The Imponte Dukes is a two-door muscle car featured in Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, and later returned in the enhanced version of Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online.
Influence
HD Universe
The Dukes appears to be chiefly modeled after the second-generation Dodge Charger, incorporating the front fascia of the third-generation Charger. Additionally, the front fascia appears to feature elements from the 1968–1969 Pontiac LeMans and the 1967–1969 Pontiac Firebird, with the C-pillar also resembling that of the Firebird. The manufacturer's badge can also be found on the right grille of the front bumper, similar to the badge placement found on the 1968 Pontiac GTO, while the center piece of the grille shares a similar shape with that of the 1972–1974 Plymouth Barracuda. The rear fascia resembles that of the 1970 Mercury Monterey.
Design
Grand Theft Auto IV
The Dukes is the quintessential American muscle car: aggressive 1970s styling, a large engine, and a low, roaring exhaust note. It may feature a single primary color, with most of its details painted in a secondary color, being the front and rear ends, window trim, wheel arches, side lower trim and rear bumper. "IMPONTE" badges can be seen at the front left end and rear end, as well as "450cui Supercharged" badges on the front fenders. It is one of the few cars that does not have a license plate, the others being the Slamvan, Contender, the beater variant of the Vigero, and most notably on most supercars such as the Comet, Super GT, Turismo, and the Infernus.
The Dukes can be found with any combination of cosmetic accessories:
- A standard ram-air hood.
- A pentagon-shaped intake bulge on the hood with "supercharged" badges on it.
- A set of rear louvers.
- A rear spoiler.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
The Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars rendition is very similar to that of GTA IV, but varies in the manner in which they appear. Like in GTA IV, the game features two variants; they consist of a regular Dukes, which commonly appears all over the city, and a Spanish Lords Dukes, which is most distinguishable by its hood blower and neon underglow.
Grand Theft Auto V and Online
- Original version
While the Dukes does not appear in the original version of GTA V (prior to its appearance in the enhanced version), the player can modify their vehicle's wheels by selecting the "Dukes" muscle wheels in Los Santos Customs. The car is also mentioned in the police scanner files under the filename "0x09223C6C," meaning it was possibly considered to appear in the original game. It also makes a brief cameo in TV, where an advertisement for the Cunning Stunt Academy features two Dukes on the logo.
- Enhanced version
The Dukes reappears in the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC version of Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online, retaining the same design as the GTA IV Dukes, but now with a vinyl top as its stock roof, and a plate holder added to the rear. When the headlights are turned on and off, a grille plate retracts and extends in a similar fashion to the Dodge Charger, but instead of the grille-plate descending from the top, it rises from below.
Most of the original extras from GTA IV reappeared as customization options, with the exception of the rear louvers, which are no longer available. However, it makes up for roof modifications, which restores the hard-top appearance, and the ability to feature national flags printed on the roof (which offers the same variety as the ones available for the Marshall).
Current Design Gallery
Performance
Grand Theft Auto IV
The Dukes is powered by an apparent 450cui (7.4L) supercharged engine (according to badging) coupled to a four-speed gearbox in a FR layout, pumping out a whopping 750 horsepower, and the engine model further appears to be a V8. Unfortunately, most of the power cannot be transferred to the wheels due to its heavy weight, which outweighs traction, resulting in slow acceleration. Thankfully, the Dukes makes up for its poor acceleration with its top speed, which is 76 mph (which, considering the top speeds of other vehicles, is rather high).
Lending to its design generation (mid 1960s to early 1970s), the Dukes has one of the softest suspensions on any vehicle, generating massive body roll in turns and resulting in unimpressive, sluggish handling, but the incredible amount of power still delivered to the rear wheels causes massive oversteer, though, with practice, the player can power-slide with great ease, making the Dukes one of the most impressive power-sliding vehicles in-game.
Braking is rather poor in its GTA IV appearance, due to its weight. Crash deformation is acceptable; the Dukes can take many side, frontal and rear impacts, with little deformation, and from the rear especially, minimal loss of control.
GTA IV Overview
| Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh) |
Gears | Engines | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) |
Mass (kg / lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 83 / 135 | 4 | N/A | RWD | 1700 / 3748 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | 750BHP 450cui (7.4L) Supercharged (Badging) | N/A | N/A |
| 9.3 Seconds | 76 / 122 | 4 | FR SOHC V8 (in-game model) | RWD | Cannot be observed |
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
The regular Dukes in Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is generally somewhat above average in speed, handling and braking. Grip is quite poor, and the car often drifts out of control at high speeds, but not as bad as the Stallion.
