While many car manufacturers are downsizing their engines, GWM Tank is boldly going in the opposite direction with the debut of an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 engine. Contrary to the prevailing trend of smaller engines, GWM’s V8 is expected to deliver immense power and torque, making it a formidable contender in the automotive world.
Though exact performance figures have not been revealed, the new engine is expected to far exceed the output of GWM’s current V6 hybrid powertrain, which delivers 380kW and 800Nm of torque. This new V8 will also feature a plug-in hybrid system, adding even more power and efficiency to the equation.
During his keynote address at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show, GWM Tank’s global brand head, Gu Yukun, acknowledged the challenges faced by large displacement engines in export markets but confidently declared that GWM had solved issues that many overseas automakers had not been able to tackle.
The new V8 engine is expected to make its way into multiple global markets, including Australia, and is likely to debut in GWM’s off-road focused Tank brand, with the Tank 300 Hooke being a strong contender for the engine. This would position the Tank 300 as a rival to the V8-powered Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, which was never offered in Australia due to its left-hand drive configuration.
GWM executives have stated that the new V8 engine could be fitted into various Tank models, and the brand is considering the new powertrain for a range of vehicles. Yukun also highlighted that the engine’s advanced software-controlled fuel injection system would help it meet emissions regulations in international markets. Additionally, the hybrid module, featuring a single e-motor integrated into the transmission, will further enhance the vehicle’s performance and efficiency.
“The mechanical charm of the V8 engine is intact, and performance will be wild!” said Yukun, adding excitement to the release.
Beyond the off-road models, GWM has hinted that the new twin-turbo V8 engine may also be used in luxury vehicles, potentially making its way into the Tank 500 and Tank 700 models in the future. There’s even speculation that the V8 could power the GWM Cannon Alpha, a truck that could rival the Ford Ranger Raptor in terms of performance and capability.