GWM will introduce a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine to the Cannon Alpha ute and Tank 500 large SUV, expanding the powertrain options available for Australian buyers in segments where diesel remains widely used.
The new four-cylinder engine produces 170kW and 620Nm, with peak torque available between 1,400 and 2,400rpm. It is paired with GWM’s nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive system.
For fleet operators, the new engine is likely to be most relevant where towing, regional travel, load carrying and off-road operation remain important parts of the vehicle task.
The Cannon Alpha retains a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, while the Tank 500 increases from 3,000kg to 3,500kg. GWM says development work has included transmission calibration for heavy-load towing, integrated trailer brake controller functionality and cruise control operation while towing.
Local testing part of development program
GWM has undertaken more than six months of Australian engineering and validation work on the new powertrain.
Led locally by GWM Australia Lead Product Dynamics and Integration Manager Rob Trubiani, the program has covered ride and handling, engine and transmission calibration, towing performance, software and durability.
Development vehicles accumulated more than 35,000 combined kilometres in less than two months, with testing conducted in locations including the Flinders Ranges, Victoria’s High Country and the Big Desert.
The local development work is relevant for fleet applications because vehicles in this segment can be expected to perform across a wide range of operating environments, including metropolitan driving, highways, unsealed roads and remote locations.
Fuel consumption and payload
GWM lists combined fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km for the Cannon Alpha and 7.1L/100km for the Tank 500 under ADR testing. Actual consumption will vary depending on operating conditions, vehicle configuration and accessories.
The Cannon Alpha has a listed payload of 945kg in both Lux and Vanta grades.
For the Tank 500, payload is listed at 760kg for the Lux and 690kg for the Vanta. Both vehicles have a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500kg and a maximum towball download of 350kg.
Neither diesel model requires AdBlue, while the Tank 500 Vanta receives a 131-litre fuel tank compared with the 78-litre tank fitted to the other variants.
Updated driver interface
The Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 also receive GWM’s Coffee OS operating system and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, together with connected vehicle functions and over-the-air software update capability.
The Cannon Alpha Lux includes adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue monitoring, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with braking and an integrated trailer brake controller.
The Cannon Alpha Vanta adds a front differential lock along with additional comfort and convenience equipment.
The seven-seat Tank 500 includes front and rear differential locks, low-range gearing, selectable terrain modes, towing mode, crawl control and Tank Turn Assist.
Another diesel option for fleet operators
The arrival of the new engine highlights the continuing role of diesel in parts of the Australian fleet market.
Battery electric and hybrid powertrains are increasingly being considered for passenger vehicles and some light commercial applications, but vehicle selection still needs to reflect the operating task.
For fleets regularly towing trailers, travelling long distances, operating in regional areas or requiring four-wheel-drive capability, diesel vehicles remain part of the procurement mix.
