Latest news with #Tank300
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Diesel punch gives GWM Tank 300 the edge it always deserved
Long awaited 2.4 litre turbodiesel finally does justice to the retro-styled off-roader, though the usual throttle and transmission calibration niggles remain. Styled to resemble the Soviet-era UAZ 469 military 'jeep', the boxy Tank 300 has it made on the styling front. Images: Charl Bosch By assumption, it can be argued that Great Wall Motors (GWM) had possibly expected a bit more from its Tank brand's first model in South Africa, the 300, after its first full year of sales last year. Tainted success A quick totalling up of the monthly National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) sales figures paints an impressive figure of 516 units for the retro-styled off-roader that faced numerous delays before its eventual arrival in 2024. The entry-point in the Tank range, which is marketed as a standalone brand in China instead of being sold as a GWM, the 300's sales performance admits a compromised choice of powertrains, which international reports have been anything but kind to. Blighted by poor fuel consumption, the 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol has received the bulk of the criticism, while the self-charging 2.0 litre turbocharged HEV hybrid has been received coolly for its anything but hybrid consumption of more than 13 litres per 100 km in some instances. ALSO READ: No more waiting: GWM puts sticker price on Tank 300 Diesel While praised for its 255kW/648Nm, which saw Road Test Editor Mark Jones clock a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.9 seconds at Gerotek last year, the HEV's attempt to balance power with efficiency while moving nearly 2.3 tons simply doesn't suit a vehicle designed from the onset as a hardcore off-roader. At the same time, the 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 has also been ruled out as the vehicle that uses it, the limited edition Tank 330, won't be offered outside the People's Republic anytime soon. Diesel 'a must' The solution was, therefore, an easy one and on the back of significant pressure from Australia, the Tank 300 officially debuted a turbodiesel engine last year in a move GWM chair Wei Jianjun described as an issue that could no longer be avoided. Using the GW4D24 2.4 litre oil burner that debuted in the facelift P Series, known as P300 in South Africa earlier this year, the Tank 300 Diesel's knock-on effect involved its confirmation for the local market, where sales for the first four months have so far totalled 297 units. Unveiled at GWM's annual dealer prize-giving conference in February, the diesel also becomes the entry-level power unit in the Tank 300 lineup despite its greater displacement than the admittedly more powerful petrol and HEV. The tested model is the flagship Ultra Luxury. A move that could be seen as making the petrol and hybrid almost redundant, the arrival of the diesel for the week-long test left no second guessing as to which model would soon become the most sought after. Initially thought to be entry-level Super Luxury, the white test unit turned-out to be range-topping Ultra Luxury priced at R739 990. A sticker that undercuts the comparative petrol by R39 960 and the HEV by R189 960, the Ultra Luxury doesn't lose out in spec either as GWM had simply carried the former's list of features over into the diesel without skimping on anything. Styling done right Styled to resemble the Soviet-era UAZ 469 military 'jeep' , with a few elements from the Ford Bronco present down the side and at the rear, the 300 looks purposeful and rugged in a manner its more upmarket sibling, the plusher Tank 500, simply cannot match. Top-spec Ultra Luxury rides on 18 inch alloy wheels. Perched on 18 inch alloy wheels versus the 17 inch fitted to the Super Luxury, the Ultra Luxury strikes an imposing figure. The only giveaway of its difference from the petrol is a chrome 2.4T badge above the 4×4 decal on the tailgate. Simple but upmarket inside As incremental as the exterior changes are, the interior is virtually identical. GWM has retained the dual 12.3 inch displays, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charger, heated and cooled front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Bizarrely, the test unit didn't feature Nappa leather upholstery or even the Infiniti-branded nine-speaker sound system, which led to confusion about whether it was indeed the Super Luxury or the Ultra Luxury. The presence, however, of the bigger wheels, 'aired' seats and heated steering wheel gave the game up. However, it still remains unclear why the former items weren't present. The interior feels neat, looks premium, has a bar around the gear lever and relies on physical switchgear. Mystery aside, the interior is a welcome departure from other Chinese vehicles in that physical switchgear still dominates what remains a clean and uncluttered cabin with Mercedes-Benz-style turbine air vents and an aircraft throttle-inspired gear lever. Spacious in typical Chinese fashion, the fit and finish is equally impressive. Soft-touch plastics and leathers cover most surfaces, with a fetching imitation brushed aluminium decorative inlay on the passenger's side. Less impressive, the plastics around the gear lever sounded clunky and felt cheap. However, it could be argued that most buyers are unlikely to be phased about what is still a premium-feeling place to be. Ultra Luxury has been equipped with four off-road driving modes and a front diff-lock to go with the rear fitted as