GWM tunes ADAS in newer models following driver feedback

Key highlights:

• GWM continues tuning ADAS for Australian driving conditions
• Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 gain traditional cruise control
• New 3.0-litre models target GWM’s top-five brand ambition

GWM is continuing to refine its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) as it prepares updated versions of the Cannon Alpha ute and Tank 500 SUV with 3L turbo-diesel engines for Australia. The company says its latest development work has focused not only on vehicle dynamics, but also on how its driver-assistance technology behaves on the road.

The improvements in the ADAS come after GWM car owners reported the technology to be overbearing and intrusive. The deliveries for the updated Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 have begun locally.

GWM continues refining its ADAS

GWM’s ADAS combines several driver-assistance features, including:

• Cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot detection
• Lane-keeping assistance

The system also aims to keep the vehicle within its lane and prevent it from leaving the roadway. However, drivers have criticised GWM’s ADAS in recent generations for being too intrusive.

Former Holden vehicle dynamics engineer Rob Trubiani, who now leads the tuning of GWM models for Australian conditions, says ADAS has become an important part of the company’s recent development work.

Also read: 2027 GWM Cannon Hi4-T is now the cheapest PHEV ute Down Under

Australian tuning goes beyond ride and handling

GWM recently brought engineers from its Chinese headquarters to Australia to work on the latest Cannon Alpha dual-cab ute and Tank 500 large SUV. Both models have received a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.

The Australian development program focused on several areas:

Trubiani says ADAS formed part of that development process as GWM worked to better tailor the vehicles for local drivers.

One notable change involves cruise control. The Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 previously offered adaptive cruise control, which maintains the driver’s selected speed while also slowing the vehicle when traffic ahead slows.

They also offer intelligent cruise control, which adds lane-keep assist and allows the vehicle to follow the road while the driver remains responsible for supervising the system.

GWM is now adding a more traditional cruise-control function as well.

“Lots of people just like the standard cruise,” Trubiani explained. That gives drivers another cruise-control option rather than relying solely on the more advanced systems.

The next Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 matter to GWM

GWM has introduced a more powerful, clean-sheet 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in both models. Cannon Alpha replaces the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, and the Tank 500 replaces the non-plug-in 2.0-litre petrol hybrid engine.

GWM says the upcoming Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 will play an important role in its push to become a top-five automotive brand in Australia, and the company is therefore continuing to refine both the vehicles themselves and the technology that supports the driver.