Auto Shanghai 2023 - GWM pushes the envelope on all fronts

The Auto Shanghai motor show was one of the many that suffered from the global pandemic. However, on its return in 2023, it was better than ever. We travelled to the bright and bustling city with GWM and Haval to go and preview some of the models destined for local shores and some that will find their way to other global markets. 

The brands we visited, in particular, were ORA, which is responsible for fully electric models such as the Funky CAT, and Haval, which, as many will know, produces luxury SUVs and crossovers. In addition, we visited the WEY stand to catch a glimpse of a few exciting models and then also the Tank stand, which hosted two SUV models as well as the updated P Series bakkie, which are all imminent for the local market. 

 

Related: GWM ORA CAT (2023) quick review

 

Below we list some details about some of the exciting models that will soon reach the local market, per brand. So, before you get an Instant Offer on your car and start your search for new or used GWM models on AutoTrader, here is a quick breakdown of what to expect from the Chinese automaker soon. 

 

P-Series

Just like Haval, the P-Series name will become a sub-brand of the larger GWM company. In the future, P-Series will be responsible for bakkie models such as the upcoming Shanhai Cannon. But before this branding exercise, GWM will be introducing a facelifted model of the current P-Series bakkie range. 

While mechanically the newcomer will remain the same, customers will quickly be able to see the visual enhancements made to the range. More information about the updated P-Series will be shared soon on the AutoTrader website. However, if you can't wait, search for new or used GWM P-Series models on Autotrader here.

 

Shanhai Cannon

As alluded to earlier, there is a new flagship bakkie on its way from the Chinese automaker, namely the Shanhai Cannon. The Cannon, which is called the P05 in China, offers a variety of powertrains to the global market, including a performance-oriented 3.0-litre, V6, a 2.4-litre, turbo-diesel and a unit fitted with a plug-in hybrid system. Customers can expect around 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque from the V6 variant, which is claimed to propel the model from 0-100km/h in just 7.5 seconds. 

The 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel four-cylinder is said to produce around 135 kW and 480Nm of torque. But if efficiency is at the top of the order, the plug-in hybrid derivative might tick all the boxes as the 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine mated to an electric motor is claimed to produce a total of 258 kW and 615 Nm of torque. *The exact specifications that will come to the local market are yet to be confirmed. Remember if you want to sell your car quickly and efficiently to perhaps get your order in for the Shanhai Cannon, try our Instant Offer tool here.

 

Related: GWM Tank 300 driven, Down Under

 

Tank 300

Another sub-brand from GWM that will be making its local debut within the next three months is Tank. Two models are destined for SA, namely the Tank 300 and Tank 500. While both ranges should offer customers the ruggedness they want from an off-roading SUV, the Tank 300, which will arrive first, should easily meet that requirement. 

The Tank 300 will be launched with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, petrol engine and an electric motor that has a combined output of 258 kW and 615Nm of torque. But don't let the rugged styling fool you. Inside, customers can expect a plush leather interior equipped with impressive tech, such as the 12.3-inch infotainment system. Also notable is its 5-Star ANCAP safety rating.

Tank 500 

The Tank 500, which takes shape as a large and luxurious SUV, will arrive a little later. However, here are a few details surrounding the model. While it is yet to be confirmed which powertrain configuration is to become available locally, the model is available in China with either a 3.0-litre, turbocharged, V6 producing 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque. It sends the power through an in-house developed 9-speed automatic transmission.

The Tank 500 PHEV derivative comes fitted with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder which sends 300 kW and 750 Nm to the wheels via a 9HAT gearbox. The claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of this model is 6.9 seconds. But once again, it is not all performance and no luxury. The stylish interior provides leather upholstery and, in terms of tech, customers can expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment screen to name a few. 

ORA Funky CAT

ORA is a fully electric sub-brand from the larger GWM group. And out of the three models that were on display, two have been confirmed for the local market. The first that will arrive is the Funky CAT. However, we won't be seeing the CAT naming convention locally as the model which will be available in three derivatives will be named the ORA 300, 400 and 400 GT.

While the ORA 300 will be available with a 47.8-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery which should return around 310 km in range. The ORA 400 and 400 GT will come fitted with a 63.1 kWh battery which should increase the range to around 420 km. One to look out for is the ORA 400 GT as the styling in combination with the 126 kW and 250 Nm of torque is sure to be a popular choice. 

ORA Lightning CAT

The ORA Lightning CAT takes shape as a sedan and is more oriented towards the performance segment. Featuring two motors that in combination produce 300 kW and 680 Nm of torque, it is no surprise that this model will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in around 3 seconds. However, when driven at normal speeds, the 82 kWh battery should provide ample range, with some international sources claiming around 450 kilometres. 

Once again, the interior impressed with leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces all around the cabin. The model also offers level 3 autonomous driving, which means that the vehicles can steer, brake, accelerate and park without the intervention of a human. This will be the second model to be introduced locally by the ORA brand and will most likely come with a different name.

 

Related: GWM Tank 300 HEV - Quick Review

 

Conclusion

The Auto Shanghai motor show and GWM, Haval, Tank, ORA and P-Series have certainly impressed with its latest models. While we await the exact specifications and pricing for each model, we are excited that all of the above are destined for South Africa with the earliest arrival being within the next three months. Over the next few weeks we will be delving into more detail regarding each model above, so keep your eyes on the AutoTrader website. In the meantime, if you find new or used GWM models on AutoTrader that you like, remember that you can sell your car quickly and conveniently with our Instant Offer tool here.