2023 GWM Shanhai Cannon: Turbo V6 and hybrid ute revealed, on wish list for Australia

The GWM Shanhai Cannon has been revealed at the Chengdu motor show, with the Chinese car maker’s ute taking aim at the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux – but with a petrol V6 and a category-first option of hybrid power.

And GWM Haval has put a right-hand-drive version of the full-size pick-up on the wish list for Australia.

"We like what we see and are already in discussions with the factory about the potential for a local launch here in Australia," a GWM Haval spokesman told Drive.

"While it is too early to confirm anything further, we do believe it could be a strong addition to the GWM Ute lineup locally."

Pricing is also yet to be confirmed, but GWM Haval dealers with knowledge of the new ute say the company is targeting a sub-$60,000 starting price.

Although this price estimate is about $20,000 – or 50 per cent – dearer than the GWM Ute in local showrooms today, such a price would undercut the hugely popular Toyota HiLux SR5 and Ford Ranger XLT.

According to reports from Chinese media, the Shanhai (not Shanghai) Cannon will use a body-on-frame chassis shared with GWM’s Toyota LandCruiser Prado-rivalling Tank 500, while its engine options provide more power and torque than the GWM Ute.

The GWM Shanhai Cannon’s flagship variant will reportedly be powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 engine, sending 260kW and 500Nm to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to the V6 petrol, 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid engines are poised to join the line-up, with the former rumoured to offer 137kW, and the latter 180kW/380Nm thanks to an electric motor integrated within its transmission.

While the larger Ram 1500 pick-up is available with a mild-hybrid system, the GWM would be the first ute on sale in Australia in the category below the full-size US pick-ups.

The GWM Shanhai Cannon measures up at 5440mm in length, 1991mm wide and 1924mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3350mm.

This makes it 30mm longer, 57mm wider and 38mm taller than the GWM Ute, with its wheelbase extended by 120mm.

It is also larger than the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, the two most popular vehicles on sale in Australia.

While the GWM Shanhai Cannon’s tailgate can be used in the traditional drop-down manner, it can also be opened vertically in two halves, divided with a 60:40 split, similar to some US pick-ups. 

The Tank 500 four-wheel-drive wagon exterior appears to have influenced the GWM Shanhai Cannon, with the new ute adopting a chrome grille and headlight design similar to that of its SUV sibling.

Inside, the GWM Shanhai Cannon is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with the overall design largely carried across from the Tank 500.

Upholstered in two-tone blue and cream leather with woodgrain trim, the ute’s interior is almost identical to the Tank 500 and a step forward compared to existing models from GWM on sale in Australia.

Front and back-row occupants are treated to heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats, while the ute’s rear centre armrest incorporates a wireless smartphone charging pad.

GWM Australia declined to outline possible launch timing, however dealers canvassed by Drive have been told it could be in local showrooms in six to 12 months, pending any unforeseen delays.

“While a firm decision hasn’t yet been made, we are in discussions with the factory about the potential to bring it Down Under," a company spokesperson told Drive.

“Let’s see what the coming months hold.”

If the GWM Shanhai Cannon goes on sale within that timeframe, it could become the first hybrid ute on sale in its category locally.