GWM's secret supercar confirmed

In an industry-shocking revelation, GWM’s chief technology officer Wu Huixiao has confirmed that the Chinese brand most famous for its rock-crushing 4x4 SUVs and utes has been secretly developing a supercar for the past five years.

No name has been attached to the new vehicle but in a recent interview in China posted to Weibo, Wu says the project aims to elevate the brand far beyond its current market position and challenge established European marques on their own turf.

According to Wu, the ambitious project was initiated directly by GWM chairman Wei Jianjun – or Jack Wei as he’s known in the west – who articulated a vision that goes beyond mere transportation.

"We must build a car that will spike up adrenaline, cause an explosion of hormones and dopamine," Wei reportedly told his engineering team when launching the project.

This emotional mandate represents a significant philosophical shift for a company best known for practical SUVs, mud-plugging 4x4s, utes and pick-up trucks.

While the recently unveiled 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain revealed at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show had sparked speculation about its use in the supercar project, Wu clarified that this engine would likely be too large for a proper supercar application "when you consider the layout."

It’s understood that GWM is developing an entirely new, purpose-built power unit specifically for the supercar – potentially a smaller displacement, higher-revving engine with hybrid assistance to balance power, weight distribution and packaging efficiency.

While Wu stopped short of confirming whether the vehicle has already undergone testing at Germany's famed Nürburgring circuit – the global benchmark for performance vehicle development – she did reveal that GWM has invited an international expert to China to support the development process, suggesting the company is serious about competing on the global stage.

When questioned about recent photos showing Chairman Wei arriving at an airport in a Ferrari SF90, Wu's response was boldly confident: "Our car will be better."

This statement was followed by an acknowledgment that they continue to benchmark against and learn from established competitors, but with no intention of duplicating or blatantly ripping off established exotic products.

The supercar's development represents a technological showcase for GWM, with Wu confirming extensive research into carbon-fibre manufacturing processes and implementation. While the final structure remains undisclosed, the CTO acknowledged the significant engineering challenges involved in creating a world-class supercar.

Active aerodynamics are expected to feature prominently in the design, to automatically adjust downforce distribution between axles based on driving conditions.

The transmission configuration remains undisclosed, though options include a dual-clutch system optimised for a hybrid powertrain.

Wu's comments about the V8 being unsuitable for the supercar project suggest a fundamental focus on weight saving and mass centralisation – principles that have guided legendary supercars from established European manufacturers.

This approach signals GWM's serious intent to develop a vehicle that can compete on handling finesse rather than just brute power.

As for when this groundbreaking vehicle might reach production, Wu indicated that GWM is "still looking at controlling the costs" of the program, emphasising that "once it comes out, it will be a stunning product."

That’s code for – ‘we won’t rush this out’.

While the project clearly has the chairman's support, making the business case work likely requires careful planning to ensure the massive development investment delivers appropriate returns for the brand's overall positioning.

The supercar project aligns with Chairman Wei's broader philosophy that, despite technological advances making driving easier, vehicles should maintain an emotional connection between driver and road.

For a company that has systematically expanded from entry-level SUVs to premium off-roaders and luxury pickups, including vehicles like the $150,000 GWM Tank 700, this supercar represents the ultimate expression of GWM's technological capabilities and global ambitions – a clear statement that Chinese brands are coming of age and want to compete at the very pinnacle of performance engineering.

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