GWM’s Off-Road Armada Conquers the Infamous Beer O’Clock hill
Beer O’Clock Hill, a formidable 100-metre climb located within The Springs 4×4 Adventure Park, approximately 180 kilometers southwest of Brisbane, Australia, has long been a proving ground for modified off-road vehicles. Its reputation precedes it: for every triumphant ascent, there’s a story of mechanical failure and defeat. But recently, a trio of stock-standard GWM vehicles defied expectations, leaving onlookers stunned.
The Challenge: Beer O’Clock Hill
This notorious hill is more than just a steep incline.It’s a rutted, unforgiving climb that has humbled countless modified 4x4s. Videos abound online, showcasing both triumphant runs and stunning failures, frequently enough accompanied by the sounds of straining engines and snapping axles. The hill’s difficulty stems from a combination of factors, including its steep gradient, loose surface, and deep ruts that demand precise wheel placement and ample power.
Did You Know?
The Springs 4×4 Adventure Park offers a variety of off-road trails and obstacles, catering to drivers of all skill levels. Beer O’Clock Hill is considered one of the park’s most challenging features.
GWM’s unlikely Triumph
GWM (Great Wall Motors), the Chinese automotive manufacturer, decided to put three of its off-road vehicles to the test: the Cannon XSR ute (formerly known as simply the Ute), the Tank 300 SUV, and the new Cannon Alpha PHEV ute. What made this attempt particularly noteworthy was that all three vehicles were in factory-standard condition.
- Cannon XSR: Equipped with Cooper all-terrain tires, front and rear locking differentials, and a lifted suspension, the Cannon XSR became only the second production-specification vehicle to conquer the hill, following the Ineos Grenadier.
- Tank 300: The Tank 300 quickly followed suit, utilizing its 2.4-liter turbo-diesel engine, producing 135kW and 480Nm of torque – the same engine found in the Cannon XSR – to power its way to the summit.
- Cannon alpha PHEV: Completing GWM’s successful runs, the Cannon Alpha PHEV, boasting all-terrain tires and a combined output of 300kW and 750Nm, became the first factory-spec plug-in hybrid to conquer Beer O’Clock Hill, and also the first factory petrol vehicle to achieve the feat. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine produces 180kW and 380Nm, and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 120kW/400Nm electric motor.
The Reaction
Lucas Bree, owner of The Springs 4×4 adventure Park, expressed his surprise and admiration for GWM’s achievement. When GWM first reached out about testing on Beer O’Clock Hill, I was pleasantly surprised, but I’ll admit, I didn’t expect much.
He continued, That surprise quickly turned to shock when they rolled in with completely stock production vehicles. No lifts, no engine mods – just factory-spec GWM 4×4 vehicles.
Bree emphasized the hill’s challenging nature and the damage it has inflicted on heavily modified vehicles over the years. I reckon Beer O’Clock Hill has caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in vehicle damage over the years. Shut down some of the most heavily modified rigs I’ve seen, so watching showroom-spec GWM vehicles, including a plug-in hybrid, make it to the top has completely changed my view of the brand.
He concluded, they’ve earned serious respect.
Pro Tip: Choosing the Right Tires
All-terrain tires are a crucial component for off-road success.Look for tires with a robust tread pattern and strong sidewalls to provide optimal grip and durability on challenging terrain.
