Great Wall Motors (GWM) has released key specifications for its new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, set to debut in the Cannon Alpha ute and Tank 500 SUV in late 2026. The engine delivers 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, making it the most torque-rich option in the ute segment—surpassing even the Ford Ranger V6. This output positions the engine as a compelling choice for buyers who demand strong low-end pulling power. The 3.0-liter displacement represents a significant shift for GWM, which previously relied on a smaller 2.4-liter turbo-diesel in its existing models, including earlier iterations of the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500.
Performance leap over existing models
The new engine replaces GWM’s current 2.4-liter turbo-diesel, offering a 35kW and 140Nm increase in output. Both the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 will pair the engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard. Fuel efficiency has also improved, with the Tank 500 rated at 7.1L/100km and the Cannon Alpha at 7.3L/100km—a 1.6L/100km reduction for the ute despite the larger displacement.
This marks the first time the Tank 500 will offer a diesel option in Australia. The engine’s development included over six months of local testing, focusing on durability, towing capacity, and refinement under Australian conditions. GWM’s tuning lead, Rob Trubiani, said the calibration prioritized reliability and drivability to meet local expectations. According to GWM, testing focused on performance, durability, drivability, towing capability and powertrain calibration.
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How it stacks up against rivals
The Ford Ranger V6 turbo-diesel produces 184kW/600Nm but consumes 8.3L/100km at its most efficient. Toyota’s 2.8-liter four-cylinder in the HiLux and Prado delivers 150kW/500Nm with a 7.3L/100km rating, while Isuzu’s 3.0-liter in the D-Max and MU-X offers 140kW/450Nm at 7.8L/100km. GWM’s engine sits between these in power but leads in torque and efficiency. The 620Nm torque figure exceeds the output of the Ford Ranger V6 by 20Nm, a difference that could translate to better performance when fully loaded.
The engine’s introduction reflects GWM’s broader strategy to position itself as a serious competitor in the Australian market, where diesel engines remain popular for their durability and towing prowess. By offering a diesel option in the Tank 500, GWM is expanding its appeal to buyers who may have previously overlooked the model. The Cannon Alpha benefits from the engine’s improved performance and efficiency, making it a more compelling alternative to established players like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Pricing for the new models will be announced closer to launch, but expressions of interest are already open. The Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 with the 3.0-liter engine are expected to arrive in showrooms within months.