standard on the step-down Super Luxury. In addition, the infotainment system, which gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is relatively easy to use thanks to GWM's streamlined design, which eliminates pages and pages of sub-menus. Comfort has also not been sacrificed. Apart from the snug seats that can drop all the way down to the bottom, the instrument binnacle integration into the dashboard means no obscured view of the readouts, as in recently tested Chinese vehicles. Clambering into the back is just as good as the sunroof doesn't impact on headroom at all, while legroom is unlikely to result in any protests. Boot space with the rear seats up is 400 litres. It increases to 1 635 litres with the split back folded down. Besides the pair of vents, the Ultra Luxury also gets a pair of USB ports and a central armrest with twin cupholders. Tugging open the hinged tailgate with the spare wheel affixed, the boxy design reveals a 400 litre boot that looks surprisingly small on first glance. Somewhat of a faff, unlocking more space requires a two-tiered approach involving lifting the seat squabs first and then pulling the tag that drops the seat backs. Once done, luggage space increases to 1 635 litres, though once again, this appears smaller than GWM's claim. Powerplant stunner unfairly spoiled The business end of the Tank 300 is, of course, its new powerplant, which develops the same 135kW/480Nm as in the P300. Tipping the scales at a heavier 2 280 kg, though, the engine pulls with just enough verve for the 300 not to feel underpowered. The biggest highlight is the new 2.4 litre turbodiesel engine 'borrowed' from the facelift P300. The caveat, though, is that immediate response could, and should, have been better had it not been for the usual Chinese vehicle irritation of a poorly calibrated throttle mismatched with the transmission. It's a handicap that almost spoils not only driveability but also the engine itself. The delayed accelerator input results in the Tank 300 being momentarily without power and ponderous as the drivetrain tries to sort itself out. Leather seats are electric, heated, ventilated and with a massaging function for the fronts. For its part, the nine-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly once on the move, but tends to lose its way on downshifts and becomes erratic. More accomplished is the ride that irons out imperfections with little notice, as well as refinement in that little to no road or engine noise filters into the cabin. In addition, despite a full array of safety and driver assistance systems, none are intrusive and can be switched off permanently until being switched on again. Made for the bush On the off-road front, the Parament four-wheel-drive system has not been touched from the petrol and, as such, retains the low-range transfer and four off-road modes: Mud, Sand, Snow, and Expert, to go with the Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes. Further included are the transparent chassis view camera, Crawl Control, a front diff lock that adds to the rear available from the start in the Super Luxury and the 360-degree Tank Turn, which, unlike in the all-electric Mercedes-Benz G580, doesn't spin the 300 through 360 degrees in its own tracks. The transparent under-body camera system comes standard on the Ultra Luxury. Instead, the system locks the turning rear wheel, similar to Ford's Trail Turn Assist. It requires the low range to be selected in conjunction with the Crawl Control. Pressing a third button activates the Tank Turn, meant to aid entry and turning in tight off-road spaces. A setup that can be seen as a bit gimmicky, it nonetheless still comes as one of the Tank's USPs in confirming its credentials as a serious off-roader. If already not 'off-road approved' enough, the diesel, as with the petrol and hybrid, has a ground clearance of 224mm, an approach angle of 33 degrees, a departure angle of 34 degrees and a breakover angle of 23.1 degrees. High consumption no more Always the main point of content with most Chinese vehicles, the conclusion of the Tank's week-long stay involved fuel consumption. Possibly the biggest payoff, besides the price tag, the 410km spent with the diesel saw the trip computer display a best figure of 8.8 L/100 km, way less than the 14.8 L/100 km recorded by the petrol last year and the HEV's 13.9 L/100 km. Conclusion It goes without saying that the arrival of the diesel has been worth the wait. GWM is finally giving the Tank 300 the engine it deserves. Although unfairly hobbled by the throttle and transmission programming, it still manages to excel where the petrol and hybrid have faltered. Although a brand of its own in China, in South Africa it will be known as the GWM Tank 300. While the Ultra Luxury will undoubtedly prove the derivative to have, smart money remains on the Super Luxury, which, minus a few features, can be had for R699 990. That being said, what version ultimately wins the buyer's signature still makes for an overall package that has suddenly become even tougher to beat. NOW READ: GWM Chairman makes it official: Diesel Tank 300 on the way
7NEWS
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2025 GWM Tank 300 gets payload, towing upgrades, but large SUV lineup shrinks
