GWM TANK 300 DIESEL Conquers AXCR 2026, Demonstrating the Strength and Durability of GWM’s Diesel Powertrain
Bangkok, August 17, 2026 – GWM has reached another milestone on the international motorsport stage as two GWM TANK 300 DIESEL race vehicles successfully completed the Asia Cross Country Rally 2026 (AXCR 2026), one of the region’s most demanding off-road endurance events.
Milestone Achievement for GWM Local Racing Team
Covering more than 2,000 kilometers across challenging terrain and extreme driving conditions, the rally provided a rigorous test of vehicle durability, powertrain performance, and engineering reliability. Both GWM TANK 300 DIESEL race vehicles completed all six legs of the competition and crossed the finish line, demonstrating the strength, durability, and real-world capability of GWM’s diesel technology.
The successful completion of AXCR 2026 marks a major milestone for the GWM Ek Group Racing Team, a locally operated and managed team representing GWM. Both GWM TANK 300 DIESEL racing cars successfully completed all 6 LEGs of the competition and crossed the finish line despite the extreme challenges throughout the route. Car No. 114, driven by Olan Sornsirirat with navigator Somkiat Noychat, finished 12th Overall and 4th in the T2A-D class. Meanwhile, Car No. 128, driven by Thovald Thovaldsen with navigator Chapphawit Junlasantirat, completed the rally in 15th Overall and 6th in the T2A-D class.
Mr. Wayne Zhou, Managing Director of GWM (Thailand), said: “For GWM, participation in the Asia Cross Country Rally 2026 represents another important milestone and a new chapter in our motorsport journey. We believe the toughest challenges provide the best proving grounds for technology. This rally was not simply about competition or rankings. It was an opportunity to validate our engineering capabilities, product durability, and powertrain performance in real-world conditions that are harsh, unpredictable, and constantly changing. Seeing both GWM TANK 300 DIESEL race vehicles successfully reach the finish line is a proud achievement and a meaningful testament to GWM’s capabilities.”
A Real-World Validation of GWM’s Diesel Technology
The GWM TANK 300 DIESEL competing in AXCR 2026 was based on a production vehicle, modified primarily to comply with FIA safety standards and T2-class regulations. This approach enabled GWM to evaluate vehicle and powertrain performance under conditions far beyond those encountered in everyday driving.
Successfully completing the rally represents a demanding real-world durability test for both vehicle systems and powertrain components. The experience further validates the robustness of GWM’s diesel technology under extreme operating conditions while providing valuable data and engineering insights that will support future product development.
The competition also highlights GWM’s expertise in powertrain development and high-performance diesel technology, built on more than two decades of continuous research, testing, and innovation. Throughout this period, GWM has focused on developing powertrains that combine performance, efficiency, durability, and reliability, while continuously refining technologies through extensive real-world validation and endurance testing.
The diesel powertrain featured in the GWM TANK 300 DIESEL incorporates advanced technologies, including a 2,000-bar high-pressure common rail direct-injection system, an intelligent variable-geometry turbocharger, and optimized combustion and lubrication systems. Together, these technologies deliver responsive low-speed torque, smooth and consistent power delivery, and reliable performance across a wide range of driving environments. The powertrain has also undergone extensive validation in diverse climates and road conditions worldwide, ensuring durability and long-term reliability in demanding use scenarios.
Participation in AXCR 2026 represents more than a motorsport achievement for GWM. It serves as a real-world validation of the company’s engineering capabilities and reinforces the durability, reliability, and performance of its diesel powertrain technology under some of the toughest conditions on earth. As GWM continues to expand its global presence, the data, experience, and technical insights gained through extreme endurance events such as AXCR will continue to support the development of safer, more capable, and higher-quality vehicles for customers around the world.