GWM’s luxurious ute spied once more in Australia

A CarExpert reader has snapped a camouflaged prototype model of what seems to be the GWM Shanhai Cannon ute parked kerbside in northern Sydney.

This actual Shanhai Cannon prototype has been spied as soon as earlier than earlier this 12 months, with it retaining the vary of equipment together with entrance tow hooks, aspect steps, and an exaggerated sports activities bar.

As just lately reported, CarExpert understands the GWM Shanhai Cannon are set to reach in Australia within the first quarter of 2024. It had beforehand been reported to reach late in 2023.

Slotting above the GWM Ute, with which it shares its platform, the Shanhai Cannon has extra upscale appointments plus a variety of distinctive powertrains.

It’s set to supply the primary hybrid powertrain within the ute phase in Australia, which encompasses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated with an electrical motor, a nine-speed automated transmission and an on-demand four-wheel drive system.

Within the associated Tank 300, this produces whole system outputs of 258kW and 615Nm.

Additionally anticipated to be provided in Australia is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 135kW and 480Nm, teamed with a 48V mild-hybrid system, nine-speed automated transmission, on-demand four-wheel drive, and obtainable electronically locking entrance and rear differentials.

Much less sure for our market is the flagship 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, which pumps out 260kW and 500Nm.

Out there options embody a panoramic sunroof, head-up show, energy tailgate, heated steering wheel, semi-automatic parking help, surround-view digicam, heated and ventilated entrance and rear seats, and multi-colour inside ambient lighting.

There’s a full suite of energetic security and driver help tools obtainable, together with freeway driving help, entrance and rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and protected exit warning.

The Shanhai Cannon is anticipated to be pitched extra as a pricier way of life ute. That’s as a result of as an alternative of a leaf spring rear suspension just like the GWM Ute, the Shanhai Cannon employs a multi-link coil-sprung again axle and double wishbones on the entrance.

It’s solely marginally bigger than the GWM Ute, regardless of wanting extra substantial. The Shanhai Cannon is 5440mm lengthy, so solely 30mm over the GWM Ute, although it’s nonetheless 70mm longer than the Ford Ranger.

Additional, GWM is all however sure to supply the Shanhai Cannon with the intriguing barn-door model tailgate, although it’s not current on this specific prototype.

It’s additionally more likely to embody the intelligent multi-lid mattress divider that splits the tray into three separate compartments.

Along with the Shanhai Cannon, CarExpert understands the Toyota Prado-rivalling Tank 500 can be set to reach in Australia through the first quarter of 2024.

The corporate additionally just lately hinted at a doable native launch of the rugged Tank 400 plug-in hybrid SUV in a brand new video shared on its social media.

MORE: When bigger, extra luxurious GWM ute and SUV are anticipated in Australia