Rockstar promises that vehicle handling in GTA 6 will combine the best elements from GTA 4 and GTA 5

Driving has always been one of the defining elements of the Grand Theft Auto series, right alongside stealing cars and causing chaos in the streets. That is why vehicle handling physics remain one of the most debated topics ahead of the release of GTA 6. Fans still argue over which past entry set the standard – the heavier, more realistic GTA 4 or the lighter, more arcade-like GTA 5.

Rockstar Games co-studio head Rob Nelson addressed the question in an interview with TGG. Asked whether cars in GTA 6 would feel as "weighty" as those in GTA 4, a game known for its clunky but grounded driving model, Nelson explained that the team aimed to combine the strengths of both titles.

Nelson said:

Only in the best way possible. The team has worked hard to maintain some of the best parts of the weightiness and feel of GTA 4, but have the accessibility of GTA 5. It has all been built up from scratch on this hardware, and they have much more control tuning drivetrain, tires, suspension, steering, all of that is getting applied to the physics model.

Keep in mind that neither journalists nor players have gotten hands-on access to a build of the game yet. All current impressions rely entirely on statements from Rockstar Games and publisher Take-Two, both of which have an obvious interest in generating positive buzz ahead of launch. Whether Nelson claims hold up will only become clear once the game actually releases.

GTA 6 launches November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X.