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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider GAC unveils Empow and all-new GS8

GAC unveils Empow and all-new GS8

Published Jan 20, 2023 07:17 am

A sports sedan and its flagship SUV

Under new distributor, Astara Philippines, GAC Motor Philippines starts off the year with the launch of not one, but two vehicles: the 2023 Empow sports sedan and the 2023 GS8 flagship SUV.

“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,” said Raoul Picello, Astara Philippines managing director.

Sporty sedan

GAC PH’s main focus locally will be crossovers and SUVs, but it brings in the 2023 Empow to create excitement in the sports sedan segment and challenge rivals like the Civic RS Turbo and the MG6. This sporty compact vehicle has an aggressive front fascia with a unique front grille and angular vents with blue inside panels. It also has LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, and quad exhausts.

Inside is a seven-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment display with USB connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming, and Apple CarPlay. Other interior features include a power sunroof, leather upholstery, dual-zone air-conditioning, and an air purifier.

Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbo engine that sends 168-PS and 270-Nm of torque to the front wheels via a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission. It also comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Jam Assist, and High Beam Assist. The starting price is P1.135 million.

Macho SUV

What will get Filipinos really excited is the second-generation 2023 GAC GS8. It is a full-size, seven-seater SUV launched mid-last year in China that finally makes its way to our shores.

The exterior highlights come from the massive V-shaped front grille and its square proportions, followed by the four-bulb LED headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and dual chrome exhaust pipes.

The cabin has leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory, an electrochromic rearview mirror, three-zone automatic climate control, multi-colored intelligent ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.

It gets drive from a 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine that sends 248-horsepower and 400-Nm of torque to an eight-speed automatic transmission. GAC PH is offering the 2023 GS8 with a P100,000 discount, starting at a price of P2.298 million until March 31, 2023.

“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,” said Jun Cajayon, brand head of GAC Motor Philippines.

The entire lineup of GAC Motor Philippines comes with a five-year warranty on parts and services.

Related Tags

Astara gac GS8 Empow
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