From Cowry to Coolbear, Great Wall Puts on a Show

Great Wall, a major pickup truck and SUV producer in China, is about to launch its second plant to produce passenger cars and minivans. That explains the company's special emphasis on those categories in its display at Auto Shanghai. Altogether, there will be 10 new models and a self-developed engine.

IL previewed the Cowry and the i7 earlier this month. The i7 will be the first model to roll out of Great Wall's new 200,000-unit-a-year production facility, which will come on stream later this year.

Other new models will include the Toyota-like Florid and Coolbear, plus the Peri. All were shown at Auto Beijing last year. The Peri got Fiat's attention for its striking similarity to the Italian automaker's Panda. A pending lawsuit couldn't stop Great Wall from creating a four-wheel-drive version of the minicar the company calls its "first mini-SUV."

In addition to the new cars, a new self-developed gasoline engine will be highlighted. Code-named "GW4G15," it is a four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC unit with variable valve timing and a Bosch engine management system. This powertrain complies with Euro 4 regulations.