MIAS 2022: GAC Motor PH previews what could come to PH with all-new EMPOW and GS8
GAC Motor Philippines is really showing that it is applying its tagline of ‘Go and Change’ to its product lineup as it previews at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) two brand-new models that are set to arrive in the Philippine market within the next year or two.
The two models are the GAC EMPOW55 compact sedan and the GAC GS8 midsize crossover SUV. The former is set to compete with the likes of the Honda Civic while the latter with the likes of the Ford Explorer.
So what is there to see with these two models?
GAC EMPOW
Initially launched as a concept at the 2020 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, the EMPOW is the official entry of the brand into the sports sedan segment and the first model to use the brand’s GPMA (Global Platform Modular Architecture) platform.
Looking at the exterior, the GAC EMPOW is certainly aggressive with its upswept LED headlights, Mecha grille with double-side blade air curtains, 18-inch alloy wheels with yellow disc brake calipers, sloping rear windshield, and slim LED taillights.
It also comes with a full glass roof which extends from the front windshield all the way to the rear of the vehicle. Also, its quad exhaust pipes can be switched off for a quiet driving experience. Unfortunately, GAC Motor Philippines has kept secret what the EMPOW’s interior looks like.
Under the GAC EMPOW’s hood is a 1.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is capable of producing an output of 175 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. It is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch tranmission and GAC Motor PH says that it can go from 0 to 100 kph in just 6.95 seconds.
As of now, all these will remain on paper as the GAC EMPOW will not yet be sold in our market. We are hoping the GAC Motor Philippines introduces this soon as based on its design and numbers, it surely has what it takes to go head-to-head with the Honda Civic.
All-new GAC GS8
One of GAC Motor Philippines’ more popularly known models among its customers, the GS8 is the company’s flagship SUV offering and for its second generation it gets a complete makeover both inside and out, as well as underneath.
The exterior is undeniably an eye-catcher with its massive Flying Dynamic 4.0 Grille Design or Dragon Scale Wing dominating the front fascia, flanked by its Conquering Eyes full LED headlights that do an intricate dance when turned on. On the side it gets 20-inch alloy wheels while the rear features its Diamond LED taillights.
Like the EMPOW, GAC Motor Philippines did not show the interior of the all-new GS8. They did however announce what we could expect such as a 12.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch infotainment display, and even a crystal handle for the vehicle’s gear shifter for that luxurious touch. In addition, it gets quilted leather seats and cargo space of between 181 and 1,859 liters depending on the seating configuration.
Under the hood of the all-new GAC GS8 is a 2.0-liter Inline 4-cylinder Mega Wave Power turbocharged engine that produces 251 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, paired to an Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels with its BorgWarnee Intelligent 4-wheel drive system.
For now, that’s all we know about the all-new GAC GS8. All we can do now is wait once GAC Motor Philippines introduces this model which could be next year in 2023.
