The 2023 Shanghai Auto Show is gearing up, and one of the most surprising debuts is a pre-production 6×6 electric pickup, the “CyberP!ckup.” Not the most clever take on “Cybertruck,” but then, it’s not trying to be the Cybertruck, it’s trying to out-Cybertruck the Cybertruck. China’s Great Wall Motors is actually putting this uber-pickup into production, so let’s take a look. 

Is the GWM CyberP!ckup electric?

The bones of the CyberP!ckup come from GWM’s Shanhai (not Shanghai) Cannon pickup. But a second axle makes the case with the combined two rear axles centered where the single axle once rode. Rolling stock is six 18-inch wheels with 33-inch Cooper Discoverer off-road tires. 

Power for the six-wheel-drive truck comes from a plug-in hybrid system employing a twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine rated at 510 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. There is no information about the electric range. All three differentials are lockers. The massive CyberP!ckup truck’s suspension gets a lift and heavy-duty suspension with nitrogen shock absorbers smoothing things out.

Is the design different from the Shanhai Cannon?

On the outside, the CyberP!ckup truck gets unique front and rear-end styling with the addition of massive intakes and LED lights. The custom grille features a light band through the grille that visually ties into the headlights. A custom carbon fiber domed hood features more vents. 

The front fenders are also unique. They feature extensions to cover the front tires and tie into the running boards. Another vent is also hiding there that faces rearward. None of the changes point to being influenced by the Cybertruck.

Around the back, the bed is longer to partially accommodate the second axle. Also accommodating are the extended fenders that tie into the running boards at their fronts, and into the rear bumper in the back. The bed also becomes more functional with the sliding rack system. 

Inside, it mostly hews to the regular Shanhai (not Shanghai) Cannon pickup. Sprucing things up is digital instruments and CyberP!ckup identification on the seats and dash.

When will the CyberP!ckup go into production?

According to Australia’s Car Expert, the truck is already homologated for China. GWM says it offers 7,000 lbs towing, with “potential to go up to 12,000 lbs for special purposes.” GWM said, “While we can confirm that it’s intended for full production, we’ll need to see whether it’s viable for Australia. The potential for the large pickup segment is something that we’re very aware of, so let’s watch this space.”

GWM will also produce a 4×4 version, for those not needing six-drive wheels. No schedule for production and no price were available. We’ll have to wait and see if the CyberP!ckup can compete with the Cybertruck.