GAC Motor PH brings in Empow, all-new GS8

GAC Motor Philippines is starting 2023 strong as it officially introduced the Empow and all-new GS8 to the local market.

The back-to-back launch was made months after Astara Philippines was hailed as the new local arm of Guangzhou Automotive Company (GAC) in the country.

According to the new distributor, the two newly-revealed models — engineered and built for the global market — helped the brand reach its vision to become a first-class marque with international influence and excellent quality.

GAC Motor Philippines’ latest offerings brings the total number of locally-retailed models to five. The other three are the GS3 and GS4 sport utility vehicles (SUV) as well as the GN6 multi-purpose vehicle.

“We’re thrilled to start the year on a high note with the highly-anticipated launch of the Empow and all-new GS8. Both vehicles represent the best that GAC has to offer at a reasonable price range for our Filipino customers. We are determined to reinvigorate the brand and achieve outstanding performance in the market beginning this year,” Astara Philippines Raoul Picello said.

To note, Astara’s network in Chile and Peru are also distributing GAC Motor vehicles.

“Our first year in the Philippines was remarkable with Peugeot as our first brand. Now, with GAC Motor added to our portfolio, we are excited to bring more value to our Filipino customers. With Astara’s global strength and track record in car distribution and mobility services, we hope to achieve great success for GAC Motor as we have done in Latin America,” Astara Managing Director for Southern Europe and the Philippines Jorge Belzunce said.

Empow introduction

GAC Motor Philippines Brand Head Redentor Cajayon said that the “Empow is most ideal for customers who want a sports sedan that looks as great as it drives.

“It provides the performance advantage without compromise at a price point that is well within reach. The Empow is, without a doubt, a vehicle that makes a strong statement on the road,” he added.

The GAC Empow, which represents the company’s era of greater confidence, wears a very aggressive look with its futuristic lines and a muscle car-like silhouette. This form is complemented by its huge front grille, 18-inch alloy wheels and quad exhausts. Its lighting system on the outside (head lamps, daytime running lights, and extended rear lamps) are all on LED.

Inside the cabin are supercar-style colored leather panels, fighter-jet inspired power adjustable seats, and carbon-fiber appointments. Fitted to the dashboard are the seven-inch digital instrument panel and 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple Carplay support.

Aside from that, the vehicle comes with a power sunroof, leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone automatic air conditioning system with a built-in negative ion air purifier and multiple USB type-A ports.

The newly-launched model (which was previewed at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show) is equipped with six airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and a host of driver assistive technologies systems such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, traffic jam assist and high beam assist.

Powering the GAC Empow is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with the in-house developed Megawave technology paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The power mill can provide 168 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque, allowing the car to reach 100 kilometers per hour from standstill in 6.95 seconds.

Offered in Matte Fighter Green, Ivory White, Moonlight Grey and Elegant Black, the new GAC Empow is available at the following introductory prices (valid only up to March 31, 2023):

• 1.5L GE DCT for P1.283 million
• 1.5L GB DCT for P1.215 million
• 1.5L GS DCT for P1.135 million

All-new GS8 reveal

On the other hand, Cajayon boasted that the latest version of the GAC GS8 “combines form and function with its bold and futuristic design style, surging power and pioneering smart configurations.”

“The all-new GS8 builds on its success as GAC Motor’s flagship SUV with its complete package of style, quality, reliability and safety. It has been masterfully-designed to exude confidence on the road, making it the perfect match for customers seeking distinction and refinement in their SUV,” he said.

The model sports a very robust and elegant design. Its powerful V- shaped chrome grille is flanked with signature four-bulb metric automatic LED headlights. Completing the stately persona is the 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, double chrome exhaust pipes, and LED daytime running lights.

For its interior, the all-new GAC GS8 is tailored with electronically-adjustable leather seats that has diamond stitching, leather-wrapped  steering wheel with paddle shifters, electrochromic rear view mirror, three-zone automatic air conditioning, one-touch power windows, multi- color intelligent ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof.

Additionally, the all-new GS8 offers a 14.6-inch high-definition touch screen system with phone mirroring capabilities, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, four USB type-A ports, a wireless mobile phone charging dock, and a Bluetooth handsfree phone system.

Aside from multiple airbags, the SUV has ISOFIX child safety seat anchors, seatbelts with disengage alarm, an engine immobilizer with anti-theft alarm, among other safety and security amenities.

Propelling the all-new GAC GS8 is the 2.0 Turbo GDI engine, which has a maximum churn of 248 horsepower and 400 Nm. This is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The all-new GS8 — which comes in four colors namely Ink Seal Green, Crystal White, Moonlight Grey and Elegant Black — wears a price tag of P2.298 million.

 The Empow’s GS and GB variants as well as the all-new GS8 will be available at dealerships nationwide in the next few days while sedan’s GE is set to arrive next month.

Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV, Paulo Papa

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