The Tank brand, owned by the automaker Great Wall, has wrapped up a crowdfunding campaign aimed at turning the Tank 300 SUV into a more capable, high performance variant. The initiative invited prospective buyers to back the project with funds to support the development of a boosted version of the model, signaling a bold step in the brand’s strategy to expand its lineup and offer a vehicle that blends rugged capability with modern engineering breakthroughs. The campaign’s core idea was straightforward: gather financial support from a community of enthusiasts who want a stronger, more responsive Tank 300 that could handle demanding terrains while delivering confident on road performance. This effort underscores how automotive brands today are experimenting with consumer-driven product evolution, leveraging a dedicated fan base to accelerate development timelines and validate market demand before committing to full production. The narrative around this crowdfunding push emphasizes a collaborative approach between the company and potential customers, highlighting transparency about milestones, cost considerations, and the envisioned value proposition of a higher specification Tank 300 for a segment that prizes both capability and reliability.
The plan targeted a funding milestone of around 3 million dollars to support the creation of a new Tank 300 variant. Participants were invited to submit expressions of interest, with the process designed to be swift and straightforward. In a remarkable display of interest, the applications from prospective backers were reportedly evaluated within seconds, reflecting a high level of excitement and confidence in the project among the brand’s community. The timeline for the next phase projected the completion of the upgraded Tank 300 development within the following year, with engineering and testing activities aligned to meet stringent performance targets. The proposed powertrain for the upgraded model included a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline engine delivering approximately 360 horsepower and about 500 Nm of peak torque. This powertrain choice signals a move toward a balance of strong on-road performance and robust off-road capability, offering decisive acceleration and sustained pulling power for challenging operating conditions typical of rugged terrain or mountainous routes. By aligning the new variant with proven turbocharged V6 architecture, the project aimed to deliver a compelling combination of modern torque delivery, throttle response, and durability that could meet the expectations of enthusiasts who demand both power and refinement from a mid-size SUV in this class.
The Tank 300’s current configuration features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine rated around 220 horsepower, which positions the model as a capable yet efficiency-focused option within its segment. The planned upgrade to a 3.0-liter V6 turbo aims to bridge the gap between practical everyday usability and the more demanding performance aspirations of serious off-road adventures. In parallel, it is noted that a larger, more capable Tank 500 already employs a powertrain with comparable ambition, illustrating the brand’s ongoing commitment to expanding its portfolio to offer variants that can handle varied driving demands. In the same market context, pricing and availability strategies reflect the brand’s intention to provide competitive value while addressing regional demand patterns and import considerations. The Tank lineup continues to attract attention from buyers looking for rugged design language, modern electronics, and a credible platform for adventure beyond paved roads. In related developments, what was previously reported about broader corporate plans suggests that automakers within the region are continually reassessing production footprints and expansion opportunities to meet growing consumer expectations and a dynamic market environment, with St. Petersburg and other manufacturing hubs cited as potential sites for future production or assembly activity as market conditions evolve. The broader implication remains clear: energy, engineering, and consumer involvement can converge to push a legacy brand into a new era of performance-oriented, value-driven SUVs that resonate with diverse driving lifestyles across Canada and the United States.