Great Wall Motors has some big ambitions for their next-generation ute, a new model they figure could upset sales of the local dual-cab juggernauts such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
More body styles will be introduced, of course, but even more interestingly, they plan to launch a fully electric EV variant of this new ute capable of travelling up to 500km on a single charge at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.
By looking a the supplied pictures so far, the Chinese automaker has evidently adopted the “tough truck” design direction, though there will be a more toned down ‘Urban’ spec variant to complement the ‘Adventure’ spec we presume to be shown here.
In this guise, the ute utilises a single bar grille, full LED headlights, LED tail lights, an extended sports bar, a tailgate designed for offload bike enthusiasts, and rather pronounced wheel arches to really emphasise the ‘active lifestyle’ statement.
Additional equipment will be a built-in front winch, tri-way locking differentials, a 900mm fording depth (thanks to the snorkel), and a 7-mode All Terrain Control System. It all seems rather promising, but bear in mind that GWM has not yet indicated the mechanical package the new ute will be offered with.
The new ute will sit on the same ladder chassis as the Haval H9 SUV and indeed be built alongside it in GWM’s new Chongqing plant, but it’s 2.0-litre 180kW/350Nm four-cylinder turbo-petrol is all but ruled out to be carried over.
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