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A Ford Ranger Raptor rival from China? 2023 GWM Ute Cannon Firebomb Edition is a rugged off-roader that might make you reconsider Chinese dual-cabs

The Firebomb ute was co-developed with Chinese off-road specialists Topfire.

The GWM Ute Cannon has gotten significantly hotter thanks to a tough off-road version developed by 4x4 modification company Topfire.

Launching in China and based on that market’s GWM Ute Cannon Offroad Edition, the Cannon Firebomb Edition builds on the specification of an already relatively (for the existing line-up) rugged ute.

Chinese auto media outlet Car News China published photos of the Firebomb, which doesn’t appear on the GWM global or China websites, as it appeared during the week in its home market.

The Firebomb scores a 167kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (the standard has either a 142kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol or a 122kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel version), and is the production version of a concept shown by GWM at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show.

Most obvious on the Firebomb is the plethora of bodywork and trim additions, some accented in orange, which mostly seem to exist more for tough vibes than function.

Tow hooks, side-steps, a snorkel, roof racks, and new bumpers seem to be the most functional additions, with an interior in red leather trim for a touch of luxury.

Whether something similar lands in Australia is yet to be seen, though given Topfire is a China-based business and Australia has quite stringent design rules, it’s more likely that local aftermarket companies would supply parts for Cannon utes that suit local conditions.

GWM Ute’s local arm is unable to comment on future product, potential or otherwise, at this time.

Chris Thompson
Journalist
Racing video games, car-spotting on road trips, and helping wash the family VL Calais Turbo as a kid were all early indicators that an interest in cars would stay present in Chris’ life, but loading up his 1990 VW Golf GTI Mk2 and moving from hometown Brisbane to work in automotive publishing in Melbourne ensured cars would be a constant. With a few years as MOTOR Magazine’s first digital journalist under his belt, followed by a stint as a staff journalist for Wheels Magazine, Chris’ career already speaks to a passion for anything with four wheels, especially the 1989 Mazda MX-5 he currently owns. From spending entire weeks dissecting the dynamic abilities of sports cars to weighing up the practical options for car buyers from all walks of life, Chris’ love for writing and talking about cars means if you’ve got a motoring question, he can give you an answer.
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