In a bold move that seemingly defies current automotive industry trends, Chinese automotive manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM) has revealed an all-new 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine at Auto Shanghai 2025. The surprise announcement comes at a time when most global automakers are downsizing engines, discontinuing V8 options, and accelerating toward full electrification.
However, GWM’s approach represents a fascinating hybrid strategy. Rather than standing as a pure internal combustion offering, the new powertrain combines traditional V8 performance with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology, positioning it as both a performance centerpiece and an environmentally conscious option. This dual approach allows GWM to enter the prestigious realm of large-displacement performance engines while still addressing emissions concerns that have led most competitors to abandon new V8 development.
The engine has reportedly been in development for more than three years, reflecting GWM’s serious commitment to the project despite industry headwinds. The timing of the reveal also coincides with the company’s broader global expansion plans, including new market entries and premium brand development.
Technical Specifications and Performance
While GWM has been somewhat reserved regarding complete technical specifications and performance figures for the new engine, several key details have emerged that paint a picture of a thoroughly modern and high-performance powertrain.
The 4.0-liter V8 features a “hot-vee” configuration, with twin turbochargers positioned between the cylinder banks – a design approach popularized by several European manufacturers for improved throttle response and packaging efficiency. This design choice likely contributes to the engine’s surprisingly compact dimensions, which should allow for installation across a variety of vehicle platforms.
Further technical highlights include dual fuel injection systems, dual oil pumps, and the ability to rev to an impressive 8,000 RPM – a figure more commonly associated with high-performance sports cars than utility vehicles. The high redline suggests significant focus on performance rather than just torque production, hinting at GWM’s aspirations to compete with established luxury and performance brands.
The PHEV system employs a P2 hybrid layout, with the electric motor sandwiched between the V8 engine and the transmission. While power and torque specifications remain unannounced, industry observers expect output to substantially exceed the 386kW (518hp) and 850Nm (627 lb-ft) figures of GWM’s current twin-turbo V6 PHEV system found in vehicles like the Tank 700 Hi4-T Limited Edition.
For comparison, similar PHEV V8 systems found in vehicles from established luxury manufacturers such as BMW’s M5 hybrid produce upwards of 535kW (717hp) and 1000Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque. Whether GWM’s system will reach these performance levels remains to be seen, but expectations are high given the company’s ambitious positioning of the powertrain.
Intended Applications: From Off-Road to Luxury
One of the most intriguing aspects of GWM’s V8 PHEV strategy is its planned diversity of applications. While most manufacturers with high-performance V8 engines typically restrict them to flagship luxury or sports models, GWM appears to be taking a broader approach.
The most immediate application appears to be in GWM’s Tank brand of off-road vehicles. During the Shanghai Motor Show, the company displayed its new Tank 300 Hooke Edition – a hardcore off-road variant featuring solid front axles, disconnecting sway bars, and other serious off-road hardware. While the display vehicle wasn’t specifically shown with the V8 PHEV powertrain, company officials strongly hinted that the special edition model is being considered as a recipient.
Beyond the Tank 300, company officials have indicated that the larger Tank 500 and Tank 700 models are also candidates for the V8 powerplant. The Tank 700, which already features a powerful twin-turbo V6 PHEV system, would seem an especially suitable platform for the uprated powertrain.
Perhaps most ambitiously, GWM has suggested the powertrain could find its way into a rumored full-size pickup truck intended to compete in the North American market. According to industry reports, GWM has been developing a large truck targeted at the lucrative US market, though current political and trade tensions between China and the United States have complicated these plans.
Beyond utility vehicles, GWM has confirmed that the V8 PHEV system is intended for a new luxury brand under development. Reports suggest this brand – possibly to be called “Confidence Auto” – would position above GWM’s existing Wey premium brand and directly target established luxury marques. The combination of a high-performance V8 with efficient PHEV technology could provide the new brand with a distinctive technological signature in a crowded market.
Operating Philosophy: City Electric, Country V8
The operating philosophy behind GWM’s V8 PHEV system provides further insight into the company’s strategic thinking. According to GWM executives at the Shanghai show, the powertrain is designed to operate primarily on electric power during urban driving, only activating the V8 engine during high-demand situations such as towing, rapid acceleration, or extended highway cruising.
