GWM says it’s considering introducing a more rugged version of its Ute/Cannon in Australia, as well as an additional powertrain for its Tank 300 line-up.
Both the GWM Ute Off-Road and a non-hybrid version of the GWM Tank 300 have appeared in the latest versions of their respective models’ Australian Government road vehicle type approval documents, meaning they’ve been certified for sale.
“The off-road edition of the GWM Ute and the non-hybrid Tank 300 remain under consideration but not yet confirmed,” said a spokesperson for GWM Australia.
The more rugged GWM Ute variant offers an extensive suite of off-road equipment in the Chinese market, including electronically controlled locking front and rear differentials, a snorkel, creep mode, and a tank turn function.
It’s offered in China with a choice of Cooper or BF Goodrich 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres, and available features include a front winch and nitrogen shock absorbers. This tyre type is listed on the local documents, though the brand isn’t specified.
It also rides on multi-link rear suspension, as opposed to the leaf springs of more commercial-focused Chinese-market models as well as the local line-up, and wears a snorkel.
While a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder is offered in China, local documents list only the familiar 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four with 120kW of power. It’s mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Running clearance rises from 194mm to 228mm but braked towing capacity takes a hit. It’s listed as just 2250kg, down from 3000kg in the rest of the range.
It’s worth noting other GWM Ute variants have appeared in approval documents previously, including single-cab variants, but have yet to make the trip.
The latest update to the GWM Ute’s approval documents still show single-cab-chassis and single-cab ute variants.
In addition to the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid launching this quarter, the government database also lists a non-hybrid version.
This features a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 167kW of power and 387Nm of torque, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
For context, the Tank 300 Hybrid has a turbo 2.0-litre hybrid four with combined system outputs of 258kW and 615Nm and uses a nine-speed automatic transmission. It’s mated with a full-time four-wheel drive system.
Documents list unchanged unbraked and braked towing capacities of 750kg and 2500kg, respectively.
Tank 300 City
There’s still a full suite of off-road equipment available in the non-hybrid Tank 300 in China.
The off-roader is offered there in either a City or Off-Road version, with slightly different styling.
City versions still offer seven drive modes, a creep mode, tank turn function, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a two-speed transfer case, with an available electronically controlled locking rear differential.
Off-Road variants also offer an electronically controlled locking front differential and part-time four-wheel drive with a centre locking diff.
MORE: Everything GWM Ute
MORE: Everything GWM Tank 300