Grand Theft Auto V and Online
The Dukes returns almost unchanged performance wise, the most noticeable change is the handing line, which, as with all other cars in GTA V, has been stiffened to make the car quicker at reacting to movement. The car's stability has also improved, but not enough for it to softly land after even the smallest of jumps. Acceleration has also greatly improved partly because of the handling fixes, which minimizes any threats on the power-to-weight ratio.
Because of GTA V's fixes to the vehicle damage, the car's durability has been increased dramatically, and deformation reduced. The amount that the car oversteers has been reduced, as well as spinning out chances and stopping distances.
The engine model is reused from GTA IV's rendition, albeit with more detail. The model enhances the replicated camshafts and timing belt, revealing a double-overhead camshaft supercharged V8. The engine sound is identical to that of the Dominator, Phoenix and Vigero being notably loud, louder than many other muscle cars in the game.
GTA V and Online Overview
| Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh) |
Gears | Engine | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) |
Mass (kg / lbs) |
Fuel Tank Size (litres) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 89 / 144 | 5 | N/A | RWD | 1600 / 3527 | 65 |
| N/A | 144 / 232 | 5 | 750BHP 450cui (7.4L) Supercharged (Badging) | RWD | 1600 / 3527 | N/A |
| 6.2 Seconds | 120 / 193 | 5 | FR SOHC V8 (in-game model) | RWD | Cannot be observed | Cannot be observed |
Rockstar Games Social Club
Grand Theft Auto V and Online
Modifications
Grand Theft Auto V and Online
| Category | Modification | Cost (GTA V) | Cost (GTA Online) | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armor | No Armor | $325 | $650 | ||
| Armor Upgrade 20% | $1,625 | $6,375 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 40% | $4,062 | $10,625 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 60% | $6,500 | $17,000 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 80% | $11,375 | $29,750 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 100% | $16,250 | $42,500 | |||
| Brakes | Stock Brakes | $325 | $650 | ||
| Street Brakes | $6,500 | $13,000 | |||
| Sport Brakes | $8,775 | $17,550 | |||
| Race Brakes | $11,375 | $22,750 | |||
| Bumpers | Stock Front Bumper | $750 | $1,500 |  | |
| Custom Front Splitter | $1,250 | $2,500 |  | ||
| Stock Rear Bumper | $750 | $1,500 |  | ||
| Wheelie Bar | $1,250 | $2,500 |  | ||
| Engine | EMS Upgrade, Level 1 | $2,925 | $5,850 | ||
| EMS Upgrade, Level 2 | $4,062 | $8,125 | |||
| EMS Upgrade, Level 3 | $5,850 | $11,700 | |||
| EMS Upgrade, Level 4 | $10,887 | $21,775 | |||
| Exhausts | Stock Exhaust | $130 | $260 |  | |
| Dual Exit Exhaust | $375 | $750 |  | ||
| Side Exit Exhaust | $899 | $1,800 |  | ||
| Explosives | Ignition Bomb | N/A | $5,000 | ||
| Remote Bomb | N/A | $7,500 | |||
| Hoods | Stock Hood | $450 | $900 |  | |
| Performance Hood | $850 | $1,700 |  | ||
| Ram Air Hood | $1,200 | $2,400 |  | ||
| Carbon Hood | $1,450 | $2,900 |  | ||
| Single Intake Bug Catcher | $2,225 | $4,450 |  | ||
| Triple Intake Bug Catcher | $2,500 | $5,000 |  | ||
| Horns | Main article: Vehicle Customization in GTA V/Horns | - | - | ||
| Lights | Headlights | Stock Lights | $200 | $400 | |
| Xenon Lights | $1,000 | $5,000 | |||
| Neon Kits | Main article: Vehicle Customization in GTA V/Lights | - | - | ||
| Loss/Theft Prevention | Tracker | N/A | Too Hot | ||
| Full Coverage | N/A | Too Hot | |||
| Plates | Blue on White 1 | $50 | $200 | ||
| Blue on White 2 | $50 | $200 | |||
| Blue on White 3 | $50 | $200 | |||
| Yellow on Blue | $75 | $300 | |||
| Yellow on Black | $150 | $600 | |||
| Respray | Main article: Vehicle Customization in GTA V/Respray Colors | - | - | ||
| Roll Cages | No Roll Cage | $350 | $700 |  | |
| Roll Cage and Chassis Upgrade | $550 | $1,100 |  | ||
| Stunt Cage | $675 | $1,350 |  | ||
| Roofs | Stock Roof | $100 | $200 |  | |
| Painted Roof | $350 | $700 |  | ||
|
$2,500 | $2,500 | |||
| Sell | Sell Vehicle | N/A | Too Hot | ||
