GWM developing new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine

Chinese firm GWM is developing a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that looks likely to debut in updated versions of the P500 and Tank 500. Here’s what we know…

GWM has confirmed it is developing a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that looks likely to be rolled out to updated versions of the P500 bakkie and Tank 500 SUV. The new, larger-capacity motor would thus slot in above the Chinese firm’s existing 2.0- and 2.4-litre oil-burners.

According to carsales.com.au, Jack Wei, Chairman of GWM, confirmed the news to Australian media on the sidelines of Auto Shanghai 2025, where the Chinese automotive giant also revealed a new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 PHEV powertrain.

*In SA, the P500 is currently available with a 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor.*

“We have already 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre diesel engines in many countries. These 2 engines are designed on the same platform but now we are developing the 3.0-litre diesel,” Wei said, according to the publication.

As a reminder, the 2.0-litre oil-burning mill employed by the P-Series bakkie makes 120 kW and 400 Nm, while the newer 2.4-litre unit generates peak outputs of 135 kW and 480 Nm. In South Africa, the latter engine is used in the P300, Tank 300 and P500.

*The upcoming 3.0-litre mill could potentially be used in both the P500 and Tank 500.*

“The performance of this engine will be will be even better, with better fuel economy and also lower emissions,” he promised via an interpreter, emphasising that the larger-capacity (seemingly also 4-cylinder) motor would be a “new generation diesel” based on a fresh engine architecture.

Though official details on the new 3.0-litre engine have yet to be released, carsales.com.au speculates that it could generate “around 180 kW and possibly up to 650 Nm”. That, of course, would see it stand toe-to-toe with Ford’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6, which makes 184 kW and 600 Nm in the Ranger and Everest.

*The Tank 700 also looks set to receive the new engine.*

James Yang, Vice President of GWM International, further told Australian outlets the new 3.0-litre turbodiesel was being “developed for right-hand-drive markets”, adding that it would be considered for an updated version of the P500 bakkie scheduled for release in 2027 as well as “go into the Tank 500 and Tank 700”.