GTA 6 Vehicle Technology Could 'Humiliate' Racing Games, Says Community
The anticipation surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI has reached fever pitch, with every new image released by Rockstar Games scrutinized in meticulous detail. The latest debate centers on the game's vehicle models, after a Reddit user sparked widespread discussion by comparing GTA 6 cars directly with similar vehicles from Forza Horizon 6.
Technical Superiority in Vehicle Modeling
A thread posted in the GTA 6 subreddit has generated considerable conversation, with the original poster arguing that Rockstar is making a significant leap in how vehicles are represented. According to the analysis, GTA 6 utilizes a substantially higher polygon count for modeling 3D elements, rather than relying on simpler visual tricks and shortcuts.
Among the standout details highlighted in the comparison are:
- 3D Panel Gaps: Real geometric modeling of gaps between panels, replacing the flat seams with painted ambient occlusion used in previous titles
- Detailed Undercarriages: Visible suspension arms and chassis components on the underside of vehicles
- Enhanced Components: More elaborate suspension details and structural elements compared to GTA 5
The original poster concluded that GTA 6's vehicle technology could "humiliate" many dedicated racing games—a bold claim that has resonated throughout the community.
Expert 3D Artist Confirms Major Upgrades
The discussion gained significant momentum thanks to WiseGuy, a 3D vehicle artist and GTA 5 modder with over a decade of experience. In a detailed thread on X (formerly Twitter), WiseGuy provided professional insight into the improvements visible in GTA 6's vehicles compared to GTA 5.
WiseGuy emphasizes that returning vehicle models now feature 3D panel gaps instead of simple 2D seams with fake shadows. The artist also notes that vehicle undercarriages display substantially more detail and appear better adapted to each car's era or real-world inspiration, with more elaborate suspension components than those seen in GTA 5.
According to WiseGuy's professional assessment, Rockstar is dedicating significantly more polygons to specific details including:
- 3D badges and emblems
- Door handles and sealing lips
- Vehicle interiors
- Engine components
- Chassis and undercarriage elements
Polygon Count and Performance Considerations
WiseGuy estimates that some GTA 6 vehicles could feature between 200,000 and 300,000 polygons in their highest-quality versions. However, he notes that these premium variants are likely reserved for cinematics, static camera angles, and customization screens. The gameplay models would presumably use lower polygon counts to maintain performance on current-generation consoles.
Another crucial advancement involves the implementation of PBR (Physically Based Rendering), a technique Rockstar previously introduced in the RAGE engine with Red Dead Redemption 2. This approach enables significantly more realistic materials compared to the shader-based approach used in GTA 5.
Skepticism Remains in the Community
Despite the enthusiasm, not all community members agree the comparison is entirely fair. Several users point out that GTA 6 is still being judged based on promotional screenshots, while Forza Horizon 6 belongs to a franchise specifically specialized in vehicles and driving mechanics. This fundamental difference in game design and focus makes direct comparisons somewhat problematic.
Others argue that a proper assessment requires seeing these models in action during actual gameplay under normal gaming conditions. The way vehicles behave in motion, respond to lighting changes, and perform during dynamic scenes will provide a more accurate picture of their quality.
Digital Foundry previously raised concerns about whether the promotional screenshots shown so far actually represent real-time gameplay running on console hardware, adding another layer of uncertainty to these comparisons.
What This Means for GTA 6
Regardless of the debate's nuances, the evidence suggests Rockstar is making a substantial technical investment in vehicle fidelity for GTA 6. The shift toward geometric accuracy, increased polygon budgets, and advanced rendering techniques indicates the developer is prioritizing visual authenticity alongside gameplay innovation.
As Vice City awaits its November 2026 launch, these vehicle improvements represent just one aspect of the massive technical overhaul players can expect from the next generation of Grand Theft Auto.
