SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: GWM Baja Snake tough truck revealed
Chinese ute brand joins forces with Shelby to create butch new Raptor rival – and it’s under consideration for OzAfter being leaked late last week, the GWM Baja Snake super-ute has been revealed at Auto Shanghai 2021, and it’s odds-on to come to Australia.
Taking aim at the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor and Nissan Navara Warrior, the all-new GWM Ute flagship has been modified by legendary American performance tuner Shelby.
As well as delivering a lot more street cred for the Chinese brand’s new dual-cab 4x4 ute, the Shelby mods provide the GWM Baja Snake with significantly increased off-road capability.
Like the Ford Ranger Raptor, the major upgrades include nitrogen-filled Fox shocks, beefier suspension, wider wheel tracks, all-terrain tyres and a bold body kit.
GWM Haval Australia and New Zealand marketing and communications boss Steve Maciver told carsales the Baja Snake was very much on the wish list for the Australian market.
“We’re definitely keen to have a look at this ute, which offers unique styling and more extreme capabilities,” he said.
“Whether we can get it here is not 100 per cent confirmed, but it’s something we’ll continue to discuss with our head office colleagues,” he added.
Given the current $33,990-$40,990 drive-away price range for the new GWM Ute, the Baja Snake could seriously undercut its tough-truck rivals in Australia while also offering comparable performance.
GMW Baja Snake upgrades
The GWM Baja Snake gets an overhauled suspension package from Shelby, including a two-inch lift kit that increases ground clearance by an extra 51mm.
Fox Racing shock absorbers offer 14 stiffness settings and big Toyo all-terrain tyres are fitted to small alloy wheels, all of which are shrouded by extended wheels-arches.
Up front there are design changes for the GWM Baja Snake as well, including a power bulge on the bonnet, which adds twin air intakes in its leading edge.
There’s a stronger metal lower bumper that doubles as a bash plate and a new-look grille adds a snake-like ‘fang’ motif to the front-end.
At this stage the Chinese-market Baja Snake tough truck is fitted with a 140kW/360Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine carried over from regular GWM Ute models.
If GWM’s new flagship ute gets the green light for release in Australia, it’s almost certain to be equipped with the same 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel as other GWM Utes locally, matched to an eight-speed automatic with dual-range high and low ratio gearbox.
Inside, the cabin also gets a sportier look via orange accents for its leather-upholstered seats, as well as its doors, steering wheel and dashboard. There’s also suede-like Alcantara trim in evidence to improve the tactile experience.
Other upgrades include roof racks, a snorkel, Baja Snake stickers and of course a large ‘sail plane’ rear sports bar.
There’s a growing ambition within the GWM Haval group globally and especially in Australia to expand the product portfolio. And with hero models backed by high-profile partners like Shelby, and models like the Jeep Wrangler-rivalling Tank 300 also in the mix, the Chinese brand will be closely watched by competitor brands.
Stay tuned for more details on the potential Aussie arrival of the GWM Baja Snake.
Related reading: Ford Ranger v GWM Ute 2021 Comparison
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