The production version of GWM’s first supercar could be powered by a petrol V8 with a plug-in hybrid boost for exotic-scaring performance.
GWM’s long-in-development supercar is nearly ready for production, and it looks like it will sport a plug-in-hybrid-boosted petrol V8 to take the fight right to Italian exotics.
First confirmed earlier this year, but reportedly in development from as far back as 2021, the new teaser image shows a low-slung, sporty silhouette under covers flanked by GWM executives.
The proportions suggest a mid-engined model with shorter bonnet, curvaceous fenders, and an elongated rear decklid with bootlip spoiler, while the doors sport either side intakes for the powertrain or deep scallops.
Powering the new GWM flagship is expected to be the 4.0-litre petrol V8 engine revealed earlier this year at the Shanghai Motor Show, which will be paired with a plug-in hybrid set-up.
MORE: GWM is developing a supercar ‘better’ than Ferrari
Similarly, the Lamborghini Temerario and Ferrari SF90 Stradale also use plug-in hybrid set-ups to augment performance.
In the former, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 is teamed with three electric motors for a combined 676kW, while the small 3.8kWh battery is rated for an all-electric range of just 10km.
The SF90 Stradale meanwhile, features also features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 with three electric motors for a combined 735kW output, while its 7.9kWh battery is rated with an electric range of around 26km.
MORE: BYD Yangwang U9 supercar spotted in Australia
It is unclear exactly what performance GWM is targeting – either the supercar-level Temerario or hypercar SF90 Stradale – with its new model, but the brand’s chairman Jack Wei was spotted behind the wheel of the Ferrari earlier this year.
Regardless, the GWM supercar – if it comes to Australia – is expected to be much more affordable than Italian rivals, as the Lamborghini kicks off from $614,000 before on-road costs, while the Ferrari is positioned at $846,888.
CarNewsChina is reporting the GWM supercar will have a price tag north of 1 million yuan (about $AU$211,000), but is likely to be positioned closer to compatriot all-electric rival, the BYD Yangwang U9 which starts from 1.68 million yuan (about $AU354,600).
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