By Otsile Kadiege

Remember the GWM Tank 300 that will soon be launched in South Africa? Well, off-road specialists – Arctic Trucks Russia – got their hands on a unit and gave it a handful of mechanical upgrades as well as updated styling to match its massive 35-inch shoes. It’s now called the GWM Tank 300 AT35.

Exterior upgrades

Arctic Trucks gave the Tank 300 AT35 a more butch stance thanks to pronounced wheel arches which increases the width by 145 mm. Its also 400 longer and 112 mm taller. The ‘AT35’ in the name Tank 300 AT35 means its shod with massive 35-inch all terrain tyres. Other noteworthy features include a revised front bumper with an integrated winch as well as Arctic Trucks branded mudguards and badges.  

Mechanical upgrades

The Tank 300’s off-roading capabilities have been bolstered with increased ride height by 50 mm which also means ground clearance has been increased to 272 mm. Its approach and departure angles have been improved to 40 and 42 degrees respectively.

Powertrains

As is mostly the case with Arctic Trucks modified vehicles, the GWM Tank 300  AT35 is still powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine developing 180 kW and 380 Nm. The plug-in hybrid version is powered by the same engine, however thanks to an electric motor, power and torque has been upped to 258 kW and 615 Nm.