GWM just added a diesel engine to its Tank 300, and now it has treated petrol and hybrid versions of the large off-road SUV to updates aimed at increasing their capability. More than 20 engineering enhancements applied to the diesel-powered Tank 300, launched earlier this year and pictured below, have now been extended to petrol and hybrid variants – for no extra charge, with pricing remaining unchanged. These enhancements larger front brake rotors and calipers, a reinforced prop shaft, upgraded wheel bearings, and strengthened front suspension knuckles. As a consequence, petrol and hybrid versions of the Tank 300 now match the diesel with a braked towing capacity of 3000kg, up from 2500kg. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Payload has also been increased to a minimum of 600kg (Ultra Hybrid) and a maximum of 610kg (Ultra petrol). Again, this effectively matches diesel vehicles which have a payload of 600kg. Petrol and hybrid Tank 300s previously had maximum payload figures of 397kg and 420kg, respectively. Coinciding with these updates, however, GWM has axed the petrol and hybrid versions of the entry-level Tank 300 Lux. These powertrains can still be had in flagship Ultra trim, while the diesel continues to be offered in both Lux and Ultra trims. GWM notes the diesel now accounts for 60 per cent of monthly Tank 300 sales, which led to the axing of the two variants. 'These important updates reflect our global team's growing understanding of the Australian market, where towing capability and payload remains a key consideration for buyers in this segment', said Steve Maciver, GWM Australia and New Zealand's head of marketing and communications. While the Tank 300 can now tow more than before, it still falls just shy of the Toyota Fortuner's 3100kg figure, as well as the class-leading 3500kg offered by the Ford Everest, Toyota Prado and Isuzu MU-X. The Tank 300's higher towing capacity pushes it into the 'heavy off-road passenger vehicles' category under the Australian Government's incoming New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) emissions regulations. The government says a 'heavy off-road passenger vehicle' is an MC-category vehicle with a rated towing capacity of three tonnes or more, and featuring body-on-frame construction. This puts the Tank 300 diesel in a category with a higher CO2 emissions target than that for petrol and hybrid variants. To the end of April this year, GWM has delivered 1278 Tank 300 vehicles, which is 11.6 per cent less than in the same period last year. It's sitting just ahead of the Fortuner (1250 deliveries), and is also ahead of the LDV D90 (1022) and KGM SsangYong Rexton (518).
Daily Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Telegraph
GWM unveils wild new V8 motor in China
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. GWM has shocked the new-car market with a massive announcement — it is going to sell V8 petrol models, and the first is a Tank 300. The new, ahem, Xi Wagen clone brings a new powertrain that hasn't been employed in any other GWM product to date. It's a 4.0-litre turbo-petrol V8 engine with a plug-in hybrid system integrated into it. The so-called 'P2' system includes an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and the hybrid-specific nine-speed auto transmission. Power outputs and full specifications for the new V8 petrol engine are still to be confirmed, but the Tank brand's executive vice president, Gu Yukun, claims the business has done something that big brands from around the world haven't managed to. MORE: Driving the 'Temu' Toyota LandCruiser GWM plans to put V8 power into its Tank 4WDs. Picture: Matt Campbell. 'This is the most anticipated, game-changing technology for this auto show,' said Mr Yukun. 'We will meet enthusiasm and turn it into reality,' he said, before referring to the new V8 engine as a 'tough challenge' in the current emissions-focused environment. 'We have solved many problems that foreign companies haven't solved,' he said, before suggesting that the hybrid system helps the V8 engine — which also has hi-tech fuel saving features such as variable displacement — answer a question that luxury brands out of Germany haven't yet managed to do. Mr Yukun stated that the V8 powertrain will 'leave China's footprint on one of the world's most challenging areas'. Speaking with Tank staff on the stand at the motor show, it was made clear that the powertrain is not yet confirmed for any specific model, but the boss of the brand said that It 'will be integrated into Tank models in the future'. GWM plans to put V8 power into its Tank 4WDs. Picture: Matt Campbell. Other staff said that the V8 Is 'under research' for all applications — from the 300 to the 500, and other models in the GWM stable, too. Specifically, 'all Tank models are under research for the V8 engine', this publication was told. MORE: Big brands missing from the Shanghai motor show GWM's Tank 300 has made a splash in Australia. Picture: Supplied It may indeed find its way into a new, heavily modified version of the Tank 300 known as the Hooke Edition, a hardcore take on the Tank 300 theme that is named after a challenging all-terrain area in the west of China. The Tank 300 Hooke Edition model on show in Shanghai featured a revised footprint, with its front wheels pushed forward and elongated guards (and a bigger engine bay!) and a longer wheelbase, not to mention a new five-link front suspension and suspension with remote reservoirs — similar to what you see in a Ford Ranger Raptor. MORE: Government sues car maker over rusty utes People visit the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai on April 23, 2025. (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP) It also scores a lift kit, and more hardcore wheels and tyres, with better approach and departure angles and a similar break-over angle, despite the stretched wheelbase. @davemotoring The GWM Tank 300 takes on Jeep's Wrangler Rubicon for about half the price… ♬ Moon - Siggerr Executives on site said the revisions to the Tank 300 Hooke will make it more of a competitor to the Ineos Grenadier, and the model on show also featured a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine — also a possibility for the Australian market. GWM Tank execs also lauded the new diesel engine technology on offer, stating that one in five Tanks with the option available are diesel-powered, and that 'user feedback on diesel models have far outreached expectations'. The GWM Tank 300 is currently the only model in the brand's local range to come with a diesel option, following the launch of the new 2.4-litre turbo-four engine earlier this year. Originally published as GWM unveils wild new V8 motor in China
