Great Wall Motor Developing First China-Built GT3 Car

Image: Sergio Fonseca

Great Wall Motor has revealed plans to build China’s first-ever GT3 car, based on a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine developed in-house for it’s upcoming GF supercar.

Unveiled at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, the manufacturer confirmed further details of the supercar concept, which stands for ‘Great Faith’ that will be a plug-in hybrid in road car form, and aimed to compete against the Ferrari SF90 and Toyota’s GR GT in the market.

Multiple reports indicate that the car, developed by former McLaren Automotive chief engineer Adam Thomson, could be launched as early as next year, although it’s unclear on the exact timeline for the proposed GT3 model.

GWM chairman Wei Jianjun, who attended the recent China GT Championship test day at Shanghai International Circuit, has declared intentions to create a performance sub-brand under the GF name.

Founded in 1984, GWM is one of China’s leading automakers, although primarily produces SUVs and pickup trucks through various brands including Haval, Wey and Tank.

The company, however, holds a joint venture with BMW Group to build electric MINI vehicles.

It is the latest Chinese manufacturer to reveal sports car racing plans, with Chery, through its EXEED brand, having outlined a five-year roadmap to make its debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Geely-owned Lynk and Co., meanwhile, recently launched its 03+ TCR car, China’s first self-developed TCR car, while presenting a GT concept, also at this weekend’s auto show in Beijing.

China’s largest automaker, BYD, is understood to be evaluating a FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar program, with leading German motorsport publication Motorsport Aktuell reporting that it could purchase the assets of soon-to-be-defunct Alpine WEC effort, for a debut by as early as 2028.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John