Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) is evaluating the feasibility of introducing its newly developed twin-turbo V8 petrol engine to the Australian market. The engine, unveiled last year at the Shanghai motor show, could offer a unique selling point for GWM in the competitive 4×4 segment, but faces challenges due to Australia’s new Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
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Facing Regulatory Pressure
GWM Australia’s chief operating officer, John Kett, expressed the company’s desire to bring the V8 engine to Australia, acknowledging that the key obstacle is the NVES. The regulation penalizes vehicles with high emissions, potentially making the V8 prohibitively expensive.
“We’d love to turn that V8 we spoke about last year into something… We don’t have anything more on our plug-in hybrid V8, but it’s still there [on the radar].”
— John Kett, GWM Australia COO
If the company proceeds, it may have to pass the NVES penalty costs onto consumers or limit availability through a ballot system, as some automakers do in heavily regulated markets.
Hybrid Solution as a Potential Workaround
GWM is also exploring a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the V8, which could mitigate emissions concerns by allowing for electric-only city driving. James Yang, GWM International vice-president, highlighted this approach at the Shanghai show, explaining that the V8 would primarily operate in EV mode, engaging only during high-demand scenarios such as towing.
“The V8 will come in a plug-in system… when in city driving, this will still run majority with EV mode.”
— James Yang, GWM International VP
This hybrid option could be particularly appealing for the Tank 700 4WD SUV, which is under consideration for the Australian market.
Filling a Market Gap
The arrival of a V8 engine would distinguish GWM in a market where eight-cylinder options are becoming increasingly rare. Competitors like Toyota and Nissan have discontinued their V8 models, while others, such as Jeep, do not offer right-hand drive versions of their V8-powered vehicles in Australia.
A Tank 300 equipped with the V8 could fill a unique niche, potentially serving as a budget-friendly alternative to high-end models like the Mercedes-AMG G63 or Land Rover Defender V8. The engine’s availability could create a competitive advantage in the 4×4 segment, where demand for powerful engines remains strong.
Business Case Still Under Review
Despite the potential benefits, GWM’s head of marketing and communications, Steve Maciver, stressed that the company will only proceed if a viable business case can be established and consumer demand exists.
“If we can build a business case and there’s demand there, we’ll sell as many as we can.”
— Steve Maciver, GWM Marketing and Communications Head
The decision hinges on balancing profitability with regulatory compliance and market viability.
Ultimately, GWM’s plan to introduce the V8 engine to Australia is contingent on navigating the NVES regulations and demonstrating sufficient consumer interest. The company’s willingness to consider both ICE and PHEV options suggests a pragmatic approach to overcome potential hurdles and capitalize on a unique market opportunity.
