In a move that bucks the global trend toward electrification, Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) has introduced a remarkable flat-8 (boxer) engine for its new grand touring motorcycle. This unexpected development, unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, signals that while the Chinese government is heavily supporting the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles, it is not stifling innovation in internal combustion technology.
The Souo S2000 motorcycle, with Souo meaning “soul,” marks GWM’s bold entry into the premium motorcycle market, a segment the company is not traditionally known for, given its reputation for SUVs and trucks. What makes this launch even more intriguing is its timing, as many Western manufacturers are scaling back on larger displacement engines due to regulatory pressures. In contrast, GWM is embracing a 4.0-liter turbocharged flat-8 powerplant, moving in the opposite direction.
Technical Specifications That Impress
The Souo S2000 features an impressive wheelbase of 71.3 inches and a lightweight frame at just 1,016 pounds, remarkable for a motorcycle equipped with such a substantial engine. The flat-8 configuration, with four cylinders on each side in a horizontally opposed layout, offers excellent balance and a low center of gravity, enhancing stability.
Performance-wise, the motorcycle is equally striking. It is capable of reaching a top speed of 130 mph, and with 154 horsepower, it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds. These performance figures place it in direct competition with established grand touring models.
What makes this development particularly unique is the choice of engine configuration. Flat or boxer engines are rarely seen in motorcycles, with BMW’s opposed twins being among the few examples. A flat-8 engine in a motorcycle is virtually unheard of, marking a significant engineering achievement for GWM.
A Personal Project with Limited Production
The Souo motorcycle is a personal project of GWM Chairman Wei Jianjun, reflecting a passion for innovative engineering. Production will be limited to just 200 units, with 88 special “Founders Edition” models. These limited-edition bikes will feature 24-karat gold accents and carbon fiber components, each with a numbered plate bearing the chairman’s signature, making them coveted collector’s items.
The base model is priced at $28,900, while the Founders Edition will retail for $38,500, placing it firmly in the luxury touring motorcycle market alongside established competitors.
Challenging the Grand Touring Establishment
With this bold move, GWM is directly targeting the premium grand touring motorcycle segment, traditionally dominated by models like the Honda Gold Wing and BMW K1600. These models have built their reputations on powerful, smooth engines and long-distance comfort.
The flat-8 engine in the Souo S2000 is a testament to GWM’s ambition to compete at the highest level in this market. Known for its smooth operation, primary balance, and distinctive character, the boxer engine configuration is ideal for a touring motorcycle intended for long-distance rides.
Have you ever experienced the unique sensation of a flat or boxer engine? Unlike inline or V-configurations, it delivers minimal vibration, offering a distinctive ride where the bike slightly rocks side to side when revving at a standstill.
Swimming Against the Current
This development sharply contrasts with trends in Western markets, where manufacturers are increasingly focused on smaller engines, hybrid drivetrains, or all-electric models to meet stringent emissions standards. While brands like Harley-Davidson are investing in electric motorcycles like the LiveWire, GWM is choosing a very different path.
The Chinese market operates under different conditions, with strong demand for traditional internal combustion engines alongside the growing electric vehicle sector. This allows GWM to explore projects that might not be commercially viable in Western markets at present.
The flat-8 engine could also serve as a technology showcase and brand-building exercise for GWM, demonstrating the company’s engineering prowess as it aims to expand its footprint in global markets, both in two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.