Yes, we are being (mostly) serious here. The Bravado Banshee, a Grand Theft Auto icon since the third game, has been made into a road car ahead of the GTA 5 launch. Because that definitely needed a publicity boost...
A videogaming star made real - and up for grabs!
And better than that, the Banshee can be won. Take a look at Rockstar's
Facebook page
for details of the GTA 5 competition.
So what do you stand to win? Well, despite there being no mechanical spec released, we'd have to assume the Banshee was based on the Dodge Viper it's clearly inspired by. But which one? The most recent SRT/10 is probably too new (see expensive) to butcher for a Banshee and the original Viper probably too rare and difficult to source.
So that leaves the second generation SRT/10, all 510hp, 535lb ft and 8.3-litres of it. But then the badge says 'twin-turbo' so it could be a whole lot more. Naturally aspirated or turbocharged, it should be more than capable of outrunning the cops after a job, not that we condone such action of course.
The Viper origins become even more apparent inside, with a near-identical dash layout. Yes, there's some carbon and 'Banshee' embroidered on various surfaces, but they're fooling nobody.
Suitable shy and retiring inside and out
The exterior styling again takes the Viper look and adds some more drama. Unfortunately, that elongated tail makes the rear overhang too larger and the headlights are rather dwarfed by that huge front bumper. Still, it's distinctive, and you should have no problems attracting a certain kind of lady should you wish...
But there will only be one Banshee of course. We can only hope it is won by the right person who wants to use it on the road (and obey every traffic law, naturally). If you want the Banshee experience with ever so slightly less visual attitude, there are a few Vipers for sale on PH. Our particular favourite is this very low-mileage first-gen Viper in the classic colour combo of red with silver stripes.
BRAVADO BANSHEE
Price: Competition prize!
Why you should: For anyone who's ever played GTA, it's the coolest car ever
Why you shouldn't: For anyone who hasn't played GTA, it looks like a dodgy Viper kit car
