Test-Driving The New V8-Powered EMC G-Wagen 620GE “Wolf” RestomodForbesMichael Teo Van Runkle, ContributorUpdatedMon, September 21, 2026 at 10:46 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleEMC listened to its customers clamoring for V8 power in the boxy, rugged G-Wagen restomods.Expedition Motor CompanyOver the past few years at Monterey Car Week, the world's most aggressive supercar, hypercar and restomod debuts began to attract a majority of attendee and media attention. But it's important to remember, despite recent trends, that the world's greatest celebration of automotive culture originally focused on historic racing and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegange. Fittingly, then, amid the onslaught of new seven-figure stunners at this year's week-long fete, I took a brief morning drive in a classy and restrained G-Wagen "Wolf" built by Expedition Motor Company that features a good-old-fashioned LS small-block V8 under the hood.I previously experienced EMC's more quintessential Geländewagen builds twice—and with diesel engines only. The first time, in Malibu, a naturally aspirated diesel definitely felt a bit underwhelming, as the clattery mill struggled to reach much more than 45 miles per hour on the Pacific Coast Highway. That might work fine for owners who purchase an EMC Wolf planning vacations around a beach community or tooling around town, but definitely detracts from some of the appeal given the pristine restomod pricing.EMC replaces the original diesel engine with a small-block American V8.The Customer is Always RightThen, EMC debuted a turbodiesel inline-five that I thought entirely changed the game, truly stepping the historically boxy G-Wagen into a realm of calm capability. Especially with the prospect of a manual transmission, the Turbo stuck in my craw as something entirely enjoyable, for a surprisingly long period afterward.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut of course, EMC's customers demanded a V8. And even if an American small-block runs a bit counter to expectations for Magna Steyr's infamous 4x4, no better option arguably exists than the combination of a General Motors crate LS3 paired to a 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. An AMG engine might fit the Wolf somewhat more appropriately, too, but instead EMC chose a bulletproof powertrain that's both reasonably affordable and easily serviceable.Despite looking retro, every EMC Wolf functions as brand-new.At no point on the way to drive the new EMC 620GE—a reference to the 6.2 liters of displacement—did I ever doubt that the finished quality of the V8-powered Wolf wouldn't live up to previous builds. Instead, the big question in my mind involved whether a relatively lightweight truck with a short wheelbase might seem overwhelmed by the prodigious power now lurking under the hood. Even with EMC's substantial updates to the original steering and suspension, stepping up to 430 horsepower borders on hilarious considering the original naturally aspirated diesel's lackluster output.Suffice to say, on a cold morning as drizzle and mist drifted in off the Pacific Ocean in Monterey, the China Blue Wolf looked absolutely at home. The LS3 barked to life with a low rumble and never grew into an egregiously loud cacophony at any time, instead simply giving off a subtle impression of restrained power beneath the surface. Sure enough, just pulling out onto public roads, I realized that this upgrade transforms the Wolf into something far more similar to a brand-new vehicle, rather than remaining a more antiquated restomod that requires constant attention to drive.As part of the restoration and modification process, EMC swaps in a set of Fox remote-reservoir shock dampers.Old Meets New in an EMC WolfI still love the aesthetic, of course, from the upright posture to the thin steering wheel and utilitarian switchgear throughout. But the V8 just makes life with an EMC so much easier, on a whole new level compared to the Turbo, as well. The impressive integration of the powertrain stood out as the most important detail, something that other companies and builders who source a crate engine and gearbox so often struggle to achieve. EMC clearly dedicated extensive time and effort into preventing power surges, fueling gaps and especially lurching gearshifts.AdvertisementAdvertisementMeanwhile, the retuned Fox suspension helps to keep the chassis from bucking or squatting under load, so this Wolf rides square and predictable without transmitting road bumps or clunks into the now-luxuriously trimmed cabin. The steering stays so precise and light enough that I absentmindedly started one-hand driving almost immediately. Then, when I wanted to put my foot in it, the big LS3 can still definitely get up and go with all 430 ponies fully unleashed—all as larger brakes from AMG reassuringly rein in any such exuberances with ease.EMC's Wolf restomods likely wind up in better shape than the original trucks ever left the Magna Steyr factory.The China Blue paintjob stood out as a bit on the flashy side for EMC, even among Bugattis, Paganis and Koenigseggs on the Monterey Peninsula. I prefer a more modest green over full black leather upholstery. And I never needed to try out the Vintage Air climate control, though the heated seats (front and rear!) certainly made the morning more enjoyable. Given the weather for this test drive, I started to dream of a hardtop two-door G with similar European oak trim to even further enhance the newfound modernity of this former military truck.With an enclosed cabin, my dream 620GE then transforms into a true off-roader capable of putting that unique four-wheel-drive transfer case to good work without concern about dust and filth getting everywhere. But no matter the spec, an EMC Wolf definitely stands out from the rest of the exploding restomod industry as better to drive, more solidly sorted and more comfortable than most other updated classics in the same category.A host of Land Rover Defenders, for example, from a wide range of firms always require sacrifices in terms of ergonomics, performance and reliability—all critical considerations considering the pricetag of $252,500 to start that places the new V8-powered EMC squarely in the ballpark with most of the competition these days. The restomod industry tends to go bigger and bolder as customers adjust expectations steadily, but after finally relenting and installing that bigger and badder V8 under the hood, EMC's Wolf now gets about as close to new-car perfection as a classic 4x4 can possibly hope to achieve.This article was originally published on Forbes.com