southern San Andreas.”
Here, players can show off customised vehicles, race, and link up with contacts looking for skilled drivers in a series of Tuner-based missions.
On July 20, the automotive underground roars to life with GTA Online: Los Santos Tuners.
Featuring the LS Car Meet, where you can race, show off customized vehicles, and link up with contacts looking for skilled drivers and a chance at easy money.https://t.co/jXJPVow1he pic.twitter.com/AX5Cc6btfu
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) July 15, 2021
The LS Car Meet takes place in a “gigantic, shared social space” where you can take your prized vehicles and share them with fellow petrolheads. To take part, you’ll need to head to a heavily graffitied warehouse near Cypress Flats.
These GTA 5 car meets will be protected from the outside world too, with a “good vibes only” attitude. In other words, those pesky players with Hydras won’t be able to spoil the fun during these official meets.
In a car meet, you’ll also have the opportunity to test out a select amount of cars on the test track, which is a large underground space in the warehouse, where you can test and race vehicles freely. But if you want to take part in more events, you’ll need to become an LS Car Meet member – something that’ll set you back $50,000.
But it’s worth the cash. LS Car Meet members get the chance to compete in rotating Prize Ride Challenges for an opportunity to win a vehicle, as well as the opportunity to access exclusive merch, tattoos, and modding shops.
Higher-level members also have the chance to take over the warehouse, hosting private car meets with custom lighting and banner colors.
Members also have the chance to earn LS Car Meet rep – something that plays a big part in rewards further down the line. Rep can be earned through races, daily log in bonuses, test track results, and more.
GTA Online LS Car Meet races
The LS Car Meet introduced several new races to GTA Online. They are as follows:
- Head-to-head (1v1)
- Scramble (up to four players)
- Time Trials (Up to 30 players, non-contact)
- Street Race Series (outside race series for members only)
- Pursuit Series (outside race series for members and LSPD only)
- Sprint (up to four players, point to point challenge)
Get ready to show off your prized cars! While you’re here though, make sure you check out our guide to making GTA 5 money, as well as working out which of GTA 5’s fastest cars you’ll want to spend your money on.