I wouldn’t blame you when you haven’t heard of Great Wall Motor Company (GWM) by now. However you most likely have heard about Souo S2000, the monstrous eight-cylinder, two-liter cruiser bike from China. Now it’s reportedly coming to the US.
We lined the novel bike back in 2024 when it first broke out, and secure to say it had lots of people speaking. And when you might have a 2-liter boxer eight-cylinder engine on a manufacturing bike that’s linked to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, it’s sure to.
Now, Autopian experiences {that a} consultant from GWM confirmed to the outlet at this 12 months’s CES that the bike is ready to make its manner Stateside. Now that’s massive information, contemplating the corporate has zero presence within the US up to now.
Souo
Nevertheless it doesn’t sound utterly not possible. That’s as a result of GWM already exports to over 170 nations with 1,000 gross sales channels throughout the globe. And in case you didn’t know, it ranks among the many prime 25 automakers worldwide is an enormous feat, all for a comparatively new firm that didn’t start producing cars till 1984.
Talking in regards to the bike itself, the Souo S2000 is the brainchild of GWM chairman Wei Jianjun. Assume Honda Gold Wing and BMW K1600 – and multiply the monstrosity in multiples of ten.
Powering the tourer is an eight-cylinder engine in a horizontally opposed setup. It makes 154 horsepower and 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque. High velocity: 130 mph (209 km/h). 0–60 time? 3.7-seconds. However that’s not all that’s noteworthy about it.
For starters, it additionally will get a 1.8 mph (3 km/h) reverse gear … as a result of who of their proper thoughts would take into consideration backing up a 1,016-lb (460-kg) bike by foot?
Souo
A bolt-free welded aluminum body serves because the chassis on a three-tier double wishbone entrance suspension that GWM says is a world first. Braking is taken care of by Brembo 4-piston calipers on each ends, whereas its 71.3-inch (1811 mm) wheelbase and an extremely low-for-its-size seat peak of 29.1-inch (740 mm) recommend even shorter people can get on it with ease.
Elsewhere, the bike comes with an enormous 12.3-inch instrument panel with OTA updates, heated handlebars, heated seats, and rear parking sensors. You additionally get an computerized parking brake, ABS, stability management, cruise management, rear warning system, blind spot monitoring, an electrically adjustable windshield, and an eight-speaker sound system to maintain you entertained on the street.
When launched, it was revealed that the Souo S2000 would solely produce 200 models. 88 of these have been Founders Editions that featured carbon fiber components, pure gold accents, and the chairman’s signature printed on the gas tank. The usual variant, nonetheless, was priced across the $29,000 mark.
Souo
As of now, we do not fairly understand how GWM intends to deliver the bike to the USA, contemplating the tariffs – however the firm consultant did point out to Autopian that it must be priced round US$30,000 when it does finally arrive within the nation.
He additionally revealed that GWM intends to introduce the Souo model all through Europe and Australia this 12 months, earlier than happening to South America and, finally, touchdown in North America in 2027.
Exterior of two-wheels, what’s significantly fascinating was what we’d spot this and related monstrous engines from GWM in vehicles too, as Car And Driver reported. GWM displayed two engines at CES – this very 2.0-liter flat-eight and a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8.
Souo
“We are able to put this V-8 engine in different autos sooner or later,” summed consultant Shenghao Tang at GWM’s stand. “This isn’t only for bikes. It is for vehicles.”
Actually extra applicable than on a motorcycle.
By way of: Autopian and CarAnd Driver
