A hardcore Chinese ute! Arctic Trucks takes GWM Wingle 7 to the next level, but where is the Ranger Raptor-rivalling flagship GWM Ute?

Following the Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota HiLux, tough-truck-builders Arctic Trucks has applied its trade to a Chinese ute for the first time, delivering a hardcore version of the GWM Wingle 7.

Not to be confused with the Australian-market GWM Ute, which is known as the Pao overseas, the Wingle 7 is built in China for markets like Russia.

The predecessor to the Wingle 7, the Wingle 5, was offered locally as the V series up until 2014 before morphing into the Steed and being discontinued in favour of the aforementioned Ute.

The Wingle 7 makes use of a ladder-frame chassis, a 107kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual gearbox, and a Borg Warner transfer case and rear differential lock.

However, to butch up the Wingle 7, Arctic Trucks has added widened fenders and new suspension, as well as 17-inch wheels shod in chunky all-terrain tyres to boost ground clearance and off-road ability.

Optionally, buyers can select a front winch, automatic engine heater and increased cabin insulation to keep occupants toasty when exploring colder climates.

While the Arctic Trucks Wingle 7 might not have much relevance to the Australian market, GWM has talked in the past about producing a flagship Ute for local consumption.

Exactly what form this will take is currently unclear, but there are GWM concepts like the Cannon Everest and Black Bullet that have appeared at various Chinese motor shows over the years.

The GWM Ute is powered by a 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, but the brand also has access to a twin-turbo petrol V6 that punches out 260kW/500Nm that would take the fight right to the 292kW/583Nm 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor.