Habanero

File:Habanero-GTA4-front.jpg

A Habanero in GTA IV (Rear quarter view).

The Emperor Habanero is a four-door mid-size crossover SUV found in Grand Theft Auto IV.

Description

The Habanero appears to be based primarily off of the 2004-2009 Lexus RX (a rebadge of the Japanese Toyota Harrier), but it is slightly bulkier. Interior bears the same badges and design cues like that used in Imponte DF8-90. Like the Lexus, the Habanero doesn't do well off road, due to it being low to the ground and more sport-oriented and it is slightly porky (for a small CUV) 4850 lbs/2200 kgs curb weight. However, the Habanero is good for cruising around Liberty City.

Performance

The Habanero is powered by a numb-feeling V6, paired to a 5 speed gearbox in an AWD configuration. Borrowing it's specifications from the Lexus RX, the Habanero focuses more on stability and luxury rather than performance, leaving acceleration off the line slow, a 0-60mph time of about 10.7 seconds, with an average top speed of 155mph(250km/h). Braking is below average, due in part to constant front wheel lockup. ABS is strangly not available on the Habanero, but would make a wonderful addition. Handling at speed is fair, though the suspension does not perform as well as what would be expected. At slow speeds, it's far too soft leading to body roll, while at high speeds it's far too firm and unforgiving. Crash deformation is below average and build quality is sub-par, often leading to catastrophic failure after only a few accidents. The Habanero seems to be best suited for long-distance cruising between islands, or as a last resort mode of transportation.

Trivia

• A habanero is a type of chili, in fact, the name might be inspired from the Porsche Cayenne, also a crossover SUV, since it is also a type of chili pepper.
• In GTA IV, the two default radio stations in the Habanero are Jazz Nation Radio 108.5 and Fusion FM.

Locations

• Can be seen in western Algonquin, and also spawns in Alderney.