GWM’s First Supercar by 2026: China’s Ultra-Luxury Rival to Yangwang U9
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Great Wall Motor (GWM) has officially confirmed it will enter the supercar segment with its first-ever model by the end of 2026. This bold move signals GWM’s ambition to compete in the global ultra-luxury and high-performance market, rivaling established names like BYD’s Yangwang U9.
When will GWM launch its first supercar?
GWM plans to unveil its first supercar by the end of 2026, following nearly five years of development under its newly formed Ultra Luxury Vehicle Business Group.
The project has been under active research and development since 2021, with both engineering and design teams making significant progress. The supercar represents a major shift for GWM, a company historically known for SUVs and pickup trucks.
- The supercar falls under GWM’s Ultra Luxury Vehicle Business Group, chaired by Wei Jianjun.
- Development includes international talent to ensure global standards.
- Early prototypes have been spotted, confirming a high-performance focus.
What is GWM’s Ultra Luxury Vehicle Business Group?
The Ultra Luxury Vehicle Business Group is GWM’s dedicated division for high-end performance vehicles. Chaired by company founder Wei Jianjun, the division is tasked with creating a supercar that reflects both innovation and Chinese automotive identity.
- Song Dongxian, former Vice President of Technology at GWM, serves as CEO.
- Zhang Xiaobo leads as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
- The team includes international engineers and designers to match global supercar benchmarks.
A New Ultra-Luxury Direction
The creation of this business group signals GWM’s ambitions to establish a new ultra-luxury brand. Trademark filings for Zixin Auto (自信汽车, meaning “Confidence Auto”) suggest this will be the brand under which GWM’s first supercar launches, positioned directly against BYD’s Yangwang brand.
What engine will power GWM’s supercar?
Reports indicate that the supercar will feature a self-developed 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with an electric motor, forming a plug-in hybrid system. This setup is expected to produce roughly 1,000 horsepower, enabling world-class performance at a relatively accessible price.
- 0–100 km/h acceleration is expected to take under three seconds.
- Top speed could exceed 350 km/h.
- Performance targets benchmarked against Ferrari SF90 and other European hypercars.
Engineering Insights
GWM’s chief technology officer, Wu Huixiao, has confirmed that the supercar is benchmarked against the Ferrari SF90. The company aims to offer a similar experience in terms of performance and driving dynamics but at approximately half the cost.
What will be the price of GWM’s supercar?
Market estimates suggest the supercar will be priced around 2 million yuan (roughly USD 280,000), significantly lower than the Ferrari SF90 in China, making it one of the most competitive V8 plug-in hybrid supercars globally.
- Price positioning reflects GWM’s strategy to combine luxury and performance with affordability.
- This pricing could attract both domestic and international buyers interested in high-performance hybrids.
How does GWM plan to blend global design with Chinese identity?
GWM’s design philosophy for the supercar focuses on advanced materials, aerodynamics, and a distinct Chinese identity. The car is expected to integrate cultural elements subtly into the styling while maintaining a modern, aggressive supercar look.
- Global engineering standards to match European supercars.
- Design aims to reflect both innovation and national pride.
- Prototype sightings show wide fenders, low profile, and aggressive stance.
Which supercars could GWM’s new model compete with?
If specifications hold, GWM’s first supercar would join an elite class of V8 plug-in hybrid hypercars including the Porsche 918 Spyder, Koenigsegg Regera, and Ferrari SF90. With similar performance and a lower price, GWM could redefine perceptions of Chinese engineering on the global stage.
Potential Competitors
- BYD Yangwang U9
- Ferrari SF90
- Porsche 918 Spyder
- Koenigsegg Regera
What is the expected brand name for GWM’s supercar?
The supercar is expected to launch under Zixin Auto (Confidence Auto), a new ultra-luxury sub-brand of GWM. This brand is likely to target both domestic Chinese buyers and international markets, competing directly with high-end brands such as Yangwang.
Why is this launch significant for GWM?
GWM entering the supercar market marks a major transformation for a company traditionally focused on SUVs and pickup trucks. This move demonstrates GWM’s growing confidence in its engineering and design capabilities and its intention to compete globally in the ultra-luxury segment.
- Signals a shift towards high-performance and premium automotive engineering.
- Represents a broader trend of Chinese automakers entering supercar territory.
- Could elevate the reputation of Chinese cars internationally.
Where can you find GWM cars in the UAE?
Looking for the latest GWM used cars for sale in UAE or new GWM models? YallaMotor provides listings of all available GWM vehicles across the Emirates.
FAQs About GWM’s First Supercar
When will GWM launch its first supercar?
By the end of 2026, after nearly five years of development under the Ultra Luxury Vehicle Business Group.
What engine will power GWM’s supercar?
A self-developed 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 combined with an electric motor, forming a plug-in hybrid system with around 1,000 horsepower.
What will be the price of GWM’s supercar?
Approximately 2 million yuan (USD 280,000), about half the cost of a Ferrari SF90 in China.
What is the expected performance of GWM’s supercar?
0–100 km/h in under 3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 350 km/h, placing it among the world’s high-performance hybrid supercars.
What brand will GWM’s supercar be launched under?
Expected under the new luxury sub-brand Zixin Auto (Confidence Auto), directly competing with BYD’s Yangwang brand.
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