GWM Shanhai could be renamed Cannon Alpha for Australia

The 2024 GWM Shanhai Cannon will brandish a different nameplate when it launches Down Under sometime next year, but up until this point we’ve been at a loss as to what the new model name might be.

Now we have a possible answer following GWM Australia’s submission of the ‘Cannon Alpha’ name to IP Australia for trademarking exclusively under Class 12 (vehicles for locomotion by land, air, water or rail and their componentry), just as production slots for our market open up in China.

GWM-Haval is yet to formally confirm the Shanhai for Australia but has long said it’s high on the wish list of models it hopes to sell Down Under, where it has even been caught testing camouflaged development vehicles along the eastern seaboard.

The big appeal of the hypothetical 2024 GWM Cannon Alpha is its increased size, gutsier powertrains and more opulent specifications compared to the established utilitarian GWM Ute, which is positioned at the lower end of the mid-size ute segment both in terms of price and performance.

Whereas the GWM Ute makes do with a 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, the Shanhai features a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 that’s good for a hefty 260kW/500Nm, or a 135kW/480Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

Both donks are paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard and drive all four wheels via a full-time BorgWarner 4x4 system, with a locking rear differential on standby for when things get a bit loose off-road.

The upmarket powerplants propel a noticeably bigger body than the work-focused Ute, measuring 5440mm long (+30mm), 1991mm wide (+57mm) and 1924mm tall (+38mm), riding on a significantly longer 3350mm wheelbase (+120mm).

Both Shanhais can also tow up to 3300kg.

The increased dimensions are paired with a much grander and more imposing front fascia, more pronounced wheel-arches, a split-swinging tailgate and squarer LED headlights that create a greater sense of class, sophistication and opulence.

This more luxurious intent is reflected in the Shanhai’s cabin, where headline gear comprises a 14.6-inch infotainment system, raised centre console, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and woodgrain trim, in addition to a raft of other premium materials.

GWM-Haval Australia is yet to comment on the trademark application or provide any indication on the possible structure of a two-pronged ute portfolio, which appears likely given the disguised development vehicle spotted in Sydney was decked out with Cannon XSR-style accessories – a combination we’re yet to see overseas.

Launch pricing for the Shanhai started at 228,800 yuan in its native market at the beginning of this year – the equivalent of $A46,569.

Chances are Australia’s GWM Cannon Alpha line-up will start from around $50,000 drive-away when it arrives next year, which would see a slight overlap between it and the upper reaches of the GWM Ute range.

But a sub-$50K starting price would also see the Shanhai undercut almost every other premium dual-cab 4x4 ute on the Australian market, let alone V6 versions of the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok.

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