West Australian
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
GWM reveals its first V8 – and the hardcore Tank 300 Hooke off-roader
The automotive world may be downsizing its powertrains globally, but that hasn't stopped GWM unleashing its first V8 in China this week. And it could power a range of future GWM luxury models and Tank off-roaders in Australia – including the hardcore Tank 300 Hooke limited edition unveiled alongside it at the Shanghai motor show yesterday. While you can no longer buy a V8-powered Toyota LandCruiser or, soon, Nissan Patrol , GWM says its all-new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 has been in development for at least three years, and will be backed by plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . Speaking to Australian media in Shanghai, GWM International vice-president James Yang said the new V8 was under consideration for a variety of models to be sold in China and export markets including Australia. 'Our R&D centre as well as engine development department, the technology and also the level of skill is very high,' said Mr Wang through an interpreter. 'For the past three-four years we have been working on this V8, including lab as well as real-world testing. 'The Tank 300 is a very customisable and personalised vehicle, and in China there are already multiple versions and special editions that have been launched including one with a V6 twin-turbo engine. '[A V8-powered Tank 300] is something that is definitely in consideration, and for right-hand drive markets is definitely something that we're still considering.' Mr Yang said GWM's new V8 could be applied to a range of Tank models in Australia. 'In this market, in the future, maybe we also want to launch the premium Tank 700,' he said. 'For this vehicle, I think the V8 is suitable, but only this model, or maybe such as the Tank 300 – the small vehicle, but the off-road capability is very good,' added Mr Yang, before asking journalists whether they thought the V8 was suitable for the Tank 300, 500 or 700. The Tank 700 is the current flagship of GWM's Tank brand (sub-brand here), and has yet to be locked in for our market. On the flagship off-roader, Mr Yang said: 'Because this model, in the future we'll have a different version. So we're also researching which is suitable for the Australian market.' No further details have been announced for the new V8, but it's claimed to rev to 8000rpm and incorporate both dual fuel-injection and oil pump systems, and Mr Yang confirmed it will command a price premium. 'Currently, this is still under consideration so we can't tell at the moment how much the premium will be,' he said. Through his interpreter, Mr Yang said the new V8 will be incorporated into a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that allows the vehicle to drive primarily on electric power, and only calls on the combustion engine during high-load situations such as hard acceleration and towing. 'The V8 will come in a plug-in system, and fundamentally when it's being driven in the city it will run majority in EV mode,' he said. 'When we consider towing massive 3.5-tonne plus caravans, the V8 would really help balance the whole situation with the plug-in. 'Overall, when in city driving, this will still run majority with EV mode and only when during hard work such as towing a massive van is when it will work in a hybrid situation.' However, most of the powertrain's torque will still be produced by the V8, rather than the electric motor positioned between the engine and transmission. Mr Yang said this type of powertrain was more suitable for off-roaders than pure-electric drivetrains. 'Basically with electrification on the vehicle, it's really changed the market and what we are doing is combining both,' he said. 'In particular, we found through research that when a motor is doing its peak output, it really heats up the entire system and that's when the performance sort of plateaus. 'In particular, in 4×4 vehicles such as towing and off-roading situations, it's also not that great when you think of just pure electric motor output because it really requires the motor to spin in order to generate the torque. 