The head of GWM South Africa has confirmed that the Chinese brand’s local division is aiming to launch the new 4.0-litre V8 powertrain by the end of 2027…
- New 4.0 V8 engine pencilled in for SA
- GWM SA aiming for late-2027 launch
- Tank 700 seems most likely candidate
The man at the helm of GWM South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the Chinese brand is “fighting” to launch its new 4.0-litre V8 powertrain in Mzansi before the end of 2027.
Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operating Officer of GWM South Africa, made the comments during a wide-ranging interview on the Cars.co.za BizCars podcast ahead of DealerCon 2026.
“We’ve developed and built a 4.0-litre V8 powertrain. So, while everyone’s going ‘new-energy vehicles’, GWM is saying: ‘we’re doing that, plus we’re giving you a 4.0-litre V8’. We’re fighting to get that in the market by the end of next year [2027],” he told us.
While Groenewald didn’t reveal which model would be powered by the new V8, GWM’s global chairman, Jack Wei, confirmed at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show in April that the Tank 700 was in line to adopt a newly developed 8-cylinder motor.
“In the future, the Tank 700 will also use a V8 engine. The supercar uses a high-performance V8, while the Tank 700 uses a normal V8,” Wei was quoted as saying in GWM Australia & New Zealand’s press material, suggesting the engine in question is distinct from the plug-in hybrid version unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025.
“This is completely opposite to the current environment or trend in China; it does not fit the Chinese market. We developed this V8 to meet the needs of more global users, in markets such as Australia and New Zealand,” Wei added, making specific reference to these right-hand-drive countries.
Groenewald earlier confirmed that GWM SA planned to expand its off-road-focused Tank range over the coming months, with the Tank 400 and aforementioned Tank 700 ladder-frame SUVs already locked in – and the upcoming Tank 800 under consideration as well.
In production since 2024, the Tank 700 measures 5 105 mm from bow to stern, making it a considerable 280 mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz G450d. It’s also 27 mm lengthier than the Tank 500 (and it’s worth keeping in mind the latter seats 7 occupants, while the Tank 700 is a strict 5-seater).
Interestingly, Groenewald furthermore revealed to Cars.co.za that, as part of GWM South Africa’s broader powertrain strategy, the company also planned to offer diesel hybrid technology locally at some point in 2027.
“The beauty of GWM is that we haven’t got an isolated view on just plug-in hybrids or EVs. We’ve [also] invested in diesel technology,” he said, making reference to the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engines being added to both the P500 and Tank 500 ranges.
“Then we’re heavily investing in diesel hybrid technology, which will be coming to South Africa by next year [2027]. So, we’re gearing up to give consumers a choice of products,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is GWM bringing a 4.0-litre V8 engine to South Africa?
A: Yes, GWM South Africa’s Chief Operating Officer has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the brand is targeting a late-2027 local launch for its newly developed 4.0-litre V8 powertrain.
Q: Which vehicle model is expected to feature GWM’s new 4.0-litre V8 engine?
A: The flagship Tank 700 ladder-frame SUV is the most likely candidate to receive the new 4.0-litre V8 motor for right-hand-drive export markets, as confirmed by GWM’s global chairman.
Q: What other new powertrain technologies is GWM planning to introduce in South Africa?
A: Alongside its V8 plans, GWM SA is expanding its local line-up with 3.0-litre turbodiesel engines for the P500 and Tank 500 ranges, and plans to introduce diesel hybrid technology to South Africa in 2027, too.
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