GWM Prepares Ferrari Rival with V8 Hybrid Powertrain

Great Wall Motors (GWM) has officially entered the Chinese supercar race, teasing an all-new, high-performance model that promises to shake up the segment. As the Chinese performance car market rapidly evolves with names like Hongqi, BYD, and GAC introducing exotic contenders, GWM is preparing to launch its own challenger—one that’s been five years in the making and could redefine perceptions of Chinese performance engineering.

The teaser came during the company’s 35th anniversary celebrations, posted by GWM Chairman Wei Jianjun. Though veiled, the mysterious silhouette of a low, wide, long-tailed machine signaled GWM’s intent loud and clear: China’s next supercar is nearly here, and it’s aiming straight at global icons like Ferrari.

What We Know So Far

• GWM’s new supercar has been in development for five years.
• The design hints at a mid-engine layout with exotic proportions.
• Power will come from a bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8 paired with a plug-in hybrid system.
• The chassis will be a carbon fiber monocoque developed with European motorsport engineers.
• Performance benchmarks are set against the Ferrari SF90.
• Expected to launch by the end of 2025 with a price above ¥1 million ($140,000).

A Bold Step into the Supercar Arena

The supercar teased by Great Wall Motors isn’t just a branding exercise. According to GWM Chief Technology Officer Wu Huixiao, this vehicle represents years of in-house engineering and international collaboration. While the company remains tight-lipped on full specifications, the project is grounded in real technical ambition.

The car’s hybrid system will be powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, first revealed at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show. Unlike most Chinese EV startups focusing purely on electrification, GWM is opting for a performance-first hybrid approach, blending traditional internal combustion with modern electric torque.

This choice positions the upcoming GWM supercar as a direct competitor not just to domestic rivals like the GAC Aion Hyper SSR and BYD Yangwang U9, but also to global benchmarks like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale—a comparison that GWM does not shy away from.

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Engineering Ambition Meets Racing DNA

One of the boldest claims came from Huixiao herself, who said the new car would be “better than the SF90.” While such statements are often treated with skepticism, they’re supported here by real development choices:

• The use of a carbon fiber monocoque structure
• Extensive input from European racing experts
• A powertrain designed entirely in-house for high output and hybrid efficiency

These choices suggest that GWM is not just building a showpiece but a serious contender in the supercar world, built with dynamics, performance, and structural innovation in mind.

Design Language: Mid-Engine Silhouette, Track-Ready Form

Though the teaser photo keeps the model under wraps, several design elements can be deciphered.

• Low front profile with prominent intakes hinting at strong aerodynamics
• Fender-mounted headlights reminiscent of modern supercars like the Porsche 918
• Aggressive side cooling ducts feeding air into what is likely a rear-mounted engine
• A long tail that suggests track performance and high-speed stability

All signs point toward a classic mid-engine supercar layout, a significant step up for a brand more commonly associated with SUVs and pickups.

Positioning: High Performance, Lower Price

The upcoming GWM supercar is expected to be priced just above ¥1 million, or around $140,000 USD. That places it well below the electric-only competition from BYD and GAC, while still offering hybrid versatility, exotic styling, and potentially world-class performance.

Here’s how the pricing compares:

This price advantage could make GWM’s supercar the most accessible high-performance hybrid in the Chinese market — and potentially attractive for global export.

An Exciting Future for GWM and Chinese Performance

This teaser marks a significant milestone for Great Wall Motors. Known primarily for practical models, off-roaders, and pickups, GWM is now aiming higher—entering the exclusive world of exotic sports cars with a hybrid monster developed over half a decade.

With its upcoming launch, the GWM supercar will likely change perceptions of Chinese automotive capabilities, not just domestically but on the international stage.

As we await its full reveal, one thing is clear: China’s performance revolution is only just beginning, and GWM wants to be at its forefront.