Chinese automaker embarks on challenging Ferrari and McLaren with forthcoming PHEV luxury sportscar
Great Wall Motors (GWM) is set to shake up the supercar industry with its upcoming Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) model, aiming to take on the likes of Ferrari and McLaren.
The Chinese manufacturer's new supercar will feature a powerful hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine combined with an electric plug-in hybrid system. This setup is expected to produce over 600 horsepower, placing it in a competitive range with other high-performance supercars.
GWM's Chief Technology Officer, Wu Huixiao, has stated that the company's work on the PHEV supercar will surpass that of Ferrari. The car is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 2.9 seconds, showcasing supercar-level quickness.
The model will boast a sleek, mid-engined design for optimal balance and performance, and a lightweight carbon fiber tub (monocoque) for rigidity. The car's carbon fiber cabin has been developed with input from European counterparts, demonstrating GWM's commitment to quality and innovation.
The upcoming supercar will be launched under a new range-topping GWM sub-brand named Confidence Auto, positioned significantly above GWM’s existing brands and aimed at luxury performance buyers. GWM plans to offer the supercar not only in China but globally, including the U.S. market, marking one of China's first real entries into the world-class exotic supercar segment.
The supercar will join a growing list of hybrid supercars, including the Ferrari SF90, McLaren Artura, and Corvette ZR1X. Ferrari has unveiled the impressively powerful 296 Speciale, scheduled for release in 2026, while McLaren has introduced the Atura, which is expected to be successful on all fronts.
GWM has been building its own PHEV supercar for five years, and the project reflects a strategic move by the company to elevate its brand profile and compete directly in the exotic supercar market worldwide. However, specific details about the GWM supercar, such as its name and full unveiling, have yet to be revealed.
In the meantime, Chinese manufacturer YangWang U9 has made headlines with its impressive capabilities, including the ability to dance, bunnyhop, and set blistering records. Other manufacturers are looking to replicate BYD's success in creating supercars, as the market for high-performance electric vehicles continues to grow.
Recently, GWM's Chairman Wei Jianjun was spotted driving a Rosso red Ferrari SF90, indicating that the company's ambitions extend beyond its own supercar project. As the race for the future of supercars heats up, GWM is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
- Great Wall Motors' new PHEV supercar, to be launched under the Confidence Auto sub-brand, will rival Ferrari and McLaren with its 600+ horsepower hybrid powertrain and quick acceleration of approximately 2.9 seconds.
- The supercar's design will feature a mid-engine layout for balance and performance, a lightweight carbon fiber tub, and cabin components developed with European counterparts.
- GWM plans to offer the supercar globally, including the U.S. market, marking one of China's first real entries into the world-class exotic supercar segment.
- The luxury performance market will see new competition with GWM's supercar joining the ranks of hybrid supercars like the Ferrari SF90, McLaren Artura, and Corvette ZR1X.
- Ferrari and McLaren will continue to push the boundaries of supercar technology with anticipated releases like the 296 Speciale (2026) and McLaren Artura.
- GWM's ambition extends beyond its own supercar project, as demonstrated by the Chairman Wei Jianjun driving a Ferrari SF90, signifying the company's intention to make a significant impact in the supercar industry.