'That's why the low-speed and high-torque application is not that great for like a more pure electric kind of setup, and with the higher capacity of the engine, it really helps compensate the shortfall of the BEV especially once again in towing as well as off-road situations.' GWM's second eight-cylinder engine – following the flat-eight it revealed last year for its Souo motorcycle brand – could also power a range of new premium models being developed by the Chinese carmaker. Potentially sold under the Confidence Auto banner, they will be positioned above models from the Wey luxury brand launched by GWM in 2016. Revealed directly alongside the new V8 in Shanghai was the GWM Tank 300 Hooke, a hardcore off-road special-edition version of the large ladder-frame SUV that's already proving popular alongside the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest in Australia. Its engine wasn't disclosed, but is likely to be either the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, the electrified PHEV version of that engine, or the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel now also available in Australia's Tank 300. The most capable GWM vehicle ever features live axles both front and rear, eschewing the standard Tank 300's independent front suspension. Four-corner coils and front/rear differential locks are retained, but the Tank 300 Hooke also adds 'disconnecting struts', a reinforced ladder frame, Cooper all-terrain tyres on beadlock-style wheels, a revised front bumper, and new front wheel-arch trims. Named after the Hooke Trail, an off-road track through a mountain range in western China, the Tank 300 Hooke special is said to be undergoing final testing ahead of its launch in China later this year. MORE: Inside Chinese GWM's plan to take on American pickups… potentially even in the US MORE: Everything GWM Tank 300
West Australian
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Inside Chinese GWM's plan to take on American pickups... potentially even in the US
GWM wants to take on North America's Big 3 carmakers with a full-size V8 pickup truck, though current political tensions between China and the US have impacted its development. The fast-growing Chinese auto brand is developing a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8-based plug-in hybrid powertrain that could be used in a new extra-large pickup, and the company has confirmed it has – or at least had – plans to sell it in the US. 'For the moment, the V8 could potentially fit in one of our SUVs, but as for utes and pickups, it's most likely going to be one that is bigger than what we have currently,' GWM International Vice President James Yang told Australian media at the Shanghai motor show through an interpreter. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . GWM has yet to announce power and torque figures for the plug-in hybrid V8, which is set to be used in Tank-branded SUVs potentially including the Tank 300 . The powertrain is intended to operate primarily as an EV at low speeds, with the V8 kicking in for higher-load conditions like towing and off-roading. Mr Yang said that he had driven 'quite a few American V8 pickup trucks' in Australia, and identified an opportunity for such a vehicle in this market. 'With the right-hand drive conversion it comes with things such as limited production as well as high cost as well as a question mark in the quality of the conversion itself,' he said, referring to locally manufactured American pickups including the Chevrolet Silverado , Ford F-150 , Ram 1500 , and Toyota Tundra . When asked about a model that would be positioned above GWM's current flagship pickup, the Cannon Alpha , Mr Yang confirmed development of such a vehicle has been paused for now. 'One of the key things is the big American pickup trucks are mostly sold in America, and with the most recent tariff [situation] and all that, it's really put the whole big pickup truck on a little bit of a hold,' he said through an interpreter. 'So right now it's kind of stuck in limbo because of the tariff situation.' That appears to suggest GWM wants to sell a full-size pickup in the US, a lofty ambition for any non-American brand. Only two carmakers have tried to take on the Ford/GM/Stellantis triumvirate in this segment: Toyota and Nissan. The latter Japanese brand's Titan finally succumbed to its unpopularity in 2023, with the axe falling on the big Nissan with a final 2024 model year dual-cab. Toyota has had more success with its Tundra , which is now in its third generation. However, despite the enormous popularity of the Toyota brand in the US, the Tundra has always been significantly outsold by its GM, Ford and Stellantis rivals. Kia conducted a case study , understood to be prior to 2020, into a full-size pickup of its own, but instead green-lit the Tasman , which will compete in the global mid-size ute segment that's so popular in Australia. Not only is it ambitious to take on big American pickups in the US market, it's ambitious for a Chinese brand to enter the market, period. While there are Chinese-owned brands like Polestar and Volvo selling vehicles in the US, as well as Chinese-built vehicles like the Buick Envision and Lincoln Nautilus, there are no Chinese brands. That's despite a slew of brands selling vehicles just south of the border in Mexico, including GWM. Various Chinese auto brands have had plans to enter the US market over the years, from Chery to Zotye, only for these to fall through. Now, it's a more hostile climate than ever for Chinese brands. Former US President Joe Biden had already raised the tariffs on Chinese EVs last year from 25 to 100 per cent; combustion-powered vehicles continued to incur a 25 per cent tariff. Now, current president Donald Trump has raised tariffs on imported vehicles from almost every country, though he has said he's still negotiating with China, which has slapped US imports with similarly high tariffs. Currently, Chinese imports face tariffs of 145 per cent in the US. The uncertainty over tariffs has rattled auto brands in the US, with some like Mitsubishi pausing imports into the US until there's more clarity.
