GWM Cannon ute gets hardcore V6 two-door tough-truck treatment

GWM has released a tough new short-wheelbase single-cab 4×4 version of its Cannon ute at the Chengdu motor show, complete with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 with 48V mild-hybrid assistance, producing 260kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

Neither the body style nor the engine is new. The GWM Cannon single-cab has been on sale in China for several years and has also received Australian Design Rule certification but so far hasn’t been released here, while the turbo-petrol V6 with nine-speed automatic transmission is available in the Chinese-market Cannon Alpha.

What is new, however, is the serious chassis upgrade including beefier red coil springs up front and eight-stage adjustable K-MAN dampers at all four corners, and larger 296mm front brake rotors with silver calipers.

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The suspension configuration remains the same as other Cannon 4x4s – independent double wishbones with coils up front and a multi-link, leaf-sprung live/solid rear axle.

Naturally, there are electronically controlled differential locks at both the rear and front, a four-wheel drive system with two-speed transfer case offering 2H, 4H, 4L modes, and a rugged ladder frame that also does duty under the GWM Tank 300.

But handy off-road extras include all-terrain driving modes for snow, mud and sand, steel bumpers at both ends, full-length underbody protection, off-road side steps, and an off-road cruise control system called Creep mode.

There’s also an off-road information display showing air pressure, altitude, gradient and a compass, and a surround-view camera with an invisible chassis view, which allows drivers underneath the vehicle while traversing difficult terrain.

GWM claims 240mm of ground clearance and a maximum wading depth of 900mm, plus a 33-degree approach angle, 22-degree departure angle, 75 per cent maximum climbing grade, 2285kg kerb weight and 2745mm wheelbase.

Overall length is 4963mm – about 300mm shorter than Australia’s most popular mid-size dual-cab utes – giving the tougher Cannon two-door chubby overall proportions and a full-size tray measuring 1760mm long, 1520mm wide and 540mm deep.

Inside, there’s microfiber leather trim, a 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Among a host of tough options available in China are 265/65 R18 BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres, a 5670kg winch and a snorkel, and available exterior paint colours are Champion Red, Fire Orange, Competition White and Dune Beige.

Pre-sales have now opened in China with a base price of 229,800 yuan, which is the equivalent of about A$50,000.

However, the hardcore V6 two-door ute is unlikely to be sold here, where GWM Australia is far more likely to be interested in a four-door dual-cab version, should it eventuate.

“It’s of interest and we’ll have a look at it but ultimately it’ll come down a couple of things,” GWM Australia marketing chief Steve Maciver told CarExpert. 

“Do we think there is demand there for a single-cab ute and at what price point? Of course, the dual-cab option would provide a larger opportunity. 

“In addition, we now live in an environment where we have to consider NVES [New Vehicle Efficiency Standard]. 

“We are well-placed with strong hybrid and plug-in hybrid options across the range and if we can continue growing share with those powertrains, internal combustion options like a V6 could become a possibility.” 

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