Engine tuned to Kiwi drivers

GWM’s new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine is set to make its global debut in New Zealand and Australia this September as part of upgrades to the Tank 500 SUV and premium Cannon Alpha ute.

Developed around greater towing performance, long-distance touring and enhanced off-road capability, the engine delivers 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, an increase of 35kW and 140Nm over the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder it will replace. 

Paired with GWM’s in-house developed nine-speed automatic transmission, it delivers responsive performance with low-end torque tailored towards New Zealand driving tastes. 

Both models offer a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, while delivering fuel efficiency of 7.1L/100km for the Tank 500 and 7.3L/100km for the Cannon Alpha under the NEDC. 

GWM says New Zealand and Australia’s selection as the first global market to introduce the new engine highlights its growing importance within the company’s global product strategy. 

It adds the countries continue to play an increasingly influential role in shaping future vehicle development, with local customer feedback directly contributing to product planning and engineering decisions. 

Before the global launch, the new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine has undergone more than six months of engineering and validation across Australia’s diverse roads and environmental conditions.

Rob Trubiani, GWM ANZ’s product engineering and vehicle dynamics manager, has led the programme and testing has focused on performance, durability, drivability, towing capability and powertrain calibration. 

Expressions of interest for models with the new powertrain are now open and further details on the updated Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha will be announced closer to launch.