GWM targets Ferrari with 1,200 hp hybrid supercar
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Great Wall Motor (GWM) is developing a Ferrari-rivalling plug-in hybrid supercar, targeting more than 1,200 hp from a twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain. A public debut is anticipated by the end of 2026, ahead of a planned 2027 launch
Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM), best known for its Haval, Tank, Wey and Ora brands, is preparing to enter the supercar segment with a mid-engined plug-in hybrid designed to challenge established European manufacturers, particularly Ferrari. On 12 November 2026, GWM chairman Wei Jianjun shared a video on Weibo showing him testing a Ferrari SF90 at the company's proving ground in Baoding, China. GWM's own supercar prototype also appeared in the footage, although its bodywork was deliberately blurred to conceal its design. Wei acknowledged that GWM's prototype still trails the Ferrari in overall performance, particularly handling stability, throttle response and exhaust note, but expressed confidence that the finished product would deliver a surprise in 2027.
V8 hybrid powertrain targets more than 1,200 hp
According to reports by CnEVPost and CarNewsChina, the supercar is expected to use GWM's internally developed 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, paired with a plug-in hybrid system targeting a combined output of more than 1,200 hp.
The mid-mounted 90-degree V8 features a hot-V configuration, dry-sump lubrication and dual fuel injection. GWM previously cited a baseline output of approximately 500 hp for the engine, although the final combined output of the hybrid powertrain has not been disclosed.
The supercar is being developed around GWM's GF (Great Faith) high-performance architecture, which is intended to support both road-going supercars and GT3 racing derivatives.
The architecture features a carbon-fibre monocoque reportedly weighing less than 130 kg, with a claimed torsional rigidity of 40,000 Nm per degree. Former McLaren GT chief engineer Adam Thomson is leading vehicle integration, while specialists with Nürburgring experience are involved in chassis development.
Unofficial performance targets include a 0–100 km/h time of approximately 2.5 seconds, a top speed exceeding 350 km/h and a vehicle weight below 1,300 kg. GWM has yet to confirm these figures, the electric motor configuration or the final system output.
For context, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale produces 1,000 cv (986 hp) from a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and three electric motors. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 340 km/h.
Five years of supercar development
GWM's supercar programme reportedly began around 2020. Developing the carbon-fibre structure, conducting extensive testing and optimising production costs have contributed to the project's lengthy development timeline.
The company showcased elements of its GF architecture and V8 powertrain at CES 2026 and the Beijing Auto Show. The programme also forms part of GWM's wider high-performance ambitions, which include GT3 racing and potential expansion into overseas markets.
Chinese media have suggested a possible price range of RMB 1 million to RMB 2 million, equivalent to approximately AED 550,000–1.1 million. However, this estimate has not been officially confirmed.
GWM's planned entry into the supercar market follows the growing ambitions of Chinese manufacturers in high-performance vehicles. BYD's Yangwang brand, for example, has introduced the fully electric U9 and its more extreme U9 Xtreme, which reached 503.17 km/h in Abu Dhabi.
The project also comes as GWM faces pressure in its wider vehicle business. The company sold 120,374 vehicles in October 2026, representing a 15.87 per cent year-on-year decline. New-energy vehicle sales, however, increased by 7.25 per cent to a record 49,499 units.
GWM is expected to reveal more about its supercar towards the end of 2026, ahead of its planned 2027 launch. Its production name, final specifications, pricing and international availability remain unannounced.
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