3 Minutes
GWM Enters the Supercar Arena with a Groundbreaking Plug-In Hybrid
Great Wall Motor (GWM) is gearing up to disrupt China's high-performance automotive market with the unveiling of its very first supercar. Officially teased by GWM Chairman Wei Jianjun, the new supercar is positioned as a top-tier contender, set to compete directly with BYD’s renowned Yangwang U9. This exciting entry is expected to carry a starting price of over 1 million yuan (approximately $140,000 USD), signaling GWM's ambitions in the luxury and performance car segments.
Years in the Making: The Story Behind GWM’s Supercar
GWM’s journey toward developing this supercar has been in motion since 2021. On January 1, 2025, the company officially kicked off development on a new luxury performance brand, codenamed "BG," during its annual executive meeting. Shortly after, Great Wall filed a new trademark, 自信汽车 (Zixin Qiche or "Confidence Auto"), with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, further cementing its commitment to this high-end project.
The company’s Chief Technology Officer, Wu Huixiao, confirmed in April 2025 that GWM has dedicated five years to the independent design and engineering of this halo vehicle. Significant effort has gone into balancing cutting-edge performance with cost-effective solutions, showcasing GWM’s determination to make a mark in the global supercar landscape.
Design Highlights: Form Meets Function
GWM recently released its first official teaser image, taken during a celebration of the brand’s 35th anniversary. While the prototype is shrouded in a black film, the car’s imposing proportions and aerodynamic silhouette stand out. The long, sleek body features an aggressively sloped bonnet, low beltline, flared fenders, and prominent air intakes near the rear—strongly suggesting a mid- or rear-engine supercar layout.
Innovative Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, GWM's upcoming supercar will showcase the company’s self-developed 4-liter V8 engine, officially debuted at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show. This powerful internal combustion engine will be mated to an advanced plug-in hybrid system, hinting at both thrilling performance and improved efficiency. While detailed technical specifications are still under wraps, this hybrid V8 setup puts GWM’s creation in direct competition with leading global performance cars.
Market Positioning and Rivals: Taking on BYD's Yangwang U9
The new GWM supercar aims squarely at BYD’s Yangwang U9, a fully electric sports car that has garnered significant attention since its launch. The Yangwang U9 boasts an astonishing 1,287 horsepower and 1,680 Nm of torque from four electric motors, with recent sales reaching 160 units between September 2024 and June 2025. Pricing for the Yangwang U9 starts at 1,680,000 yuan (around $234,150 USD), placing it at the pinnacle of China’s supercar market and setting a high bar for performance and innovation.
Future Outlook: A New Era for GWM and Chinese Supercars
GWM’s upcoming supercar indicates the company’s bold entrance into the world of luxury high-performance vehicles. By combining homegrown engineering expertise, innovative hybrid drivetrain technology, and a focus on cost efficiency, GWM is poised to make a significant impact both in China and on the global automotive stage. As anticipation builds, car enthusiasts worldwide await more details and a clear look at this groundbreaking supercar.
Source: carnewschina
Comments