Yes, absolutely! The GWM P-Series (2.0-liter Turbodiesel GW4D20M) is one of South Africa's most capable double-cab bakkies, but factory ECU programming limits it to 120kW and 400Nm. This leaves noticeable fly-by-wire throttle lag and gear hunting when towing heavy loads. With a custom Stage 1 ECU software remap from Superflow Performance, output rises safely to 150kW (201hp) and 470Nm of torque (+30kW & +70Nm gain). Throttle response becomes crisp and instantaneous, towing over steep mountain passes becomes effortless, and real-world fuel economy improves by 0.5L to 1.2L per 100km.
The GWM P-Series (globally known as the GWM Poer) has completely shaken up the South African bakkie landscape. Offering bold road presence, luxury interior cabin technology, a smooth ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, and serious 4x4 off-road hardware, it directly challenges established rivals like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max.
Under the bonnet sits Great Wall Motors' 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) Diesel engine (GW4D20M). In stock trim, it produces a respectable 120kW (161hp / 163PS) and 400Nm of torque. However, ask any P-Series driver in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, or Durban, and they will highlight the exact same daily driving complaints:
- Hesitant Off-the-Line Throttle Lag: Taking off from a complete stop at roundabouts or busy intersections suffers from a 1-to-2 second delay before the turbo spools up.
- Transmission Gear Hunting Under Load: Pulling a heavy trailer, boat, or caravan up steep highway inclines (like Van Reenen's Pass on the N3 or Long Tom Pass) forces the automatic gearbox to continuously downshift to stay in the powerband.
- Engine Feeling Restricted at High Altitude: Cruising on the Gauteng Highveld where atmospheric air pressure is lower can make a stock P-Series feel sluggish under heavy pedal application.
The good news? These issues are not caused by weak mechanical hardware. The cast-iron block and intercooled VGT turbo setup are over-engineered. The bottlenecks are purely inside the factory Bosch ECU software—and a custom Stage 1 ECU remap safely unlocks its true potential!
Verified GWM P-Series Performance Specs: Stock vs. Performance & Economy Remap
At Superflow Performance, our software recalibrations increase turbo boost delivery smoothly, adjust fuel injection timing, sharpen fly-by-wire throttle response, and align gear torque limits within safe OEM parameters. Below are the verified performance gains for the GWM P-Series 2.0 Turbodiesel:
GWM P-Series 2.0 TD - Performance Remap
GWM P-Series 2.0 TD - Economy Remap
Which GWM P-Series Models Can Be Remapped?
Our custom ECU software calibrations support all GWM P-Series bakkie variants available in South Africa, including:
- GWM P-Series Commercial Workhorse: Single Cab & Double Cab 2.0 TD (6-speed Manual & 8-speed Auto)
- GWM P-Series Passenger Series: SX, DLX, LS, LT (4x2 & 4x4 Double Cab)
- GWM P-Series LTD Off-Road Edition: 2.0 TD 4x4 with Front & Rear Diff Locks
- GWM P500 & Tank Models: 2.4T Diesel & 2.0T Petrol Turbo variants
What Does +70Nm Extra Torque Feel Like on South African Roads?
Gaining an additional +30kW of power and +70Nm of low-end torque transforms your daily driving experience in four key areas:
1. Zero Off-the-Line Throttle Lag
We recalibrate the pedal voltage mapping directly inside the engine management unit. The moment your foot touches the accelerator, boost builds rapidly from 1,600 RPM. Merging into fast-moving traffic or pulling away from traffic lights becomes instant, sharp, and confident.
2. Effortless Heavy Towing Capacity
With 470Nm of torque available low in the rev range, your P-Series hauls heavy 3-tonne trailers, boats, and camping caravans with ease. The ZF 8-speed transmission holds higher gears longer on steep inclines without constantly hunting up and down the box.
3. Real-World Fuel Economy Savings
Because the engine produces significantly more low-rpm torque, maintaining 120 km/h on highway cruises requires less throttle opening. Most P-Series owners report fuel savings of 0.5L to 1.2L per 100km on long road trips!
4. Highveld Altitude Barometric Compensation
In high-altitude regions like Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Witbank, thin air starves stock turbo engines of oxygen. Superflow Performance's custom software includes barometric pressure compensation maps to maintain full boost and torque at high elevation.
Custom ECU Remap vs. Piggyback Chip or Throttle Controller
A frequent question asked by GWM owners is: Should I get a custom ECU remap or buy an plug-and-play piggyback chip or pedal booster?
- Pedal Boosters / Throttle Controllers: These devices only alter accelerator pedal voltage. They do NOT increase engine horsepower, turbo boost, or engine torque by a single Newton-meter. They simply trick your foot into pressing the gas pedal faster.
- Piggyback Chips / Tuning Boxes: These inline boxes trick fuel rail sensors into spraying extra fuel. They often cause black smoke, irregular idle, high Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs), and check engine lights.
- Superflow Custom ECU Remap (Best Choice): We rewrite the actual ECU calibration maps inside the Bosch engine control unit. We optimize boost pressure, fuel delivery, ignition timing, and torque limiters in perfect harmony, validated with live OBD datalogging.
Is Remapping the GWM P-Series Safe for the Engine?
Engine safety is our top priority. The GWM 2.0 TD engine utilizes a heavy-duty cast-iron block, common-rail high-pressure injection, and a front-mounted intercooler capable of handling extra thermal load easily.
During every tuning session, Superflow Performance technicians perform **live OBD datalogging on South African roads**, monitoring Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs), fuel rail pressures, boost curves, and transmission feedback on local 50ppm diesel. Our Stage 1 maps operate comfortably within all mechanical safety tolerances.
Read more about tuning protection in our guide: Is ECU Remapping Safe? The Truth for South African Drivers.
Compare the GWM P-Series with other popular South African bakkie remaps: Toyota Hilux Travo 2.8 GD6 Remap Guide and Isuzu D-Max ECU Remapping Guide.
Conclusion: Is an ECU Remap Worth It for Your GWM P-Series?
Without a doubt! An ECU software remap is hands-down the single best value upgrade for any GWM P-Series owner. Eliminating throttle lag, unlocking 470Nm of heavy towing torque, and lowering highway fuel consumption turns your P-Series into a world-class double cab bakkie built for South Africa.