Whereas the latest news out of China is all about GWM dropping their 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel in favour of a 3.0-litre four-cylinder that produces a V6 rivalling 170 kW of power and 620 Nm of torque.
Ford and VWs shared 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel currently produces 184 kW of power and 600 Nm of torque. And Toyota continue to only offer their 2.8 GD-6 four-cylinder that produces 165 kW and 550 Nm.
Down to four-cylinders
It was thought that the 3.0-litre V6 was the unit that was going to power the GWM P500 and Tank 500 in South Africa. But now we have been told that this engine has been reconfigured to a four-cylinder layout, instead of six.
This is a similar layout to the Isuzu D-Max and MU-X. And this torquey. Big displacement. Oil-burner will sit above the135 kW / 480 Nm, 2.4-litre unit already available in the P300, P500 and Tank 500.
Announced at the Beijing Motor Show last week. The four-cylinder turbodiesel engine develops 170 kW of power and 620 Nm of torque. And as with the 2.4, is paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
This makes it only 14 kW down on the 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 used in the Ford Ranger, Everest and Volkswagen Amarok. But it is torquier by 20 Nm.
Coming this year
Back in March. GWM South Africa confirmed that the then V6 mill will be fast-tracked for introduction this year instead of 2027 as initially believed.
Its introduction in the P-Series as an alternative to the self-charging 2.0-litre hybrid seemingly means the end of the plug-in hybrid option approved for the local market last year.
In the Tank 500 range. It will sit above the same 255 kW / 648 Nm, 2.0-litre hybrid used in the P500. Finally providing a second powertrain option in the range.
Extra hybrid power
As in Australia, the 3.0-litre will not be offered in the Tank 300. Instead, a plug-in hybrid option, under the Hi-4T banner, will be introduced. This engine produces a Ford Ranger Raptor and BYD Shark 6 rivalling 300 kW of power and 750 Nm of torque.
According to carexpert.com.au. The roll-out of the 3.0-litre in the GWM Tank 500 and P-Series will take place between July and September. While GWM South Africa has remained mum on the diesel’s arrival, expect an announcement, possibly, around the same time.
