GWM stands by diesel, plans for optimisation through electrification
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Diesels shouldn’t be classified as “dirty” according to the chairman of GWM, who says improvements and electrification can vastly improve a diesel’s efficiency and emissions. It’s also detailed a new turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel with a whopping 620Nm of torque, expected to arrive in the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha later this year.
As more car brands shift to electrification, GWM is doubling down on diesel, detailing its new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine for the Tank 500 SUV and Cannon Alpha ute, set to launch Down Under by the third quarter.
It produces 14kW less than Ford’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 (184kW/600Nm) but bets it on torque (+20Nm) despite the fact it’s down two cylinders.
The new diesel will come paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, along with the segment-standard 3500kg braked towing capacity for both the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500.
GWM also confirmed the expansion of more diesel powertrains, including diesel-powered hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines.
“Diesel does produce higher particulate emissions compared to petrol,” Wei told Australian media this week.
“However, in some markets like the USA, there are fewer restrictions, while Europe has moved away from diesel and is now starting to miss it.”
Wei said GWM’s testing has revealed diesel engines with hybrid systems can meet very strict emissions standards, including Euro 7, even “without AdBlue in some cases”.
“So, regulations can sometimes be restrictive, and in [my opinion], diesel should not simply be classified as ‘dirty’. The diesel hybrid technology is not new. It has been in development for around six years.”
According to Wei, GWM’s testing of hybrid-diesel commercial vehicles has resulted in around 15 per cent fuel savings in flat conditions, and up to 30 per cent in more demanding environments like Australia.
The chairman said it’s also used electrification to address traditional diesel weaknesses such as lag during acceleration and higher noise.
“Electric assistance removes lag and reduces noise. At speeds of around 50 to 60 km/h, noise levels are comparable to petrol vehicles.
“In many cases, customers would not be able to tell the difference.”
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