New Great Wall Cannon 2021: Toyota HiLux challenger gets official name as electric version debuts in Beijing

Great Wall motors has thrown the covers off its all-electric Cannon ute and confirmed the model’s ‘global name’ ahead of a late 2020 Australian arrival.

The mid-size ute from Great Wall has been known as its translated name 'Cannon' so far, but the brand confirmed the truck will now be called the ‘Poer’ in international markets.

The name is derived from the trucks “P Series” platform, and is designed to phonetically align with the word “power” in English, it can also be interpreted as an acronym for its alleged traits, which include “powerful, off-road, enjoyable, reliable”. CarsGuide has sought comment from GWM’s local representatives to see if this ‘Poer’ name will stick verbatim for our market.

The brand said the Poer ute would first hit the Australian, Middle East, South American, and South African export markets. CarsGuide understands it will reach Australia before the end of 2020 for a 2021 model year.

The brand unveiled the all-electric version at the same time, with it swapping out the existing 2.0-litre diesel or petrol four-cylinder for an electric motor producing 150kW/300Nm. With an electric range of 405km, it also lays claim to the “pick-up with the longest range” in its class. No further details were offered, although we’d say its chances for the Australian market are slim given we’re set to receive the truck in just one of the many configurations that have already launched overseas.

The Australian trucks are understood to be 2.0-litre diesel (120kW/400Nm) with 4WD only via an eight-speed ZF-sourced torque-converter automatic.

Finally, the brand also unveiled a factory-fitted off-road concept complete with winch kit, replacement front bar, rear sports bar, aggressive off-road rubber and spare wheel as well as a premium suede interior treatment. A Raptor rival, perhaps? The brand’s local representatives have said for Australians to not hold their breath for any of the special editions seen in China just yet.

The brand says it could be a while before Australians see these kinds of Raptor-style factory off-road fit-outs.

Stay tuned as the brand is set to announce Australian pricing and launch date for the Cannon/Poer in the coming months. It will be the first vehicle to launch from the Great Wall group with the brand's new-generation technology and underpinnings.