Great Wall Motor, a company best known for trucks and SUVs, is working on a V-8-powered supercar designed to challenge Ferrari. The project, announced at the Beijing auto show, involves a new subbrand called GWM GF, with a planned reveal in 2027. The vehicle will feature a mid-mounted turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 and a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, according to reports from CarSauce.
Great Wall Motor’s chairman, Jack Wei, said the supercar project aims to “benchmark Ferrari.” To reach that goal, the company has enlisted Adam Thomson, a former chief engineer at McLaren GT, to lead development. GWM also plans to use the supercar’s platform for a GT3 race car, with a road-legal version in the works. The company’s focus on global markets, rather than China’s current EV trends, is a key part of the strategy.
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Great Wall’s chief technology officer, Nicole Wu, cited feedback from Australia as a factor in the V-8 decision. “There is no replacement for displacement,” she said after speaking with local buyers. The company has sold vehicles in Australia since 2009 and sees a demand for high-capacity engines there. Similar thinking may apply elsewhere, though the supercar’s eventual U.S. availability remains uncertain.
The V-8 strategy isn’t limited to the supercar. The Tank 700, an off-road SUV, will also use an eight-cylinder engine, though it will differ from the supercar’s powertrain. GWM first previewed its V-8 plans at CES in January, showcasing a 2.0-liter flat-eight motorcycle and a 4.0-liter V-8 for cars. Future models may blend the V-8 with hybrid systems to meet emissions rules.
The supercar’s design and performance details remain sparse, but the project marks a departure for GWM. Historically, the company’s high-performance efforts have leaned toward electric vehicles, like the 308-mph Yangwang U9. This new venture, however, signals a push into traditional combustion engine territory—a move that could appeal to markets still loyal to V-8 power.
Despite the ambitious goals, the supercar’s success hinges on factors beyond engineering. Competing with Ferrari globally means navigating brand history, racing heritage, and consumer expectations. GWM’s ability to translate its engineering expertise into a product that resonates internationally will be critical. For now, the project remains a bold statement rather than a proven formula.
Other GWM models, like the Tank 700, will also use V-8 engines, but the supercar’s platform is distinct. The company’s hybrid plans suggest a long-term vision that balances performance with environmental goals. Whether this approach gains traction outside China remains to be seen, but the project’s unveiling at CES hints at a broader strategy to appeal to global markets.
