The Great Wall Motors Shanhai (not Shanghai, but Shanhai) Cannon full-size pickup and King Kong Cannon midsize truck look like they’re made for the U.S. Though they’re unlikely to be sold here, Great Wall is getting closer to the sweet spot for entering the U.S. The Shanhai is a more luxurious version of its P Series truck launched in 2019. And the King Kong is a new entry into the midsize pickup arena.

The Shanhai Cannon comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbo gas engine. A 2.4-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter turbo V6 are both optional. The 3.0-liter makes 348 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. All of the engines spin a nine-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is standard with all engine options. 

Shanhai Cannon is the luxury version of Great Wall’s pickup

Because luxury pickups and SUVs continue to gain favor in China, the Shanhai Cannon is the next logical, luxuriously appointed addition. Blue and white leather abound throughout the cabin. Upon entry, you’ll find a large infotainment touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and wood accents. Also, the second-row seats adjust electronically. 

“Shanhai Cannon also has an ultra-luxurious advanced business cockpit, and high-end intelligent driving assistance, fully automatic parking, and other technological configurations to achieve the ultimate luxury super pickup,” according to GWM advertising. Sizewise, the Shanhai Cannon rides on a 131.8-inch wheelbase. The bed is both 59-inches long and wide. It also features 18 tie-down points. 

IS the King Kong Cannon full-size or midsize?

GWM’s other new truck entry is the King Kong Cannon midsize pickup. Think of it as a veiled copy of the Ford Ranger. Two engines are available, a 2.0-liter turbo gas engine with 197 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine with 165 hp. 

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with an eight-speed automatic optional. Currently, there is no word on whether it is available with four-wheel drive. The maximum load capacity is 1,102 lbs according to carnewschina. Price estimates put the King Kong at under $20,000. 

Is the King Kong Cannon available yet?

Interestingly, GWM is showing modified King Kong show trucks with various lifts and body additions. So much like American trucks and SUVs, there is a growing aftermarket in China for upgrades for performance, off-road chops, and cosmetics. Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, are you watching? 

Last week both trucks were unveiled at the Chengdu Auto Show in Chengdu, China. So right now, not much information is available on the two trucks. If we get more about payloads and options we’ll get that to you. 

But understand that at some point China will make inroads into the U.S. However, with the chicken tax in place, it would have to overcome pricing disadvantages to be able to price its trucks competitively. It might even have to build an assembly plant in the U.S., which would be somewhat ironic. 

RELATED: New Toyota Land Cruiser-No, Wait, It’s a Chinese Ripoff

Related post url: