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Mourning the demise of the V8 Patrol and LandCruiser? China is here to help, debuting a new twin-turbo 4.0-litre destined for future 4WDs and luxury cars.
Chinese car giant GWM has announced plans for its first V8 engine, destined to power future Tank 4WDs – and a new range of super-luxury cars – matched with plug-in hybrid technology.
In development for a number of years, the new GWM V8 will displace 4.0 litres – and carry twin turbochargers – in what the brand describes as a "secret weapon in luxury markets", and a "masterpiece of Chinese large-displacement engines".
It is destined for a new range of luxury cars being developed by GWM – planned to sit above its overseas Wey premium marque – which may be named Confidence Auto.
But of more interest to Australia is confirmation the V8 will also be installed in future models from the Tank 4WD brand, which may include a future version of the Tank 300 Hooke off-road edition revealed at the Shanghai motor show.
"The Tank 300 is a very customisable and personalised vehicle, and in China there are already multiple versions and special editions that have been launched," GWM's right-hand-drive markets boss James Yang told Australian media through a translator.
"This [V8] is something that is definitely under consideration, and for right-hand-drive markets, it's definitely something we are still considering."
The engine will be offered in a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, envisioned to see owners drive on electric power in the city most of the time, and only call on the V8 in high-load situations such as towing, the executive said.
Power and torque outputs for the engine have not been announced, but it will rev to 8000rpm, and is touted to offer dual fuel injection and oil pump systems.
The hybrid powertrain sees the electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission – known in the car industry as a 'P2' hybrid.
It means the majority of the vehicle's power will come from the V8, with the electric motor only providing assistance – rather than many new Chinese plug-in hybrids, which lean on electricity to produce most of their power.
GWM Tank global brand vice president Gu Yukun told a Shanghai motor show media conference the car giant has "solved problems that many overseas car makers have not".
"We still believe that new energy [hybrid/electric power] cannot [replace] the V8 engine," he said.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
