Great Wall Motors has introduced a special Tank 300 variant aimed at extreme off-roading and rock crawling. The Tank 300 Hooke Trail replaces the standard model’s independent double-wishbone front suspension with a dual live-axle setup, giving it the hardware to challenge the Jeep Wrangler.
The Tank 300 first debuted in 2020, a year before the Tank brand was launched. Earlier this year, GWM introduced the updated Tank 300L, which moved the front axle forward to create a longer 3,010 mm (118.5 in) wheelbase and reduce the front overhang. The standard Tank 300, with its shorter 2,750 mm (108.3 in) wheelbase, remains available, but the Hooke Trail is evidently based on the 300L.
The new variant takes its name from a popular off-road destination in China’s Helan Mountains, near the border of Ningxia and Inner Mongolia. While many special editions focus mainly on appearance, the Hooke Trail’s most significant changes are beneath the body. Its ladder frame now supports a solid front axle with 80 mm (3.15 in) housing tubes, reinforced control arms, a Panhard rod with heavy-duty bushings, and solid tie rods.
GWM says these changes boost suspension rigidity by 38%. Standard equipment also includes electro-hydraulic power steering, a Multi-Terrain Select system, and a semi-active electronic anti-roll bar disconnect function that enables more than 500 mm (19.7 in) of wheel articulation.
Great Wall Motors lists a 41° approach angle, a 34° departure angle, 245 mm (9.6 in) of ground clearance, and an 850 mm (33.5 in) wading depth for the Hooke Trail. The revised suspension can accommodate 35-inch tires as standard, while 40-inch rubber is possible with some modifications.
Rugged Styling, Modern Technology
The Hooke Trail stands out with a snorkel intake and dedicated side decals. It also receives the 300L’s rugged bumpers and black grille, along with access to the same optional equipment, including a rooftop tent, refrigerator, and additional LED lights.
The cabin features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a freestanding 15.6-inch infotainment screen, heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.
Turbocharged Power
The standard Tank 300L is available with two plug-in hybrid powertrains, while combustion-only engines are reserved for the short-wheelbase Tank 300. The Hooke Trail uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels through a part-time 4WD system with front, center, and rear locking differentials, plus a two-speed transfer case. Documents from China’s MIIT indicate that a more powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 will also join the lineup in the future.
Availability
Great Wall Motors is now taking pre-orders for the Tank 300 Hooke Trail in China ahead of its scheduled September 20 launch. Pricing will be revealed at the launch event.
The Tank 300 is also exported to Southeast Asia, Oceania, Latin America, the Middle East, and Russia. It is not yet known whether the live-axle version will be sold outside China.
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