V8 to power Tank
GWM’s Tank 700 featuring a V8 powertrain could be a potential addition for markets such as New Zealand and Australia.
Chairman Jack Wei has confirmed the “highly anticipated” model will result in an expansion of the marque’s premium off-road portfolio.
Speaking to media at this year’s Beijing Auto Show, he revealed the Tank 700 will extend GWM’s next-generation performance powertrain technologies beyond the all-new GF supercar, which is expected to be revealed in 2027.
“In the future, the Tank 700 will also use a V8,” he adds. “The supercar uses a high-performance V8, while the 700 uses a normal V8.
“This is completely opposite to the current environment or trends in China. It doesn’t fit the Chinese market. We developed this V8 to meet the needs of more global users in markets such as Australia and New Zealand.”
This confirmation builds on discussions raised at the same event last year when the prospect of a V8 application in an SUV drew strong media interest. At the time, senior GWM management acknowledged the level of demand and growing appetite for a V8 premium SUV in the Tank brand outside China.
It also signals a broader progression in GWM’s V8 strategy. At the show in Beijing, the company confirmed its all-new GF supercar will feature a four-litre twin-turbo hybrid V8, demonstrating that multiple V8 powertrains are in development across different model applications.
As part of this broader strategy, the Tank 700 V8 represents a key step in expanding GWM’s high-output powertrain offering, enabling the brand to respond to demand in markets where large-capacity engines are still popular.
As the flagship SUV in the Tank line-up, the 700 represents “the pinnacle of GWM’s off-road luxury ambitions, combining bold design, advanced technology and strong capability”. The introduction of the Hi4-Z platform in China further strengthens the sub-brand’s options, while a future V8 powertrain would elevate its positioning and global appeal.
While no timing or market-specific rollout plans have been announced, the confirmation provides an indication of the future direction of the Tank brand and GWM’s commitment to expanding its premium offering. It also reinforces its strategy to invest in a diverse range of powertrains to satisfy evolving demand across key international markets.
