Great Wall Motor (GWM) is shifting its engineering focus toward international markets, specifically targeting the preferences of Australian and New Zealander drivers. The company has revealed plans to equip its flagship Tank 700 SUV with a V8 engine, a move that departs significantly from the current automotive trends seen in mainland China.
A Strategic Departure from the Chinese Market
In China, the automotive industry is moving aggressively toward small-displacement engines and full electrification. Large-capacity V8 engines are increasingly rare in that region. However, GWM Chairman Jack Wei notes that this “opposite” approach is a deliberate move to cater to global consumers who still demand high-output, large-capacity powertrains.
While GWM is also developing a high-performance V8 for an upcoming supercar (expected in 2027), the V8 destined for the Tank 700 is a “normal” V8 designed for utility and durability rather than pure track performance.
Tailoring Power for Towing and Off-Roading
The development of this V8 engine appears to be a strategic pivot. It is understood that the engine was originally intended for a full-size pickup truck designed to compete with American giants like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. After GWM paused its plans to enter the US market, the Tank 700 emerged as the most logical platform to house this powerful powertrain.
Key technical details of the proposed setup:
- Hybrid Integration: Rather than a traditional purely petrol engine, GWM is reportedly looking at a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) V8 configuration.
- Operational Logic: The system is intended to function primarily as an electric vehicle (EV) at low speeds, with the V8 engine engaging during high-load scenarios, such as heavy towing or technical off-roading.
- Market Specificity: By focusing on a hybrid V8, GWM aims to bridge the gap between traditional heavy-duty power and modern emissions requirements.
What this means for the Australian Market
For Australian drivers, the Tank 700 represents a direct challenge to established heavy-duty icons like the Toyota LandCruiser. The Australian market has a unique appetite for large, body-on-frame SUVs capable of significant towing capacities—a demand that is often underserved by the rapid shift toward smaller four-cylinder engines globally.
While GWM has not officially confirmed a launch date for Australia, the company has strongly hinted at its arrival. Reports suggest GWM Australia may wait for a next-generation version of the Tank 700 to introduce this specific V8 hybrid powertrain, skipping the current V6-based lineup offered in China.
Current Comparison: Tank 700 Powertrains
To understand the scale of the upgrade, it is helpful to look at the current Tank 700 engine options:
| Engine Type | Power Output | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L Turbo V6 (Petrol) | 260kW | 560Nm |
| Hi4-T (PHEV) | 385kW | 800Nm |
| Hi4-Z (PHEV) | 720kW | 1375Nm |
Note: The proposed V8 hybrid aims to provide a specialized high-torque solution specifically optimized for the heavy-duty needs of the Oceania region.
GWM’s strategy reflects a recognition that “one size does not fit all” in the global automotive landscape; what works in the urban centers of China may not satisfy the rugged requirements of the Australian outback.
Conclusion
By developing a V8 hybrid specifically for the Tank 700, GWM is attempting to carve out a niche in the premium heavy-duty SUV segment, directly addressing the unique towing and off-road demands of the Australian and New Zealand markets.
