How to Complete Moving Heat in Cyberpunk 2077 and Get the Charon Car

The Phantom Liberty expansion introduced a wealth of side content that expands on the lore of Dogtown, but few missions are as rewarding as "Moving Heat." This quest isn't just about another car; it’s a narrative bridge that connects V to the French Netrunner twins, Aurora and Aymeric Cassel, whose presence looms large over the DLC's main plot. By completing this mission, you gain access to their personal vehicle, a customized Quadra that stands out as a top choice for players who value both aesthetics and speed.

However, "Moving Heat" is also widely regarded as one of the more technically temperamental quests in the game. From missing quest markers to Patch 2.1-specific bugs that lock the vehicle, navigating this mission requires more than just a quick trigger finger. In this guide, we will break down the exact steps to trigger the quest, the most effective stealth strategies, and the verified fixes for common technical hurdles.

How to Trigger the Moving Heat Quest

Unlike many side jobs in Night City that appear as yellow markers on your map, "Moving Heat" is a reactive quest. It requires specific narrative progress within the Phantom Liberty storyline before it becomes available. According to the Cyberpunk Wiki , the primary trigger is the completion of the mission "Firestarter."

Prerequisites for Ashlay’s Text Message

Simply finishing "Firestarter" isn't always enough to trigger the contact immediately. Many players find that the quest only activates after the political landscape of Dogtown shifts. Specifically, completing "Run This Town" —the quest involving Mr. Hands and the succession of Kurt Hansen—is often cited by the community as a secondary requirement. Once these conditions are met, a Netrunner named Ashlay will send V a text message regarding a "special interest" vehicle located in the stadium.

If the text hasn't arrived yet, try the following steps:

• Fast Travel out of Dogtown: Move to a district like Watson or Heywood to force the game to refresh its script queue.
• Wait 24–48 In-Game Hours: Use the "Skip Time" feature in the character menu.
• Check Your Messages: Ensure you haven't already received a message from an unknown number that you missed during a combat encounter.

Should You Use Stealth or Combat in the Garage?

When you arrive at the EBM Petrochem Stadium, you are faced with a choice: fight your way through the Barghest security forces or slip through the shadows. While Cyberpunk 2077 allows for both, the "Moving Heat" quest is designed with a clear preference for the quiet approach.

The Consequences of Going Loud

If you choose combat, the mission difficulty spikes significantly. The garage is a confined space with limited cover, and Barghest will call in reinforcements, including heavy gunners and combat drones. Furthermore, engaging in combat triggers a high "Heat" level. Upon entering the car, you will immediately be pursued by MaxTac-level security, making the escape from the stadium garage exceptionally difficult. Many players report that the "Neutralize all enemies" objective can occasionally bug out if a single guard is stuck behind a wall, preventing you from ever entering the car.

The Benefits of the Stealth Approach

Stealth is widely considered the superior method for this mission. By remaining undetected, you avoid the "Neutralize" objective entirely. This not only prevents potential quest locks but also ensures that when you finally drive the Quadra Sport R-7 Charon out of the stadium, your wanted level is much lower, allowing for a faster and safer escape. It feels like a true Netrunner heist, fitting the narrative context of Ashlay’s request.

Factor	Stealth Approach	Combat Approach
Difficulty	Moderate (Requires Timing)	High (Reinforcements)
Time to Complete	10–15 Minutes	15–20 Minutes
Escape Difficulty	Low to Moderate	Very High (MaxTac)
Bug Risk	Low	High (Objective Locks)

How to Sneak Into the Stadium Using the Truck Trick

The most efficient way to enter the garage isn't through the front door or the service elevator, but via a delivery truck. This "Truck Trick" is a favorite among the community and is documented in various Reddit strategy threads .

Finding the Delivery Truck

Head to the security checkpoint located on the outskirts of the EBM Petrochem Stadium. You will see a large gate where Barghest soldiers scan incoming vehicles. Look for a large, yellow delivery truck waiting in the queue. These trucks arrive periodically; if one isn't there, wait a few moments for the next cycle.

Mastering the Timing

The truck will pull up to the scanner. As the scanner turns green and the gate begins to rise, there is a small window where the truck is stationary. Jump into the open back of the truck. Stay crouched and hidden behind the crates. The truck will drive you directly past the main security forces and into the heart of the garage, bypassing the most heavily guarded entrance points entirely.

Step-by-Step Stealth Walkthrough for the Petrochem Garage

Once you are inside the garage, the real work begins. You need to reach the Quadra Sport R-7 Charon, wipe its tracking data, and get out without raising the alarm.

1. Locate the Service Elevator: If you didn't use the truck, you'll need to find the service elevator near the stadium market. Be careful not to confuse this with the main market entrance; the service elevator is tucked away in a side corridor marked with Petrochem signage.
2. Activate Optical Camo: If you have the Optical Camo cyberware, now is the time to use it. It makes the initial traversal across the garage floor much simpler. If not, stick to the right side of the garage, moving between the stacks of shipping containers.
3. Use Distraction Hacks: The garage is filled with vending machines, floodlights, and terminal screens. Use the "Distract Enemies" quickhack to pull guards away from their patrol routes. If you have the "Sonic Shock" hack, use it on isolated guards to ensure they can't alert their squad if you are spotted for a split second.
4. Reach the Terminal: The Quadra Sport R-7 Charon is parked in a central bay. Before you can drive it, you must interact with the terminal located on the wall directly behind the car. This terminal wipes the biometric data of the Cassel twins and replaces it with V's signature.
5. Enter the Vehicle: Once the data wipe is complete, Ashlay will remotely open the garage doors. Quickly enter the car. Do not linger, as the guards will eventually notice the car moving.

