GWM Confirms V8 Development for Tank 700 Export Models

Great Wall Motors is taking an unexpected step amid the global shift to electric vehicles. The company has officially confirmed the development of a V8 engine for its flagship Tank 700 off-roader. Importantly, the engine is not intended for China but for export markets.

According to the GWM chairman, the new engine targets countries with sustained demand for large SUVs, primarily Australia and New Zealand. In those markets, towing capabilities, torque, and the classic concept of a powerful internal combustion engine matter most.

The Tank 700 already sits at the top of the brand's lineup, competing with models like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol. In China, it is offered with a V6 and hybrid systems, including versions with over 800 horsepower. A V8 option could further strengthen its standing in overseas markets.

GWM notes that this new V8 will differ from the more powerful hybrid V8 being developed for a future supercar. For the Tank, it is a tamer version focused on reliability and versatility.

Overall, the picture is straightforward. This move highlights a strategic shift among Chinese automakers: Instead of going all-in on electrification, they are taking a flexible approach tailored to different markets. While Europe tightens emission rules, other regions still demand traditional engines, and GWM clearly aims to fill that niche.