One of the many revelations unveiled by GWM at this year’s China Auto Show in Beijing, is that the progressive automaker has made a giant leap into performance motoring. The newly devised segment is named GMW GF and ex-McLaren GT lead Adam Thomson, and we managed to get an exclusive interview.
In the rarefied air of high-performance automotive engineering, few names carry the weight and pedigree of those forged in the crucible of McLaren. Adam Thomson is one such individual, a veteran of the Woking powerhouse who, after more than a decade shaping some of the world’s most iconic supercars, has embarked on a thrilling new chapter. His mission? To spearhead a groundbreaking performance vehicle architecture for GWM, we were VERY excited to hear more.
Thomson’s journey began not in the UK, but with a stint at Toyota before he landed at McLaren in 2009. He joined as a body engineer, a pivotal role that saw him contribute to the revolutionary first composite monocoque for the MP4-12C -a technological leap that redefined what was possible. He steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming Head of Body for the formidable 720S, a car widely acknowledged as a benchmark that sent shivers down Ferrari’s spine.
For his final four years at McLaren, Thomson served as Chief Engineer for the GT product family, a role he describes with immense pride. He owned the GT program from its nascent product brief through to sign-off and the production of 500 units, a testament to his comprehensive engineering prowess.
McLaren, as Thomson recalls, was already a road car manufacturer when he joined, with the Mercedes SLR still in production. However, the period post-2008/2009 saw McLaren effectively reborn as a start-up, building everything from new manufacturing facilities to entirely new platforms from the ground up. This experience, of building something from scratch, clearly resonated deeply with Thomson.
After 12 years of pushing boundaries at McLaren, the itch for a new challenge became irresistible. In 2021, he made a bold move, joining Volta Trucks, a commercial vehicle start-up in the UK, as employee number 12. This was a deliberate choice, driven by a desire to “build something again from scratch” and thrive in an environment where rapid iteration and problem-solving are paramount. “Move stuff and break it and then figure out how to make it work,” he quips, perfectly encapsulating his approach.
Then came the call. In 2023, GWM headhunted Thomson for a new, ambitious program. With uncertainties brewing at Volta, it presented what he describes as a “personal gamble” stay, or embrace the unknown with GWM. He chose the latter, and the automotive world is about to see the fruits of that decision.
At GWM, Thomson isn’t just tweaking an existing platform; he’s orchestrating the birth of an entirely new performance vehicle architecture. This isn’t an SUV with a sporty badge; it’s a dedicated, ground-up creation demanding new technologies, materials, and a bespoke OEM toolchain. ‘The team is building digital tools from scratch, for aerodynamics, structural stiffness, crash performance, and even virtual lap-time simulation and aero balance management,’ says Thomson. Why? Because the performance parameters are radically different from standard passenger vehicles.
According to Thomson, the contrast with his McLaren start-up days is stark. While McLaren (and Volta) had to build everything from the ground up without existing infrastructure, GWM boasts immense in-house capabilities, engines, casting, monocoque manufacturing, all developed internally. This wealth of experience and technology presents a different, yet equally complex, set of challenges.
So, what is this new beast capable of? While specifics remain under wraps, (believe me, I tried to get the info), Thomson confirms the architecture is designed for both road and track-focused products, squarely targeting major players in the supercar market – yes Ferrari etc, you’re in the crosshairs. We’re talking comparable 4-litre V8 power outputs and electric motors that rival or exceed competitors. The powertrain features a sophisticated hybrid layout with two electric motors: a P2 motor integrated within the transmission (post-clutch) and a P4 motor on the front axle.
Technical prototypes are already in development, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As for when we’ll see this marvel in the flesh? That, Thomson says, is a secret Mr. Wei, GWM’s leader, will reveal when the time is right.
Adam Thomson’s journey is compelling, relentless innovation and a passion for pushing automotive boundaries. From the composite monocoque of the MP4-12C to challenging the established high-performance benchmarks with the 720S, and now to forging a new performance legacy at GWM, his career is seemingly all about the thrill of creation. Le Mans, Targa, GT Racing? Go With More or Go With GF, GWM are certainly out to excite.
