Great Wall Motor (GWM) is set to make waves in the automotive industry with the introduction of its first supercar by the end of 2026. The announcement was made by company chairman Wei Jianjun, who described the vehicle as “China’s first sports car in the truest sense.” This ambitious project has been in development for four to five years, according to reports from Auto-home.
The supercar is being developed under GWM’s newly established “Ultra Luxury Vehicle Business Group,” with Wei Jianjun at the helm as chairman. The team includes former GWM Vice President of Technology Song Dongxian as CEO and Zhang Xiaobo as CTO. To bolster its design and engineering capabilities, the initiative has attracted international talent.
Strategic Moves and Market Positioning
Earlier this year, a trademark review for the name “Zixin Auto” (自信汽车, meaning Confidence Auto) caught public attention. The trademark, applied for by Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd., suggests a high-level positioning within the Great Wall Group. This move appears to be aimed at competing with BYD’s Yangwang brand in the ultra-luxury segment.
The first public hint of the supercar’s development surfaced in July 2025 during a company photo session celebrating GWM’s 35th anniversary. A covered vehicle with wide fenders and a low stance was spotted, sparking speculation about its design and performance capabilities.
Technical Aspirations and Competitive Edge
GWM CTO Wu Huixiao has confirmed that the company is benchmarking the Ferrari SF90 for its supercar project. Industry insiders suggest the vehicle may feature a self-developed 4.0T twin-turbo V8 engine paired with an electric motor, forming a plug-in hybrid configuration. Although final specifications are yet to be disclosed, early estimates indicate a combined output of around 1,000 horsepower, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds, and a top speed exceeding 350 km/h.
“If realized, the performance would place the GWM model in direct competition with established European supercars, though at a potentially lower cost.”
Market expectations suggest a price tag in the 2 million yuan (approximately 280,000 USD) range, which is about half the cost of the Ferrari SF90 in China. This pricing strategy underscores GWM’s focus on delivering high performance while maintaining cost efficiency.
Implications for GWM and the Automotive Industry
For GWM, a company traditionally known for its SUVs and pickups, venturing into the supercar segment represents a significant shift in brand strategy. This move aligns with a broader trend among Chinese automakers, such as BYD and Xiaomi, who are expanding into high-performance vehicles. The introduction of GWM’s supercar is poised to challenge established players in the market, including Porsche, Koenigsegg, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, all of whom have V8 plug-in hybrid models.
The supercar is expected to feature advanced materials and aerodynamic elements, blending global design influences with Chinese cultural motifs. This approach not only highlights GWM’s commitment to innovation but also its desire to carve out a unique identity in the competitive luxury car market.
Looking Ahead
As GWM prepares to unveil its supercar, the automotive world will be watching closely to see how it measures up against its European counterparts. The vehicle’s success could redefine perceptions of Chinese automakers and their ability to compete in the ultra-luxury segment. With the launch set for 2026, anticipation is building, and the industry is eager to witness the next chapter in GWM’s evolution.
The announcement of GWM’s supercar not only marks a pivotal moment for the company but also signals a new era for China’s automotive industry. As the landscape continues to evolve, GWM’s bold entry into the supercar arena could pave the way for further innovation and competition on a global scale.
