GWM has recently unveiled what could be its most rugged off-roading vehicle to date — a special edition of the Tank 300, known as the Tank 300 Hooke. This new model is designed to compete head-on with serious off-road contenders like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. One of the most notable upgrades on this edition is the inclusion of both live front and rear axles, a major shift from the current Tank 300 variants, which feature independent front suspension and a live rear axle. This change, along with the addition of larger off-road tyres and reinforced mechanical components, signifies a move toward enhanced off-road performance and durability.
Named after the Hooke Trail, a remote and challenging mountain track in western China, the Tank 300 Hooke is being developed primarily for the Chinese market. While there has been no official word on whether this edition will be released in Australia, its impressive design and features suggest it could be a strong candidate for international markets in the future.
In terms of off-road capability, the Hooke model offers front and rear locking differentials, as found in the standard Tank 300, but adds what GWM refers to as “disconnecting struts.” Though not fully explained, this likely points to a sway bar disconnect feature, similar to systems used in vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler or the latest Toyota Prado Altitude, allowing for greater wheel articulation during off-road use. The Hooke also stands higher than the regular Tank 300, sporting beadlock-style wheels, Cooper all-terrain tyres, a redesigned front bumper, and new trim accents around the wheel arches, all enhancing both form and function.
While GWM has not officially confirmed the engine that will power the Tank 300 Hooke, there’s speculation that it may eventually be paired with a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid engine, which was displayed alongside the Hooke at the Shanghai Motor Show. This engine is currently under development and could signal a bold new direction for the Tank brand. However, it is more likely that the Hooke will launch with one of the existing engines used in other Tank 300 variants. These include a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder (available in both standard and hybrid formats), a new 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, or a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 that has been available in limited editions previously.
The Tank 300 Hooke is currently in the final stages of testing and is expected to debut in China within the next several months. With its serious off-road upgrades and potential new powertrain options, this special edition could mark a significant leap forward for GWM's off-road capabilities and global ambitions.