Great Wall Motors, is eyeing the addition of V8 power in Australia, with a new flagship SUV leading the charge.
During the Beijing Auto Show, the Chinese brand flagged plans to introduce its newly developed V8 engine across multiple models, with the GWM Tank 700 emerging as a likely candidate for local showrooms.
Australia is firmly on the radar, as the company targets markets where demand for big-capacity engines still runs deep.
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It comes at a time when V8 engines are slowly disappearing, squeezed out by tightening emissions rules and the rapid shift to electrification.
Yet Aussie buyers haven’t completely let go. Models like the Nissan Patrol, Ford Mustang and Land Rover Defender remain among the few still carrying the torch.
GWM Chairman Jack Wei says the newly developed V8 engine was deliberately designed for the global market, particularly Australia and New Zealand.
“In the future, the Tank 700 will also use a V8 engine,” Mr Wei said.
“This is completely opposite to the current environment or trend in China; it does not fit the Chinese market. We developed this V8 to meet the needs of more global users, in markets such as Australia and New Zealand.”
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The current version of the Tank 700 features a 260kW/560Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine and remains under consideration for Australia.
But the SUV is only part of the V8 story.
GWM has also revealed plans to build China’s first GT3 race car, using the same in-house 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.
“The supercar uses a high-performance V8, while the Tank 700 uses a normal V8,” Jack Wei said.
To compete in GT3, a manufacturer must produce a mass-market, road-legal version of the car. GWM has confirmed that it plans to use its GF supercar as the foundation for its global motorsport ambitions.
The Chinese automaker says its road-legal GF supercar will be a plug-in hybrid, competing with the Ferrari SF90 and Toyota’s GR GT.
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Reports suggest the project has been developed with input from former McLaren Automotive chief engineer Adam Thomson, and could break cover as early as next year.
However, no official timeline has been locked in.
GWM isn’t the only Chinese brand looking to compete in global motorsports.
Rival Chinese brands like Chery have outlined a five-year roadmap to make their debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while BYD is reportedly evaluating a program in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Geely-owned Lynk and Co. also recently launched its 03+ TCR car while presenting a GT concept at the Beijing Motor Show.
