Watch out, Ford Ranger! New larger 2023 GWM Shanhai Cannon adds 3.0-litre V6, punchy 2.4-litre turbo four and plug-in hybrid to expanding ute range

GWM Australia's next pick-up, known as the Shanhai Cannon, is expected to sit one-size up from the existing ute, and expand the brand’s appeal by adding a performance-oriented 3.0-litre V6, a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel and a plug-in hybrid system to its line-up.

This is set to augment the existing Cannon ute, which is sold in Australia only with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit, producing 120kW/400Nm.

The new Cannon, dubbed P05 in the Chinese market, is also significantly larger than the current truck, measuring in at 5440mm long, 1991mm wide, and 1924mm tall (for reference, the current ute measures 5410mm x 1934mm x 1885mm).

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The V6 version is said to put 260kW/500Nm to the ground and comes with a new GWM in-house nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission, as opposed to the eight-speed unit in the current Cannon. GWM says the 3.0-litre V6 will sprint from 0-100km/h in just 7.5 seconds. Power figures for the 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel four-cylinder come in at 135kW/480Nm, a solid increase over the current Cannon’s 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine.

It will also be equipped with differential locks on both axles, as well as a new Borg Warner-sourced four-wheel-drive system with a higher level of ability than the all-wheel-drive system in the current Cannon. It also promises a 3300kg towing capacity.

Finally, the plug-in hybrid version is expected to mate a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine to an electric motor set-up, producing an impressive total of 258kW/615Nm, although further details on this version are scarce for now. All versions will also have 48-volt onboard electronics.

The Chinese-market version of the ute has a unique split-tailgate opening for its tray.

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The new Cannon measures in at 5440mm long.

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Inside, expect more luxurious appointments, including a 12.3-inch digital dash and 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen, synthetic leather interior trim, a large sunroof, a head-up display and even active noise cancellation.

Interestingly, the Chinese-market version of the ute has a unique split-tailgate opening for its tray, as well as the option to have locking boxes installed.

The new Cannon is effectively a ute version of the also-expected-to-arrive-soon Tank 500 SUV, which will share much of this pick-up’s drivetrain and interior tech.

Inside, expect more luxurious appointments.

The Shanhai Cannon, Tank 500, and a new mid-size Haval-branded SUV are part of a renewed push by GWM to expand its line-up and be seen as a technology leader, debuting two new hybrid drivetrains alongside its new V6 and 2.4-litre turbo diesel.

While the models are yet to be officially confirmed for the Australian market, CarsGuide understands all three have a strong chance for a local debut in the next year.

If so, the new Cannon could be the first hybrid ute on sale in Australia, following in the footsteps of LDV which launched Australia’s first fully electric ute earlier this year.