Days ago, thanks to a government regulator, we learned that the Tank 400 from Great Wall Motor is about to get a diesel-engined version. Chinese media are now suggesting that a car spied testing is a petrol (gasoline) version and that it will likely be priced at around 250,000 yuan (35,000 USD).

Currently, the Tank 400 is only available in a Hi4-T version, which is a PHEV. The car spotted testing looks largely the same, with very angular lines and a hardcore off-road feel. However, there are some differences, such as the lack of a charging port.

It is unclear why Chinese media believe this car is a petrol version rather than simply pictures of the diesel version, which we know will launch soon. Perhaps the answer is as simple as the photographer hearing the engine.

The car will likely measure 4985, 1960, and 1905 mm (l/w/h) with a wheelbase of 2850 mm. These are the dimensions of the diesel-powered version which is almost identical in size bar a five millimeter height increase to the Hi4-T PHEV version. The curb weight is also likely to be similar, with the diesel weighing 2455 kg.

Ground clearance of the Hi4-T version (see specs) is 224 mm, and the wading depth is 800 mm. The diesel version has an approach angle of 33 or 31 degrees and a departure angle of 33 or 29 degrees, with presumably the difference being due to a traction device.

Chinese media speculate that the car may be a mild hybrid using a longitudinal 2.0T petrol engine, a 48V hybrid system, and Geat Wall’s self-developed nine-speed automatic gearbox. This powertrain is offered in some of the ICE variants of the Tank 300.

For reference, the diesel version of the Tank 400 uses an E24D 2.4 T turbocharged engine. Its maximum power is 137 kW, and it will likely be matched with the nine-speed AT gearbox. On the other hand, the Tank 400 Hi4-T uses a 185 kW 2.0 T engine along with a front-mounted 120 kW electric motor. The combined power for the system is 300 kW, and the combined torque is 750 Nm.

A petrol engine in the Tank 400 will undoubtedly extend the car’s appeal. However, given the rapid electrification of the Chinese market, demand for such a car may be higher from overseas, meaning exports are sure to happen.

Source: Fast Technology