Arctic Trucks has made a name for itself with off-road-focused modifications on rugged ladder-frame SUVs and pickups from many different automakers including Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Isuzu and Ford. What we hadn’t seen, though, is an off-road-prepped pickup based on a Chinese vehicle. This changes with the unveiling of the Great Wall Wingle 7 which received the AT35 treatment. For those not familiar with Great Wall’s model range, the Wingle 7 is a one-tonne ladder-frame pickup that was unveiled in 2018. Measuring 5,395 mm long, the Wingle 7 is slightly shorter than a Ford Ranger, but a little longer than the Toyota Hilux.
Arctic Trucks added its signature fender
add-ons, increasing the width of the pickup by 230 mm. Most
importantly, the 17-inch alloy wheels are shod in beefy 35-inch mud tires
increasing ground clearance by 64 mm to 276 mm. The
tracks have also been increased by 180 mm contributing to the
wider stance of the pickup.
Modifications also include a reinforced
suspension and anti-corrosion coating so you can drive the Wingle 7 anywhere
you want. Thanks to the aforementioned changes, the off-road credentials have
been improved, with a 36-degree approach angle and a 29-degree departure angle.
Optional equipment includes a front winch, an automatic engine heater, and
additional thermal insulation.
Under the bonnet of the Great Wall Wingle
7 lies the stock 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine producing 143 hp. Power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed manual
gearbox, with the AWD system featuring a Borg Warner transfer case and a rear
differential lock. The pickup was created by the Russian division of Arctic
Trucks and is already available to order in the Russian market. According to
local media, each conversion takes seven days to complete, with 20 more days
needed for the certification process.