| Spoilers | None | $500 | $1,000 |  | |
| Mid Level Spoiler | $750 | $1,500 |  | ||
| Suspension | Stock Suspension | $100 | $200 | ||
| Lowered Suspension | $500 | $1,000 | |||
| Street Suspension | $1,000 | $2,000 | |||
| Sport Suspension | $1,700 | $3,400 | |||
| Competition Suspension | $2,200 | $4,400 | |||
| Transmission | Stock Transmission | $325 | $650 | ||
| Street Transmission | $9,587 | $19,175 | |||
| Sports Transmission | $10,562 | $21,125 | |||
| Race Transmission | $13,000 | $26,000 | |||
| Turbo | None | $1,625 | $3,250 | ||
| Turbo Tuning | $8,125 | $42,500 | |||
| Wheels | Main article: Vehicle Customization in GTA V/Wheels | - | - | ||
| Wheelie Bars | No Wheelie Bar | $750 | $1,500 | | |
| Wheelie Bar | $1,250 | $2,500 | | ||
| Windows | None | $100 | $500 | ||
| Light Smoke | $200 | $1,500 | |||
| Dark Smoke | $450 | $3,500 | |||
| Limo | $700 | $5,000 | |||
Gallery
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto V and Online
Variants
Duke O'DeathGrand Theft Auto V & Grand Theft Auto Online |
 (Rear quarter view) |
A modified armored variant of the Dukes, named Duke O'Death, was added in the enhanced version of GTA V. It has the same chassis and body style as the standard model, but features various aesthetic and performance enhancements. |
Beater DukesGrand Theft Auto Online |
 (Rear quarter view) |
A beater variant of the Dukes, named Beater Dukes, was added in the Los Santos Summer Special update for the enhanced version of GTA Online. It has the same chassis and body style as the standard model, but features damaged parts and a worn interior, which can be fixed through customization. |
Special Variants
Grand Theft Auto IV
- As a possible parody of Dodge's Super Bee, the Dukes is available in a modified "Highway Reaper" version, featuring an extensive amount of modifications, being a large supercharger with a bug catcher, "Highway Reaper" decals on the rear quarter panels, a chin spoiler mounted under the front bumper, (nonfunctional) hood pins, and wire mesh covers over the grille and headlights. In addition, a "750hp" badge can be seen on the side of the supercharger intake.
- A Dukes is requested as part of Stevie's Car Thefts in GTA IV, appearing across the intersection from Modo in East Holland, Algonquin with unique cherry red paint and dark metallic red trim. It will spawn in any variant. As a new Dukes will respawn at the same spot until the player delivers one to S&M Auto Sales, the player can save one at their safehouse before delivering another to Stevie. Some Dukes may spawn with black chrome (similar to the red chrome variant requested by Stevie), and usually, the rest of the car is either black or yellow.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
- In Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, there is a gang variant used by the Spanish Lords, featuring a yellow body with red undersides, an engine blower, and red neon underglow that lights up at night. The gang variant also sports slightly improved speed, and superior handling and braking.
Notable Owners
- Wade Heston owns a matte-black Dukes in GTA Chinatown Wars.
- Heston Squad used the same matte-black Dukes, but with a red siren on the top.
- Dan
- East Holland Drug Gang
Prominent Appearances in Gameplay
Grand Theft Auto IV
- Stevie's Car Thefts - The Dukes is one of the 30 vehicles wanted by Stevie's Car Thefts in the side-mission of the same name.
Locations
Grand Theft Auto IV
- Parked in the small parking area next to the abandoned Sprunk Factory on Argus Street, Tudor, Alderney.
- In the mission Lure for Francis McReary, an iridescently colored Dukes can be found across the street from the target's apartment on Denver Avenue, East Holland, Algonquin.
- Commonly spawns in Acter, Tudor (Alderney), East Holland, Northwood, Purgatory, Star Junction (Algonquin), South Bohan, Boulevard, Fortside (Bohan), Cerveza Heights, Steinway, Willis (Dukes), and Schottler (Broker)
- Sometimes spawns in Firefly Island, Firefly Projects, Beechwood City (Broker), and East Island City (Dukes).
