Great Wall Motor showcased its home‑grown 4‑litre V8 at CES 2026, promising power for future PHEVs and high‑performance SUVs. Discover the details now.
At the bustling CES 2026 show in Las Vegas, Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) turned heads by unveiling a home‑designed 4‑litre V8 gasoline engine. While most Chinese manufacturers are racing toward electric and plug‑in hybrid powertrains, GWM chose to double‑down on high‑performance internal‑combustion technology.
Why a V8 in a Market Dominated by EVs?
China now leads the world in new‑energy vehicle sales, with more than half of domestic new‑car purchases being electric or plug‑in hybrid. Yet GWM’s market share for these models lingered at just over 30% in 2025. Rather than chasing the same EV‑only strategy, the company announced that the new V8 will be paired with its upcoming high‑efficiency power‑train platforms, including a plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) architecture.
Technical Highlights of the 4‑Litre V8
- Four‑stroke, 4.0‑litre displacement with Miller cycle operation for improved thermal efficiency.
- Twin‑stage turbocharging featuring water‑cooled intercoolers placed before each compressor for consistent boost pressure.
- Optional front‑mounted oil‑pump fan clutch for reduced parasitic loss at low loads.
- Dual‑injector system: 350 bar direct injection combined with 5.5 bar port injection, allowing precise fuel metering and carbon‑deposit mitigation.
- Variable‑flow oil pump that adapts to engine speed, further shaving off friction.
- Integrated 9‑speed automatic transmission, also developed in‑house, equipped with a torque‑converter and an electric motor sandwiched between the crankshaft and gearbox to boost efficiency and lower emissions.
Performance Expectations
Exact output figures were not disclosed at the press event, but the V8 was previously displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025 and is rumored to produce around 500 horsepower. GWM’s chairman, Wei Jianjun (Jack Wei), emphasized that the engine will serve as the heart of the company’s flagship off‑road and sports models.
First Vehicles to Carry the V8
The upcoming body‑on‑frame SUV, the Tank 800, is slated to be the first production model powered by the new V8. A high‑performance sports coupe is also in the pipeline, followed by a concept that nods to the classic Packard Super 8 One‑Eighty, hinting at a possible retro‑inspired limited edition.
Strategic Significance
Showcasing the engine on American soil—home to a passionate V8 enthusiast community—signals GWM’s confidence in competing on performance, not just efficiency. At CES, the automaker also displayed 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, underscoring a diversified product strategy.
Looking Ahead
GWM’s V8 could reshape the narrative that Chinese manufacturers are solely focused on electric powertrains. By marrying classic V8 muscle with modern hybrid assistance, the company aims to attract enthusiasts seeking both raw power and greener footprints.
Stay tuned for official power figures, release dates, and pricing as GWM rolls out the V8 across its lineup.