"The car is yours, V. Just make sure you don't leave any Petrochem blood on the upholstery. It's a classic, after all." — Ashlay

How to Lose the Heat and Keep the Quadra Sport R-7 Charon

Stealing the car is only half the battle. As soon as you exit the garage, you will likely have a two or three-star wanted level. The stadium exit is a bottleneck, and Barghest patrols are thick on the main roads.

The Escape Route

Immediately after exiting the stadium gate, turn right . Most players instinctively go straight toward the main Dogtown gate, but this is a mistake as it is heavily guarded. Turning right leads you toward the vertical slums and construction areas. These paths are narrower and more difficult for police cruisers to navigate.

Dropping the Wanted Level Fast

Community members on Steam Community forums suggest a few clever ways to drop the heat. Driving into a Ripperdoc shop or a player apartment in Dogtown can force a zone change that resets the AI search parameters. Alternatively, find a multi-level parking structure or a dark alleyway and stay stationary. The Quadra Sport R-7 Charon is fast enough to outrun most standard patrols, so use its acceleration to put distance between you and the red circles on your minimap.

What Makes the Quadra Sport R-7 Charon Special?

The Quadra Sport R-7 Charon is not just a cosmetic reskin of the standard R-7. It is a top-tier performance vehicle that reflects the high-status lifestyle of the Cassel twins. In our assessment, it ranks among the most balanced cars in the game, offering a blend of raw speed and surprisingly tight handling.

Vehicle Stats and Performance

• Top Speed: Reaches approximately 185 MPH, making it competitive with the fastest hypercars in Night City.
• Handling: Unlike the standard R-7, which can feel "floaty," the Charon model has a firmer suspension, allowing for better cornering in the tight streets of Dogtown.
• Unique Feature: The "Charon" variant features a custom interior and a unique engine sound profile that sets it apart from the Vigilante or the Cthulhu.

Lore and Narrative Context

The car originally belonged to Aurora and Aymeric Cassel, the elite French Netrunners working for Colonel Hansen. By taking the car, V isn't just gaining a vehicle; they are claiming a trophy from one of the most pivotal moments in the Phantom Liberty story. Ashlay’s involvement suggests that Charon Exotics—the company that built the car—wants it back, or at least wants it out of Barghest's hands to protect their brand reputation.

Troubleshooting Common Moving Heat Bugs and Fixes

As mentioned, this quest is notably prone to technical issues, especially following Patch 2.1. If you encounter a problem, refer to the verified fixes below.

What to Do if the Car is Missing

This is the most common issue. You arrive at the quest marker, but the garage bay is empty. According to Vilesilencer, the only reliable fix is to reload a save from before you entered the stadium. If you save *inside* the garage while the car is missing, that save file may become permanently bugged for that quest. Always keep a manual save from before you receive Ashlay's text.

Fixing the Quest Lock (Neutralize All Enemies Bug)

In Patch 2.1, a bug was introduced where the "Neutralize all enemies" objective remains active even after every guard is dead. This prevents the car from being interactable. The best way to avoid this is to stay in stealth . If the objective never triggers, it cannot bug out. If you are already stuck, try leaving the stadium entirely, waiting 24 hours, and returning. If that fails, a reload is necessary.

Problem	Symptom	Verified Fix
Missing Car	Marker leads to empty floor.	Reload save from BEFORE entering stadium.
Quest Lock	"Neutralize enemies" won't clear.	Use stealth to avoid triggering the objective.
Elevator Disabled	Cannot interact with elevator.	Ensure "Run This Town" is completed first.
Infinite Heat	Wanted level never drops.	Enter a Ripperdoc or Player Apartment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get Ashlay to text me?

Ashlay typically texts V after the completion of the "Firestarter" main quest in the Phantom Liberty DLC. However, many players report a delay. To speed this up, complete the "Run This Town" side quest for Mr. Hands, then fast travel out of Dogtown and wait for 24 to 48 in-game hours. The text should arrive shortly after you return to the Dogtown gates.

Can I get the Charon car if I failed the mission?

No, if you fail the mission—usually by the car being destroyed during the escape or by leaving the mission area without the vehicle—you cannot acquire the Quadra Sport R-7 Charon through normal gameplay. You would need to reload an earlier save to attempt the mission again. It is not available for purchase at any Autofixer terminal.

Does the choice in Firestarter change the reward?

Based on community testing and official quest data, your choice to side with Reed or Songbird during "Firestarter" does not change the reward for "Moving Heat." As long as the quest triggers, the Quadra Sport R-7 Charon remains the prize regardless of your narrative path.

Is the Quadra Sport R-7 Charon the fastest car in the game?

While it is exceptionally fast, it is not the absolute fastest car in Cyberpunk 2077. That title typically belongs to the Rayfield Caliburn. However, the Charon ranks among the top performance vehicles and offers much better handling on the uneven, debris-strewn roads of Dogtown compared to the low-clearance hypercars.

Where is the car stored after the mission?

Once you lose the police heat and Ashlay confirms the transfer, the car is added to your permanent vehicle list. You can summon it at any time using the "Call Vehicle" menu (default 'V' on PC or right D-pad on consoles). It will appear under the name "Quadra Sport R-7 Charon."