GWM Teases Wild Hybrid V8 Supercar to Rival Ferrari SF90

A Chinese supercar taking on Ferrari? Sounds crazy but that's exactly what Great Wall Motors (GWM) is doing. During its 35th anniversary celebrations this week, GWM provided the first real cloudy looking look at its first mid-engine supercar.

Beneath the black cover was something low, wide and obviously exotic - a bold step from the SUV maker that is best known in North America as a manufacturer of trucks. But here's the crucial bit - this is not some exhibit that will just go away. GWM says it has been quietly developing this model for five years and it is squarely aimed at the Ferrari SF90 Stradale.

This isn't just another "what if" Chinese project. This could be China's first real attempt at a world-class exotic - and yes, it will be offered globally, including in the U.S.

Under the Hood: A Hybrid V8 with Serious Muscle

GWM has created a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 - announced before at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show - which is said to be combined with a plug-in hybrid system. Combined, the V8 and the PHEV will produce 800+ horsepower, possibly even more with electric boost.

That puts it right in the same league as some of the more established nameplates in the exotic world:

• Ferrari SF90 (986 hp)
• McLaren Artura (671 hp)
• Lamborghini Revuelto (1,001 hp)

If GWM is to hit their goals, we're looking at a car that is not just fast, it's ferocious.

Quick Recap:

• 4.0L twin‑turbo V8 + electric motor
• Plug-in hybrid powertrain
• Possibly 0–60 mph in ~2.9 seconds
• Range-extending electric mode for city driving

Lightweight but Strong: Carbon Fiber Chassis

This is where GWM shatters the frame of the sports car world. Rather than build it on a steel, or aluminum, frame, they are going with a carbon-fiber monocoque, a construction technique commonly used by Ferrari, McLaren and Koenigsegg.

Why does that matter?

• Weight savings = significantly better performance
• Stiff chassis = significantly better performance in a straight line and in the corners due to improved handling.
• "Premium" feel = exotic car DNA

It is no small task! GWM admits that it was not easy to figure out building this in-house, which is why they brought on board European engineers, specifically Nürburgring engineers, to help them figure it all out.

This says something about just how serious they take this exploration into the future—a bit more on point than "It's just another car." At the end of the day, they are making a reputation.

What About Price? It'll Shock You

To be fair to you, most Americans consider exotic cars unattainable. A Ferrari SF90 is well past $550,000. Well, GWM is flipping the script.

Territory insiders have suggested that the Chinese supercar could launch around ¥1 million (~US $140,000), that's only a little over a fourth of what Ferrari charges, and it might offer a spec sheet with performance to back it for the real-world too.

That kind of price and value may be enough to rally U.S. buyers who are obsessed with speed but are currently priced out of buying European exotics.

Estimated Price Breakdown:

• Base Model: ~$140,000
• Performance Model (unofficial): ~$180,000
• Limited Carbon Edition (TBD): ~$200,000

A 5-Year Journey From Idea to Reality

This isn't just some slick marketing program. According to GWM's chief technical officer Wu Huixiao, the idea has been in development since 2021. There was a collective aspiration on the team to make a car that could compete with the best of Europe, and win without a price advantage.

They prototyped the test mule, iterated hybrid technologies, and learned a ton in motorsports and when testing on the Nürburgring.

For this reason, the company refers to the car as their "confidence project," designed to disrupt perceptions, not only in China, but also in the U.S. and Europe.

Why Should U.S. Consumers Care? 

This isn't just fantastic news for China; it's also fantastic news for American consumers too. Here's why: 

• Accessible Price: Real supercar performance for $140k? Uh, yes, please. 
• Hybrid Power: Perfect for emissions-conscious cities like LA or NY. 
• Modern Performance: Daily drivable accessibility with spinning, carbon, track-ready, or dress up parts for a sleek look. 
• Real Deal Performance: No more "for China only", aimed at the global consumer. 

If this car hits the market in the U.S. around 2026, it will change the exotic car landscape in a way we haven't seen since the first-generation Acura NSX.

Key Rivals and Where GWM Stands

What to Expect Next?

While GWM hasn’t provided an official name, or revealed a launch date, we expect a full unveil by Q4 2025, and perhaps pre-orders as soon as early 2026. U.S. certification should follow shortly after if approved for safety/emissions.

This isn’t a concept vehicle, it’s a production vehicle, and it could be on U.S. roads much sooner than you think.

Conclusion

This is not merely a car. It's messaging: China can build exotics too - and they're coming for Ferrari. With performance claims, lightweight engineering, and a much more competitive price point, GWM's mystery machine could impact the industry like nobody expected. 

And the U.S.? We're watching. If this thing really is as good as it sounds, it may well end up in an American garage near you.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops