GWM's SOUO S2000 CL hits market as world's only V8 cruiser with 8-speed DCT

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On October 26, Great Wall Motor ("GWM")'s premium motorcycle brand Soul (SOUO) officially put its first cruiser model, the S2000 CL, onto the market in China. The S2000 CL Knight Edition is priced at 189,800 yuan, while the limited Collector's Edition retails for 218,800 yuan.

At the heart of the S2000 CL lies what makes it truly stand out—a 1,999cc horizontally opposed eight-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), making it the only production motorcycle in the world to feature such a combination. This powerhouse delivers 113 kW of maximum output and 190 Nm of torque, enabling effortless acceleration beyond 200 km/h. The low-end torque offers instant throttle response for smooth city cruising, while high-speed performance unleashes commanding power for overtaking on open roads.

Beyond raw power, the S2000 CL impresses with its refined mechanical balance. The 180-degree flat-opposed cylinder layout and optimized crankshaft balancing deliver a level of smoothness comparable to six-cylinder engines. Its distinctive exhaust note—neither the thunderous roar of American cruisers nor the sharp pitch of Japanese bikes—resonates with a deep, organ-like timbre. The eight-speed DCT, meticulously calibrated through thousands of tests, ensures seamless gear shifts, maintaining low revs during highway cruising for improved fuel efficiency and a vibration-free long-distance ride.

Attention to detail reinforces the S2000 CL's premium identity. Eschewing flashy chrome, it adopts matte metallic finishes for a refined, understated aesthetic. The 740mm seat height strikes a balance for riders of various builds, while automotive-grade cushioning ensures sustained comfort—even after four hours of continuous riding.

Blurring the lines between motorcycles and cars, the S2000 CL brings automotive-grade features into the rider's cockpit. A 4-inch smart circular display supports navigation, phone connectivity, and driver fatigue alerts. Through Bluetooth, the system enables three-way communication between the bike, smartphone, and headset, while FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) updates allow remote system upgrades. The bike offers multiple riding modes—Touring, Sport, and Rain—alongside specialized Launch Control and Walking Assist functions that balance excitement with practicality.

In terms of safety, the S2000 CL is equally advanced. Beyond the ABS as a standard feature, it comes equipped with cornering ABS, hill-start assist, combined braking (CBS), and an electronic parking brake (EPB)—features typically found in high-end automobiles. These systems significantly enhance stability during cornering and hill starts, making the 450 kg heavyweight cruiser easier and safer to handle, even for less experienced riders.