Great Wall Motor debuts a 4‑litre V8 at CES 2026, promising high‑performance PHEV integration. Discover how this bold move reshapes Chinese auto tech.
China’s New‑Energy Landscape
China now leads the world in new‑energy vehicle (NEV) sales, with more than half of all domestic cars being electric or plug‑in hybrid models. Most local manufacturers are accelerating the shift toward small‑displacement, battery‑powered powertrains.
GWM Chooses Power Over Electrification
Great Wall Motor (GWM) is taking a different route. While its rivals chase market share in the NEV segment—projected to account for 30.5% of sales by 2025—GWM is doubling down on large‑displacement gasoline and diesel engines.
On 6 January 2026, the company unveiled a self‑developed 4‑litre V8 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, signalling a bold counter‑trend in China’s automotive strategy.
Inside the 4‑Litre V8
The engine combines a Miller cycle with a twin‑turbo setup. Water‑cooled intercoolers sit before each turbo, and the post‑turbo piping is integrated for compact packaging. An optional front‑mounted oil‑fan clutch adds further flexibility.
Fuel delivery is handled by a dual‑injection system: direct injection at 350 bar and a low‑pressure (5.5 bar) port injector. This arrangement lets the ECU fine‑tune combustion across loads, improving efficiency while keeping carbon buildup in check.
Variable‑flow oil pumps and a smart torque‑converter package round out the design, delivering smooth power delivery and protecting the engine under high‑stress conditions.
Coupling with a Nine‑Speed Transmission
GWM pairs the V8 with a proprietary nine‑speed automatic gearbox that includes an integrated torque‑converter. An electric motor can be sandwiched between the engine and transmission, offering hybrid‑like efficiency gains and lower emissions without sacrificing the V8’s character.
First Cars to Get the V8
The off‑road Tank 800 SUV is slated to be the debut model equipped with the new V8, followed by GWM’s flagship sports car. The company also hinted at a retro‑inspired concept reminiscent of the Packard Super 8 One‑Eighty, potentially broadening the engine’s appeal.
Why Showcasing in the U.S. Matters
Presenting the engine at CES—an event celebrated by American V8 enthusiasts—underscores GWM’s confidence in its performance credentials. The showcase also included the company’s 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
Although exact output figures remain undisclosed, the V8 was previously displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025, where estimates pegged its power around 500 hp. GWM’s chairman, Wei Jianjun, confirmed that the engine will power high‑performance drivetrain packages across the brand’s upcoming off‑road and sports models.
By blending classic V8 muscle with modern hybrid‑ready technology, Great Wall Motor is staking a claim that performance and sustainability can coexist—an intriguing proposition for global car buyers seeking both power and efficiency.