Driving & Vehicle Mechanics

Master L.A. Noire's driving mechanics and vehicle types. Learn to navigate 1947 Los Angeles efficiently in Cole Phelps's patrol cars and other modes of transpo.

Navigating the sprawling streets of 1947 Los Angeles is a core part of Cole Phelps's daily routine. While not as central as investigation or interrogation, mastering the driving mechanics and understanding the various vehicles at your disposal can significantly impact your efficiency and overall experience. This section will detail everything you need to know about getting around L.A.

Basic Driving Controls

The driving controls in L.A. Noire are straightforward, but require a bit of finesse to handle the era-appropriate vehicles effectively. Expect a more 'floaty' feel compared to modern sports cars, reflecting the suspension and weight of 1940s automobiles.

• Accelerate: (Right Trigger/R2) – Press to increase speed.
• Brake/Reverse: (Left Trigger/L2) – Press to apply brakes; hold to reverse.
• Steer: (Left Analog Stick) – Move left or right to turn the vehicle.
• Handbrake: (A Button/X Button) – Useful for sharp turns or quick stops.
• Horn: (Left Analog Stick Click/L3) – Announce your presence.
• Siren (Police Vehicles): (Right Analog Stick Click/R3) – Activate or deactivate the siren to clear traffic or signal pursuit.
• Camera Control: (Right Analog Stick) – Adjust your view around the vehicle.
• Switch Camera View: (Back Button/Select Button) – Toggle between third-person and first-person perspectives.

Partner Driving & Fast Travel

As a detective, time is often of the essence. While driving yourself offers immersion, sometimes you need to get to a crime scene or interview location quickly. Your partner is there to help.

• Request Partner to Drive: When in your police vehicle (or any vehicle you've commandeered), simply press the Y Button (Xbox 360) / Triangle Button (PS3). Cole will switch to the passenger seat, and your partner will take over.
• Fast Travel: Once your partner is driving, you'll often be given the option to "Skip Journey" by holding down the A Button (Xbox 360) / X Button (PS3). This will instantly transport you to your destination, saving valuable real-world time. This is particularly useful for longer drives across the city, such as traveling from the Central Police Station to a distant crime scene in Hollywood or Wilshire.
• When to Use: use partner driving and fast travel when you're not actively pursuing a suspect, responding to a dispatch call that requires immediate action, or when you simply want to avoid a lengthy drive.

Vehicle Types & Handling

The game features a wide array of period-accurate vehicles, each with distinct handling characteristics. While you'll primarily use police vehicles, you can commandeer civilian cars if necessary.

• Police Vehicles:
  • Ford Custom V8 Police Cruiser: Your standard issue patrol car. Balanced handling, decent speed, and equipped with a siren. This will be your most frequent ride during the Patrol and Traffic Desks.
  • Cadillac Series 75 Police: A larger, more powerful police vehicle often seen in later desks. Heavier, but offers good top speed.
  • Buick Super Police: Another common police vehicle, offering a good balance of speed and maneuverability.
• Civilian Vehicles:
  • Sedans (e.g., Chevrolet Fleetmaster, Ford Deluxe): Common, average handling. Good for blending in, but lack sirens.
  • Coupes (e.g., Lincoln Continental Coupe, Cadillac Series 62 Coupe): Generally faster and more agile than sedans, but less durable in collisions.
  • Trucks & Utility Vehicles (e.g., GMC Pickup, Ford Transit Van): Slower, heavier, and less nimble. Best avoided for pursuits unless absolutely necessary.
  • Luxury Cars (e.g., Duesenberg Walker Coupe, Cord 810): Often the fastest and most stylish cars available, but can be difficult to control at high speeds.
• Vehicle Damage: Vehicles in L.A. Noire sustain realistic damage. Excessive collisions will degrade performance, affect steering, and can eventually lead to the car becoming inoperable. Keep an eye on your vehicle's condition, especially during pursuits.

Pursuits & Chases

Vehicle pursuits are a dynamic element of certain cases. Success often hinges on a combination of aggressive driving and strategic use of your partner.

• Initiating a Pursuit: Pursuits typically begin when a suspect flees a scene or attempts to escape in a vehicle.
• Maintaining Visual: Keep the suspect's vehicle in sight. If they get too far ahead, the pursuit may be called off, resulting in a failed objective.
• Using Your Partner:
  • Shooting: During some pursuits, your partner will automatically open fire on the suspect's vehicle. Focus on maintaining position to give them clear shots.
  • Ramming: You can attempt to ram the suspect's vehicle to disable it or force them off the road. Be cautious, as this can also damage your own vehicle.
• Roadblocks: In some cases, dispatch may set up roadblocks ahead of the suspect. Drive towards these markers to assist in apprehending the target.
• Minimizing Civilian Casualties: While you're a police officer, reckless driving that causes excessive civilian deaths or property damage will negatively impact your case rating. Drive responsibly when not in pursuit.

Hidden Vehicles & Collectibles

Beyond the standard cars, Los Angeles holds secrets for the automotive enthusiast. There are 30 unique, hidden vehicles scattered throughout the city.

• Finding Hidden Vehicles: These vehicles are often parked in out-of-the-way locations, back alleys, or specific parking lots. They are not marked on the map until you discover them.
• Unlocking: Once you enter a hidden vehicle, it becomes permanently unlocked and available for selection from any police station garage.
• Strategy: During your downtime between cases, or when your partner is driving, keep an eye out for unusual or pristine vehicles parked off the main roads. Exploring every nook and cranny of the city will eventually lead you to them. A good starting point for exploration is the areas around the various police stations and major landmarks.
• Benefits: Unlocking all 30 hidden vehicles contributes to the "Auto Fanatic" trophy/achievement and provides you with a diverse garage of classic cars to enjoy.