The Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM) has created surprise in the two-wheeler world with the presentation of an engine eight flat cylinders (Flat-8). This exceptional mechanism propels their brand new model of Moto Grand Tourisme, the Souo S2000.
While the global automotive industry seems to turn massively towards electrification, the Shanghai fair reminds us that thermal engines still have a bright future ahead of them in China. The Chinese authorities, while financially supporting the development of electric and hybrid vehicles, leave the manufacturers a real freedom of innovation on thermal engines.
An exceptional engine for a single motorcycle
The Great Wall Motor perfectly illustrates this technological freedom by revealing a brand new 8 -liter turbocharged 8 -cylinder 8 -cylinder engine. This sophisticated mechanics teams up a new motorcycle called Souo S2000 (Souo meaning “soul” in Chinese). At a time when European brands are gradually abandoning this type of engines under the pressure of environmental regulations, GWM makes the daring choice to invest in this direction.
Souo S2000 has a 1,810 mm wheelbase for a very content total weight of 461 kg. The performance announced by the Chinese manufacturer are quite remarkable with a maximum speed of 210 km/h. Its 154 horsepower allow it to shoot 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds – figures that place it in the courtyard of large sports roads.
A personal project of the president of GWM
This Grand Tourism motorcycle is not a simple product intended to widen the GWM range. It actually represents the personal project of the brand’s president, Wei Jianjun. Production will be very limited with only 200 copies in the first series, including 88 special units mentioning « Founders Edition ».
These special versions will be distinguished by luxurious finishes including 24 -carat gold details and carbon fiber elements. Each tank will receive a numbered plate as well as the handwritten signature of the president himself. (A little nod to the world of luxury and limited series which always has its effect on collectors …)
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Surprisingly accessible prices
Despite its exceptional motorization and limited production, the Souo S2000 displays a relatively accessible price. The standard version is offered at 218,800 yuan, or around 26,400 euros. As for the special edition « Founders Edition »its price reached 288,800 yuan, the equivalent of 34,880 euros.
These prices may seem high in absolute terms, but they remain very reasonable for a machine with an engine as elaborate as an eight flat cylinders. For comparison, European or Japanese Grand Tourism motorcycles equipped with six cylinders such as the BMW K1600 or the Honda Goldwing are negotiated at similar or even higher prices in Europe.
Great Wall Motor invites himself into the big leagues
With this S2000 Souo, Great Wall Motor Displays its ambitions in the high -end Grand -Land Tourism motorcycle segment. This market is traditionally dominated by established manufacturers like Honda with its goldwing or BMW With its K1600 range.
The choice of a Flat-8 engine constitutes a strong declaration which shows the desire for technical innovation of the Chinese manufacturer. This motor configuration, extremely rare on serial motorcycles, offers perfect balance and reduced vibrations – qualities sought for long journeys.
Have you ever wondered why so few manufacturers offer eight cylinders on their motorcycles? The answer is due to the technical complexity and astronomical development costs that this implies. GWM has obviously decided to take up this technical challenge to make an impression.
This initiative recalls that Chinese industry is no longer content to copy Western technologies but now develops its own innovations. The question that arises now: will we see this exceptional motorcycle on French roads one day? European standards and the still limited distribution network of GWM in Europe could constitute obstacles upon its arrival on our market.
