Great Wall Motor unveiled a 4.0 L V8 engine at CES 2026, targeting high‑performance hybrids and off‑road SUVs. Learn how this Chinese powerplant aims to reshape the industry.
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Great Wall Motor (GWM) turned heads by unveiling a home‑grown 4.0 L V8 powerplant. While most Chinese manufacturers are racing toward fully electric and plug‑in hybrid models, GWM opted for a bold detour: a large‑displacement gasoline engine designed for high‑performance off‑road vehicles and sport‑oriented SUVs.
Why a V8 in a market dominated by EVs?
China now produces more new‑energy vehicles (NEVs) than any other country, with electric and plug‑in hybrids accounting for over half of domestic sales. Yet GWM’s market share in the NEV segment lagged behind peers, capturing just 30.5% of its 2025 sales. Company leadership sees a niche for powerful, traditional engines that can be paired with hybrid systems, offering a unique blend of brute force and efficiency.
Technical highlights of the 4.0 L V8
The new V8 incorporates a Miller cycle, twin‑turbocharging, and a front‑mounted water‑cooled intercooler that feeds a downstream charge‑air pipe. A selectable oil‑fan clutch helps optimise cooling under varying loads. The engine’s architecture also features a dual‑injector system: 350 bar direct injection for precise fuel delivery and a 5.5 bar indirect injection to promote thorough mixing and reduce carbon deposits. A variable‑flow oil pump further fine‑tunes lubrication and improves overall efficiency.
Integrated drivetrain and hybrid potential
GWM plans to pair the V8 with its in‑house 9‑speed automatic gearbox, which includes a torque converter and a dedicated torque‑conversion module. An electric motor can be sandwiched between the engine and transmission, boosting drivetrain efficiency and cutting emissions – a clear nod to plug‑in hybrid applications.
Performance clues and upcoming applications
Exact specifications remain under wraps, but the V8 was previously displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025, where it was touted to produce roughly 500 horsepower. GWM’s chairman, Jack Wei, said the engine will debut in high‑performance models, starting with the rugged Tank 800 off‑road SUV. A future sports car will also receive the V8, and the company is even exploring a retro‑styled vehicle inspired by the classic Packard Super 8 One‑Eighty.
Strategic debut at CES
Choosing CES—an event synonymous with cutting‑edge technology and a passion for powerful engines—signals GWM’s confidence in its V8’s global appeal. Alongside the engine, the Chinese automaker showcased 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.
By presenting a V8 in the United States, a market that still reveres large‑bore engines, GWM hopes to attract enthusiasts looking for a blend of traditional power and modern hybrid efficiency.