Great Wall Motors has announced the official name for its P Series bakkie, with the new moniker set to be adopted in “international markets”.

From what we understand, the new bakkie will launch in South Africa in either late November or early December 2020.

So, what will GWM’s new bakkie be called? Well, the Chinese firm has announced that the name “Poer” will be used in global markets. This lines up neatly with a report from March 2020 suggesting the same nameplate had been trademarked in Australia.

Earlier reports, of course, had suggested the new Chinese bakkie would wear the “Cannon” badge in some markets.

Where does the name “Poer” come from? Well, GWM says the moniker – which is pronounced "power"– was “inspired by the Chinese character Pao”. In addition, the company points out it “can be interpreted” as an acronym created from the words “powerful, off-road, enjoyable and reliable”.

GWM earlier said the new bakkie would “compete head-on” with big-sellers such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Running on a new P71 platform, GWM says the Chongqing-built bakkie measures 5 410 mm long, 1 934 mm wide and 1 886 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3 230 mm.

Power will come from a turbocharged 2,0-litre petrol engine, delivering 140 kW and 360 N.m via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. Reports also suggest a 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is on the cards, generating 120 kW and 400 N.m. This oil-burner will be offered with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the aforementioned eight-speed self-shifter.

Original article from Car