GWM Tank 300 Hooke shown in Shanghai – hardcore off-roader with solid axles and possible V8 power

GWM Tank 300 Hooke shown in Shanghai – hardcore off-roader with solid axles and possible V8 power

Unveiled alongside the facelifted GWM Tank 300 at the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2025 show is a new hardcore off-road version called the Tank 300 Hooke. The 4×4 gains some serious off-road hardware and is similar in theme to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Ford Bronco Raptor.

Named after the Hooke Trail in western China, the Tank 300 Hooke gets a beefier front bumper with built-in tow hooks, 18-inch beadlock alloy wheels wrapped in chunky Cooper Discover all-terrain tyres, rock sliders/side steps and a new rear bumper with a tow hitch attached.

Peek under the car and you’ll find a live front axle to join the one at the rear, as well as uprated suspension that almost certainly raises the Tank 300’s ground clearance, allied to a strengthened ladder frame. Expect the final version to also feature bash plates to protect sensitive components from any impact.

No details on what powers the Hooke just yet, but coincidentally GWM also unveiled its new in-house-developed 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8, built specifically for the Tank sub-brand. The mill bears some striking similarities to Mercedes-AMG’s V8, sharing the same nominal capacity and “hot V” turbo configuration; it also is claimed to offer IPX8 water resistance, meaning it will be able to be submerged.

The company did not specifically say the engine will be fitted to the Hooke, but it’s clear the car has been reengineered to accept a larger powertrain. Nowhere is this more evident than in the longer dash-to-axle ratio, subtly disguised by the Hooke-branded fender vents.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • trumpchi on Apr 24, 2025 at 10:06 am

    so the track version can be HookeR?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • China is like Japan back in the 70s, V8 TT…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • BEV FTW on Apr 24, 2025 at 12:08 pm

    Please put a small hybrid engine that can run at least 1500km on a single full tank. Important for long distance offr-roading.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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