- GWM revealed the new Tank 300 Hooke Trail edition in China.
- The off-roader trades front independent suspension for a live axle.
- It’s based on the extended-wheelbase Tank 300.
Great Wall Motors has unveiled a new special edition of the Tank 300, designed for extreme off-roading and rock crawling. The Tank 300 Hooke Trail swaps the independent double-wishbone front suspension of the standard model for a dual live-axle configuration, turning it into a worthy rival of the Jeep Wrangler.
The Tank 300 was originally introduced in 2020, one year before the launch of the Tank sub-brand. Earlier this year, the company introduced an updated Tank 300L with a repositioned front axle resulting in a longer 3,010 mm (118.5 in) wheelbase and a shorter front overhang. The regular Tank 300 with the shorter 2,750 mm (108.3 in) wheelbase remains on sale, although the Hooke Trail is clearly based on the 300L.
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The new variant is named after a popular off-road destination in the Helan Mountains of China, close to the border between Ningxia and Inner Mongolia. Unlike most special editions focused on styling details, the Hooke Trail is all about the upgrades under the skin. The ladder-frame chassis received a new solid front axle, using 80 mm (3.15 in) housing tubes paired with reinforced control arms, a Panhard rod with heavy-duty bushings, and solid tie rods.
The automaker claims that the upgrades have increased suspension rigidity by 38%. The SUV also comes standard with electro-hydraulic power steering, a Multi-Terrain Select system, and a semi-active electronic anti-roll bar disconnect function enabling over 500 mm (19.7 in) of wheel articulation.
Tank 300 Hooke Trail
According to Great Wall Motors, the Hooke Trail has a 41° approach angle, a 34° departure angle, a ground clearance of 245 mm (9.6 in) and a wading depth of 850 mm (33.5 in). Furthermore, the new suspension setup allows the SUV to clear 35-inch tires – or even 40-inch rubber with a few modifications.
Rugged Looks, Advanced Tech
Visually, the Hooke Trail is distinguished by a snorkel intake and special decals on the profile. It also adopts the rugged bumpers and blacked-out grille of the 300L, and is available with the same optional accessories such as a rooftop tent, a refrigerator, and extra LEDs.
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Equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a free-standing 15.6-inch infotainment display, heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and a comprehensive ADAS suite.
Combustion Power
The Tank 300 (above) compared to the Tank 300L (below)
The standard Tank 300L is offered with two plug-in hybrid powertrain options, leaving the non-electrified combustion engines for the short-wheelbase 300. The Hooke Trail is fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
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Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, linked to a part-time 4WD system with front, center, and rear locking differentials and a 2-speed transfer case. According to documents from China’s MIIT, the special edition will also be offered with a more potent turbo 3.0-liter V6 option in the future.
Availability
Great Wall Motors is currently accepting pre-orders for the Tank 300 Hooke Trail in China, ahead of its market launch, scheduled for September 20. Official pricing will be announced during the launch event.
Besides China, the SUV is exported to Southeast Asia, Oceania, Latin America, the Middle East, and Russia. It remains to be seen whether the live-axle variant will be offered outside China.
Tank 300L
