Great Wall Motor unveiled its self‑developed 4‑L V8 engine at CES 2026, promising high‑performance plug‑in hybrids and off‑road SUVs. Read more now!
At the high‑tech showcase in Las Vegas, Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) turned heads with a surprise: a home‑grown 4‑liter V8 gasoline engine. Unveiled at CES 2026, the powerplant signals a strategic pivot away from China’s dominant electric‑vehicle (EV) and plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) focus.
China’s New‑Energy Landscape
China now leads the world in new‑energy vehicle (NEV) sales, with more than half of domestic car purchases being electric or hybrid. Most Chinese manufacturers are racing toward smaller, turbo‑charged engines paired with electric motors.
GWM’s Contrarian Path
While rivals chase battery packs, GWM is betting on big‑displacement gasoline and diesel engines. The company’s NEV share sits at just 30.5 % of its 2025 sales, far below the industry average. Instead, GWM aims to blend classic performance with modern efficiency.
Technical Highlights of the 4‑Litre V8
- Four‑stroke, 4.0‑litre V8 architecture with Miller‑cycle operation for improved thermal efficiency.
- Twin‑turbochargers linked by a pre‑charge water‑to‑air intercooler and a post‑turbo charge‑pipe network.
- Optional oil‑pump‑driven fan clutch for variable cooling.
- Dual‑rail fuel injection: 350 bar direct injection plus 5.5 bar port injection, allowing precise load control and reduced carbon buildup.
- Variable‑flow oil pump and torque‑converter‑style torque‑vectoring integrated with a GWM‑developed 9‑speed automatic transmission.
- Potential placement of an electric motor between the engine and gearbox to boost drivetrain efficiency and cut emissions.
Power Output & Performance
Exact figures have not been released, but the V8 was previously displayed at the Shanghai Motor Show (April 2025) with an estimated 500 hp. GWM’s chairman, Wei Jianjun, says the engine will underpin the brand’s top‑tier off‑road SUVs and performance sports models.
First Applications
The upcoming Tank 800 body‑on‑frame SUV is slated to be the first production model equipped with the new V8. A flagship sports car will follow, and GWM is even exploring a retro‑inspired vehicle reminiscent of the Packard Super 8 One‑Eighty.
Strategic Implications
By showcasing the engine in the United States—a market that still cherishes V8 power—GWM signals confidence in a niche that blends raw performance with modern hybridisation. At CES, the company also rolled out its Hi4‑Z plug‑in‑hybrid platform, the Souo S2000 CL motorcycle, the Wey 07 crossover, the Wey G9 minivan, and the Tank 500 off‑roader.
Looking Ahead
GWM’s V8 could reshape perceptions of Chinese automotive engineering, offering a compelling alternative to the electric‑only narrative. Whether the powerplant will find a broad market outside China remains to be seen, but its debut at CES marks a bold statement of intent.