Shanghai 2025: GWM reveals 4.0L twin-turbo V8
GWM surprises Auto Shanghai 2025 with a twin-turbo V8 engine
Think GWM and more than likely you’ll think of cars like the electrified Haval Jolion & H6 crossovers, the go-anywhere Tank 300, the capable GWM Cannon pickup truck, and also the quirky Ora 03 EV. In the future, the brand’s lineup will also include the upcoming Haval H9, which is a three-row turbo-diesel-powered SUV that could give the likes of the Ford Everest, Nissan Terra, Toyota Fortuner, and perhaps even the likes of the Toyota Prado something to think about.
At this year’s Auto Shanghai, the Chinese automaker pulled off one heck of a surprise that showed the brand’s continued multi-path powertrain approach, as well as keeping the internal combustion engine (ICE) alive for the years to come.
Recently revealed at the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show is the brand’s first-ever twin-turbo V8 called the V8 Hi4-T engine. It’s a 90-degree V8 that displaces four liters, which means each cylinder has around 500cc to play with. More importantly, GWM was busy giving it plenty of high-tech features that make it one of the most cutting-edge and perhaps also one of the most powerful engines the brand has yet to make.
As mentioned earlier, it has a pair of turbochargers along with a front-mounted intercooler to keep the engine at optimal temperatures and deliver constant power under any condition. It also runs on the Miller cycle, and has exhaust pipes on both the right and left side banks to reduce combustion fluctuations and maintain a consistent engine acceleration and power output. GWM’s new V8 also comes with a 350-bar high-pressure injection system, a 5.5-bar PFI injection system, a full MAP oil pump that can adjust oil pressure based on the engine speed and load, and dual fuel pumps.
Why the use of a dual-injection system? According to GWM, this system allows the engine to select different injection modes based on its operating conditions. This allows the V8 to improve cold start performance and reduce carbon buildup. This unique configuration is unique even among V8 engines from other car brands, as claimed by GWM.
Last but not least, the drive system makes use of silicone oil dampers that do away with the conventional rubber belt pulleys. GWM says this helps dissipate engine vibration and modulate second-depth resonance of the V8 engine.
The exact output figures of the new V8 engine have yet to be revealed by GWM. However, they did say they are finalizing the V8’s performance and smoothing out its performance for real-world use. Moreover, GWM says its new 4.0L twin-turbo V8 generates a deeper and more powerful sound that they are excited to share with the world.
Whereas most brands nowadays are focusing more on electrification and downsizing, it’s nice to see that GWM decided to switch things up with its new 4.0L twin-turbo V8. While it will most likely power 4x4 vehicles that benefit from electrification, you have to hand it to GWM for deciding to build an eight-cylinder engine despite already having a V6 in their powertrain portfolio.
We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that GWM’s new 4.0L V8 will eventually be offered in something that could make its way to the Philippine market.
