GWM Unveils Game-Changing Twin-Turbo V8 Hybrid at Auto Shanghai 20
Words: 4XJournal
At Auto Shanghai 2025, Great Wall Motors (GWM) made a bold move by unveiling its first-ever twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid engine—an announcement that’s set to shake up the off-road and utility vehicle scene.
A New Era for V8s: The Hi4-T Powertrain
Dubbed the Hi4-T, this 4.0-litre, 90-degree V8 combines twin turbochargers with a plug-in hybrid system. The hybrid component features an electric motor integrated into the transmission, offering EV-only driving for low-speed conditions and traditional V8 power when it's time to tow, haul, or hit the trail. GWM says the setup will outperform its current 3.0-litre V6 hybrid, with the V8 delivering 380kW and 800Nm.
Engineering Meets Off-Road Potential
The Hi4-T is no ordinary hybrid. It uses a dual-injection system—350-bar high-pressure direct injection paired with 5.5-bar port injection—for improved cold starts and reduced carbon build-up. Operating on the efficient Miller cycle, it also gets a front-mounted intercooler and dual exhausts to keep things cool and consistent when the going gets tough.
What Models Will Get It?
GWM confirmed the new engine will roll out across its Tank series. The recently revealed Tank 300 Hooke—with solid axles front and rear—looks like an ideal launch platform. Expect it to show up in larger offerings like the Tank 500 and 700 too, setting GWM up as a legitimate challenger to icons like the Land Cruiser and Patrol.
Global Rollout Still Up in the Air
While GWM is eyeing international markets—including Australia—for this V8 hybrid, its full-size ute program has hit some geopolitical roadblocks. Plans to enter the US have cooled due to tariffs and trade tensions, but the Hi4-T still signals global ambition.
A twin-turbo V8 hybrid might sound like a contradiction in terms, but GWM’s Hi4-T could be the bridge between brute-force off-roaders and the more sustainable future we’re headed toward. It’s not just about power — it’s about clever, calculated capability.