This approach offers several advantages. It allows owners to enjoy the prestige and emotional appeal of V8 ownership while potentially maintaining reasonable operating costs and emissions in daily use. The electric-first approach could also help vehicles equipped with the powertrain meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations in key markets, addressing one of the primary reasons most competitors have abandoned V8 development.
GWM Tank brand VP Gu Yukun made the company’s philosophy clear at the Shanghai show, stating, “We still believe that new energy [hybrid/electric power] cannot replace the V8 engine.” This statement represents a fascinating counterpoint to prevailing industry wisdom, suggesting GWM sees continued value in traditional performance engineering when appropriately modernized with electrification.
Market Positioning and Competition
The introduction of this V8 PHEV system positions GWM in exclusive company. Few manufacturers currently offer V8 PHEV powertrains, and those that do typically restrict them to high-end luxury or performance applications. Notable examples include BMW’s M5 and XM, Bentley’s Continental GT and Flying Spur, Ferrari’s SF90, and select Aston Martin models.
By offering a similar powertrain concept in a broader range of vehicles, GWM could potentially democratize a technology currently reserved for the automotive elite. This would be consistent with the company’s wider strategy of offering premium features and technology at more accessible price points than established luxury brands.
For the Tank brand specifically, a V8-powered variant would create a unique selling proposition in the off-road SUV segment. With Toyota having discontinued V8 options in the Land Cruiser and Nissan soon to follow suit with the Patrol, a V8-powered Tank could appeal strongly to traditionalists lamenting the loss of these options. In markets like Australia and the Middle East, where large-displacement engines remain popular for towing and off-road use, such a vehicle could find a receptive audience.
The potential Tank 300 Hooke with V8 power would also create a compelling alternative to specialized off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, which features a 6.4-liter V8 but has never been offered in right-hand drive markets like Australia or the UK. With GWM confirming the V8 is under consideration for right-hand drive applications, this could fill a significant market gap.
Global Aspirations and Production Timeline
While no firm timeline has been established for production vehicles featuring the new powertrain, GWM is known for rapid development cycles. Given that the engine has already been in development for three years and was prominently displayed in production-ready form, it’s reasonable to expect the first vehicles featuring the powertrain to arrive within 12-18 months.
James Yang, GWM’s head of global right-hand drive markets, confirmed to Australian media that the V8 engine is “definitely something we’re considering” for right-hand drive markets, including Australia. This suggests a genuine global strategy rather than a China-only offering.
The company’s history of aggressive global expansion supports this interpretation. In recent years, GWM has rapidly entered numerous international markets and achieved significant success in several, including Australia where it ranked as the 10th highest-volume brand in 2024. The introduction of a prestigious V8 powertrain would support further upmarket movement and brand enhancement in these markets.
Engineering Achievement and Strategic Significance
Beyond its immediate product applications, GWM’s development of an all-new V8 engine represents a significant engineering achievement. Few manufacturers globally have introduced completely new V8 designs in recent years, with most either updating existing architectures or abandoning the configuration entirely.
During his keynote speech at the Shanghai show, GWM Tank global brand boss Gu Yukun highlighted this achievement, stating that regarding large displacement engines, “We solved problems that many overseas car-makers have not.” This statement likely refers to the challenges of making a V8 viable in an era of tightening emissions regulations.
The strategic significance of this development extends beyond the powertrain itself. By demonstrating the capability to design and produce cutting-edge performance technology, GWM positions itself as a serious engineering-led company rather than merely a value-oriented alternative to established brands. This perception shift could be crucial as the company continues its global expansion and moves upmarket.
A Bold Statement of Intent
GWM’s unveiling of an all-new twin-turbocharged V8 PHEV powertrain represents far more than just another engine announcement. In an automotive landscape dominated by downsizing and electrification narratives, it stands as a bold statement of technological independence and strategic confidence.
By combining traditional V8 performance appeal with modern hybrid efficiency, GWM has carved out a distinctive position that honors automotive heritage while acknowledging future requirements. The broad intended application across off-road vehicles, trucks, and luxury cars further demonstrates the company’s growing ambition and capability.
Whether this approach proves successful in the market remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that GWM has captured the attention of the global automotive industry with this unexpected move. In the words of Tank brand VP Gu Yukun regarding the new V8 PHEV system, “The mechanical charm of the V8 engine is intact and performance will be wild!” For enthusiasts lamenting the gradual disappearance of V8 engines from the market, that statement alone provides reason for optimism.
Also Read –