Who builds a new V8 engine in 2025 and why would they do it? GWM shocks the auto world … at least it’s a PHEV!
Just when we thought the V8 was dying a slow death, up pops China’s GWM with a bent eight plug-in hybrid, destined for its Tank, Cannon and future luxury brands.
Announced at the Shanghai motor show this week, this 4.0-litre V8 turbocharged petrol engine with a PHEV backup will propel GWM into an exclusive prestige club.
Few vehicles utilise a V8/PHEV combo, and they’re all top tier. Think BMW’s M5 and XM, Bentley’s Continental GT and Flying Spur, Aston Martin Valhalla, and Ferrari’s SF90.
READ MORE: 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV review on Australian soil
READ MORE: GWM Tank 700 V6 turbo PHEV review – ultra powerful, but is it green?
READ MORE: Plug-in Nissan Frontier Pro to rival BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger and GWM Cannon Alpha
It’s a solid flex by GWM. Most brands have been ditching V8s from their line-up, while the Chinese are filling the vacuum with this “P2 hybrid”, where the electric motor sits between the transmission and the turbo 4.0L petrol engine.
Power and torque numbers will be mighty, although no figures were shared by GWM. The brand fitted a 386kW/850Nm twin-turbo V6 petrol to the Launch Edition of its Tank 700 Hi4-T PHEV, so it’s fair to expect the new powertrain will usurp those strong numbers.
BMW’s M5, for reference, delivers 535kW and 1000Nm from its setup, with a 68km pure electric range.
But what will GWM stuff its 4.0L V8 PHEV into?
At the Shanghai show, the V8 was announced alongside a hardcore Hooke Trail special edition of GWM’s Tank 300 mid-size SUV.
This off-road-accessorised, suspension-lifted and off-road wheel and tyre-equipped Hooke model could be something of a cut-price AMG G-Wagen.
Those lamenting the loss of a V8 Jeep Wrangler will now likely have a smile on their faces.
The displayed Tank 300 Hooke – named for an off-road park in western China – wasn’t V8 PHEV-equipped, but GWM hinted it’s on the cards. It would be a hero flagship version, but long-term you sense the powertrain will better suit larger models.
This was suggested to Australian media by James Yang, GWM’s head of global RHD markets and aftersales. “Maybe we would like to launch it in the premium Tank 700 (large SUV),” he said. “It’s a bigger size, and for this vehicle I think the V8 is suitable.”
Only the Tank 300 and 500 SUVs are currently on sale in Australia, but the 700, we were told, remains under consideration for our market.
Mr Yang confirmed the V8 engine was “definitely something we’re considering” for right-hand-drive sale, including Australia.
An obvious bonnet to put this V8 PHEV under is GWM’s Cannon Alpha dual-cab ute. This pickup is larger than our one-tonners (such as a Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux) but a size down from giant US pickups like a Ford F-150 or RAM 1500.
A Cannon Alpha PHEV with four-cylinder petrol engine is now going on-sale and a V8 flagship would be a compelling performance choice, with plenty of towing and off-road guts.
Yang said a plug-in hybrid V8 would work well in Australia as it would help with new NVES CO2 reduction rules, offer emissions-free urban driving and also cover heavy-duty work and offer longer range (with large petrol tank) than a pure EV large pickup.
GWM also hinted it had been working on a full-size pickup – an ideal vessel for a V8 PHEV – but President Trump’s current tariff comedy show has stalled things. If such a vehicle couldn’t be sold in the US (a 150 per cent tariff – or whatever it is as this hour – will do that), the business case isn’t there.
GWM’s growth globally and in Australia has been mighty in recent years – it was our 10th biggest brand by volume in 2024 – and an influx of new brands and models will likely follow, including a new luxury marque.
This brand, likely to sit above GWM’s already luxury Wey marque (not on-sale in Australia), would be a solid candidate for a V8 PHEV in a fleet of SUVs and sedans.
Regardless, GWM’s a surprise source for a bent-eight revival.
But according to the introduction presentation, we’re promised the powertrain will be a “secret weapon in luxury markets” and would “arouse the purest driving desire.”
