China Is Coming For Your V8
Chinese automotive giant Great Wall Motors has announced the development of its first-ever V8 engine—a new 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8.
Key Points
- New 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbo V8 Engine: GWM unveiled its first-ever 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine at Auto Shanghai, designed for luxury cars and off-road vehicles. The engine features a compact "hot-vee" configuration and is described as a "secret weapon" in luxury markets.
- Dual Purpose for Luxury and Off-Road Vehicles: The V8 engine will be used in GWM's Tank series of rugged SUVs, such as the Tank 300, a 4x4 off-roader with retro styling similar to the Ford Bronco.
- Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain: The V8 will be available as part of a PHEV system, providing electric-only driving for everyday use, with the V8 engaged during high-load situations like towing or off-road adventures. This hybrid system blends performance with efficiency, offering versatility for different driving needs.
The new V8 engine will likely see use in both luxury cars and rugged SUVs. It features the popular “hot-vee” configuration, where the twin turbos are mounted between the cylinder banks, giving the engine a compact, narrow profile.
It's unclear if GWM's 4.0L V8 is related at all to BMW's 4.0L N63 V8. BMW and GWM signed a joint venture in 2018 to produce electric Minis in China, before GWM opened an office in Munich, Germany, across the street from the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center in 2021. According to GWM this engine has been in development since that time.
While the specifics of the engine’s output remain undisclosed, it does include a dual fuel injection system, dual oil pumps, and a rev limit of 8,000 rpm. The rev limit is higher than the N63's, and the BMW engine does not feature dual injection and uses only a single oil pump.
GWM's V8 will be paired with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, incorporating an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission, enabling electric-only driving for city commutes.
The automaker's Australian arm shared a few details of the new engine on social media. GWM has already grown in popularity with Australians thanks to a variety of SUVs and trucks, including the Tank 300. The Tank is available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 2.4-liter turbo diesel, and a hybrid powertrain, but it remains to be seen if the V8 will be available in the rugged off-roader.
GWM's V8 engine is part of a larger ethos shift in China’s auto industry, as domestic automakers look to expand into new markets and refine their offerings to suit global tastes. However, it remains to be seen if this Chinese V8 will ever make its way to North America.
It seems unlikely as the lingering political and tariff tensions between the U.S. and China will make it difficult— borderline impossible—for GWM to enter the North American market.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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My 2024 Mustang GT 5.0 convertible with Performance Pack and Adjustable Exhaust is smooth fast and bullet proof. Why would I ever want this foreign POS over a tried and true American V8?
This is like getting LS parts through Temu and doing a YouTube video of hoping it will crank.