- Spawns in traffic during Multiplayer.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
- Regular Dukes are commonly available throughout the city.
- Spanish Lords Dukes only spawn within Spanish Lords turf in southwestern Bohan and northeastern Algonquin.
Grand Theft Auto V
- Spawns commonly in Rockford Hills, Davis and Del Perro.
- Sometimes spawns outside Los Santos Customs in Burton and La Mesa, usually heavily modified.
- Can be bought at Southern San Andreas Super Autos for $62,000.
- On PC, Duel has to be completed before the Dukes will appear on the website.
It should be noted that in single player, the Dukes, Stallion and Blista Compact will spawn in traffic regardless of whether the player is a returning player from the last console generation, and thus are free for the player to take and modify. However, the player is unable to store these vehicles at any of the purchasable garages, and thus must store them at one of the three protagonist's safehouses.
Grand Theft Auto Online
- Sometimes found around Rancho, Davis, La Puerta and Cypress Flats and Vespucci Beach.
- Rarely spawns on the Great Ocean Highway, just outside Los Santos.
- These aforementioned locations found cannot be kept or sold due to it being too hot to modify.
- Can be bought at Southern San Andreas Super Autos for $62,000 or free for returning players.
- After July 26, 2021, the vehicle was made free for all players, regardless of their "returning player" status.
Rewards
Grand Theft Auto IV
- After completing Stevie's car thefts side-mission, he will buy the Dukes from Niko for $2,200 (regardless of the variant).
Radio Stations
- In Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition, the default radio stations are grouped by genre. The Dukes uses the "Classic Rock" group which can play Liberty Rock Radio.
- In Grand Theft Auto V and Online, the default radio stations are grouped by genre. The Dukes uses the "Punk" group which plays Channel X.
Trivia
General
- The name most likely refers to the TV show, The Dukes of Hazzard, which features a 1969 Dodge Charger known as the "General Lee". The option to add flags on the roof of the Dukes in the enhanced version of GTA V and GTA Online is a further reference to the vehicle, though the Confederate flag, featured on the original vehicle, is not available. However, the General Lee's distinctive musical horn, which plays an excerpt from the standard "Dixie", is available for purchase for the Dukes.
- The "General Lee" is also the subject of the eponymous song by Johnny Cash (originally recorded for the TV show), which is featured on Rebel Radio in GTA V.
Grand Theft Auto IV
- A Dukes can be seen in the Pißwasser advertisement, being driven to the water in a pier.
- If the player takes a Dukes to a Pay 'n' Spray too many times it will turn a unique, dark (almost black) green color. This color will then be permanent, and no amount of subsequent resprays will change it. This is most likely a glitch, as almost every other car in the game will continually cycle through its available colors each time the player visits a Pay N' Spray. The exceptions are the Buffalo from The Ballad of Gay Tony, the Cavalcade, the Infernus, the Banshee, and the PMP 600, which all suffer from the glitch.
Grand Theft Auto V and Online
- While the Dukes cannot be stored in any of the purchasable garages if the player does not own an original version copy of Grand Theft Auto V, it can be stored temporarily at each of the protagonist's safehouses (and Floyd's Apartment) and will stay there, allowing for the player to retrieve it if needed. However, it will despawn if the player quits the game or reloads the save file.
- The Dukes has two options for the same wheelie bar. It is located under "Rear Bumpers" and "Wheelie Bars".
- The "Stunt Cage" modification adds the "Highway Reaper" stickers on the rear quarter panels, similar to the GTA IV variant of the same name.
- The Dukes found in traffic always spawns with an "SA Exempt" license plate, as if it were an emergency vehicle. This is caused by the lack of plate entries in the files, causing the game to resort to the Police/Government plate. This issue also occurs on the Stallion.
Grand Theft Auto Online
- As of patch 1.33, players can drive the Dukes if they find it on the streets. Patch 1.33 overwrote patch 1.30, giving players full access to the car. However, the player cannot keep it or have it modified due to it being considered "too hot".
See Also
- Stallion - A similar muscle car that also returned to the enhanced version of Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online.
- Sabre - A similar muscle car that also appears in most Grand Theft Auto titles.
- Sabre Turbo - Another supercharged muscle car appearing in the Grand Theft Auto series.