by At the Shanghai Auto Show, China’s Great Wall Motor unveiled a new 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. This ‘hot’ engine will make its way into new GWM lineup vehicles under the development of a new lux brand and into Tank SUVs. Great Wall describes the PHEV-compatible engine with dual overhead camshafts as a ‘secret weapon in the luxury market.’ Previously, Ford, Mercedes, and even Ferrari somewhat reduced the production of V8-powered cars, but the Chinese from Great Wall Motor turned out to be unexpected pioneers in this direction. They demonstrated a new twin-turbo V8 that could be launched to compete against Western luxury brands. Great Wall Motor showed an aluminum V8 engine with twin turbochargers located in the 90-degree V area to improve response and ease the engine design by reducing its width.
Preliminary information states the engine displacement is 4.0 liters, although power and torque figures have not been disclosed yet. If we are to believe one of the automaker’s executives, the engine is designed for plug-in hybrid applications. Unfortunately, it seems these engines are intended for electric vehicle mode in regular use, and the V8 will only be engaged when the driver literally calls upon it for towing or desires a powerful mode for overtaking another car. Nevertheless, the engine is planned for use in the new lineup of vehicles under GWM’s Confidence lux brand and some Tank SUVs. This is not the first time Great Wall Motor has stunned the public with an eight-cylinder.
For example, last year at the Beijing Auto Show, it introduced the Souo model, a competitor to the Honda Goldwing motorcycle, securing bragging rights by having two more pistons than the Honda.
