By LESTER DIZON
To showcase the advanced technology, driving capabilities, and features of the new GWM Cannon midsize pickup truck, GWM Philippines held a dynamic test drive event at the R33 Drift Track in San Simon, Pampanga, on July 10, 2025. Participating motoring media and content creators experienced the Cannon under various simulated real-world driving conditions, designed to showcase the full capabilities of the upgraded 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine and Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System).
Dubbed the “GWM Track Day: The New Cannon Experience”, the event highlighted the merger of power, precision, and innovative safety technology of the pickup truck. “The New GWM Cannon represents the next evolution of pickups in our market – capable, refined, and packed with features that today’s drivers value,” said Dax Avenido, Brand Head and Marketing Director of GWM Philippines. “During the track day, our guests experienced firsthand the evolution of the new Cannon and just how much engineering and innovation went into it”.
Surprising performance
Under the watchful eye of veteran race car driver and organizer George Ramirez and his team, the media participants (including this writer) drove the new GWM Cannon on several stages. The first stage showcased the brisk acceleration provided by 400 Nm of torque supplied by the turbodiesel engine. The second stage was a Figure 8 slalom/gymkhana run that demonstrated the Canon’s suspension, handling and traction control capabilities, which was unexpected of a tall pickup truck with a high ground clearance.
The third stage was actually counterintuitive, where we were instructed to accelerate to 60 km/h, enter a right-hand bend at speed, and then slam on the brakes. Instinctively, we feared that such a maneuver would cause the pickup to flip or turn turtle but instead, the Level 2 ADAS kept the shiny side up. It was scary but reassuring at the same time. The next succeeding stages involved perpendicular and parallel parking maneuvers, which were made a lot easier thanks to the multiple sensors, 9-inch touchscreen monitor and 360° view camera.
Cannon tow
After the parking exercises, our instructor Jaime Ramirez, took the driver’s seat to demonstrate the advanced Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which works not just on the highways where the speed is mostly consistent, but in low speed settings where traffic is stop-and-go. Jaime set the ACC to 30 km/h and then drove behind another GWM Cannon driven by Robbie Hermoso. Jaime moved his right foot away from the pedals to demonstrate that it was the ACC autonomously controlling the vehicle’s acceleration and braking maneuvers.
When Robbie suddenly stopped his truck in front of ours, our GWM Cannon’s ACC sensed it and autonomously stopped with space to spare. When Robbie’s truck started accelerating, our truck began moving forward on its own, following at a safe distance and maintaining its speed to keep up with Robbie’s truck. When we observed that it’s like an invisible tow, Monch Henares of Monchster Chronicles quipped, “Camel toe”, to which Jaime joked back, “No, sir. It’s Cannon Tow”. We had a lot of fun and a ton of laughs during our turn at the track, especially when Jaime demonstrated the correct way of slamming the brakes after taking a bend at 60 km/h.
On a roll
As we experienced on the track, the new GWM Cannon, available in 4×4 configurations, demonstrated its versatility by delivering the toughness of a workhorse expected of a truck, yet with the comfort and technology of a modern-day daily driver. With advanced safety systems, elevated styling, and a performance-driven engine upgrade, the New Cannon is poised to make a strong impact in the highly competitive pickup segment.
The GWM brand continues to gain momentum in the Philippine auto industry by exceeding its sales targets for the second quarter of 2025. Its 124% achievement in April fueled and sustained a strong 39% average growth rate from April to June, which reflects the growing market confidence in GWM products. For the second half of this year, GWM Philippines is set to expand its reach through new product rollouts, aggressive dealer expansion, and nationwide activations, with the New Cannon playing a major role in driving growth and customer engagement
