Schafter

A Schafter in GTA IV (Rear quarter view).

A Schafter in The Ballad of Gay Tony.

The Benefactor Schafter is a luxury 4-door sedan featured in Grand Theft Auto IV and The Ballad of Gay Tony. The Schafter has been redesigned in The Ballad of Gay Tony, sporting a much more 'luxurious' look. In addition, there is an elongated version of this exclusive vehicle, named the "Stretch E".

Design

GTA IV

It is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) and has a 6.5 supercharged V-12.

The Ballad of Gay Tony

In The Ballad of Gay Tony, the Schafter is based on a Mercedes E-class W212;because of the taillights, size; the headlights are similar to a Mercedes W204.

Performance

In GTA IV the Schafter, powered by a 6.5L V12 coupled to a 5 speed gearbox in RWD configuration, is quite a heavy vehicle. Acceleration is below average, compared to other vehicles in its class, such as the Oracle and Presidente. Top speed is average, and enjoyable. Handling is above average -- although a slight hint of oversteer is detectable, the Schafter's firm suspension makes it a joy in low-speed cornering. The suspension is a perfect balance of firm and soft, keeping the Schafter planted on the road in turns, while not jarring over bumps. Braking is fair, and ABS is available, though not standard. Crash deformation and engine build quality are superb; the car can sustain multiple impacts (including gunfire) before breaking down or catching fire.

Variant

File:Schafter (GTA4) (modified) (front).jpg

The modified variant of the Schafter driven by the Russian Mafia (Rear quarter view).

There is a tuned version of the Schafter, based on the Mercedes-Benz S65 "AMG" models. It comes in silver or black, and has black rims, sport body kit, and no front emblem. This version of the Schafter can be found in Hove Beach, Broker, being driven by the Russian Mafia.

Trivia

In Grand Theft Auto IV, the two default radio stations in the Schafter are JNR - Jazz Nation Radio 108.5 and Fusion FM.
In the opening scene of Grand Theft Auto IV, some Triad gangsters are seen loading unidentified contents (presumably drugs) into a black Schafter. The same car is seen being lowered onto the dock while Niko Bellic is waiting for Roman.
The scenes that play at the beginning of the game include one where a Schafter is being chased by the police.

Notable owners

Mikhail Faustin can be seen riding in a unique Russian Mafia Schafter during the mission The Master and the Molotov. It has black rims and a silver grille. Jimmy Pegorino also owns a black Schafter, with black rims and silver standard Schafter grille.