GAC Motor Philippines is looking to expand its model lineup by launching the Empow and all-new GS8 this month.
GAC Empoww
The two GAC models will be brought by the company’s new distributor, Astara. First previewed at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the Empow and all-new GS8 are the Chinese automaker’s entries into the compact sedan and midsize crossover markets, respectively.
With apparent sporty aesthetics, the GAC Empow will be taking aim at the likes of the Honda Civic and MG 6. But it is not just all show as the automaker claims that the model can go from zero to 100 km/h in 6.95 seconds.
No details have been disclosed for the two upcoming GAC models. But according to the 2022 MIAS preview, the GAC Empow has a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine capable of making 175 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. The use of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) reduces power loss during shifting.
GAC GS8
Meanwhile, the all-new GAC GS8 is the model’s second iteration. While the outgoing model comes with a conventional SUV design, the upcoming version gets sharper styling highlighted by the massive grille which GAC calls Flying Dynamic 4.0 or dragon scale wing.
Powering the GS8 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline mill that makes 251 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. The power is sent to a BorgWarner Intelligent 4-wheel drive system via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functions such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking also help make drives safer.
GAC Motor Philippines will debut the Empow and all-new GS8 on January 18. Upon the official launch, the two will be joining the local lineup along with the GS3 subcompact crossover, GS4 compact crossover, GA4 compact sedan, GN6 MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), and GN8 minivan.
Don’t miss the latest car releases at Philkotse.com.
Know more about GAC GS8 2024
The next-generation 2024 GAC GS8 is a midsize, seven-seater SUV. In the Philippine market, its 4x2 variant comes with an introductory price of Php 2,398,000, while the 4x4 version is priced at Php 2,648,000.
Under the hood of the GAC GS8 is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that can make up to 248 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. The said engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The GS8 size-wise, spans 4,980mm long, is 1,950mm wide, and 1,780mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,920mm.
Locally, the 2024 GAC GS8 competes against the Toyota Fortuner, Mazda CX-8, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Terra, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, and Ford Everest, among others.
GAC GS8 Launch
The GAC GS8 first debuted in China back in 2021. It was then previewed at the 2022 MIAS, before its official launch in 2023. The 4x4 top-spec version was then brought into the local market in August 2023.
GAC GS8 Exterior
The only trim of the Philippine-spec GAC GS8 is equipped with LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and rear fog lamps. Also present on this SUV is a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, power-folding side mirrors, automatic headlamps, and a set of 20-inch alloy wheels.
GAC GS8 Interior
Keeping all of its seven occupants cool is a three-zone automatic air-conditioner. All seats are then wrapped in leather.
Provided for the driver of the GS8 is an electronically adjustable driver’s seat, a leather steering wheel, paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a push-to-start button, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, etc.
Technology & Safety Features
The GS8 has a comprehensive safety kit that consists of dual front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock braking with EPS, stability control, hill-start control, hill-descent control, tire pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child seat anchors, engine immobilizer, etc.
Supporting those standard safety features are adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, etc.
Entertaining the occupants of the GS8 is a 14.6-inch touchscreen with Phone mirroring, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The said headunit is then linked to a total of eight speakers. Also present are a number of charging ports, as well as a wireless smartphone charger.
Platform & Chassis
The GS8 uses a MacPherson strut for the front, and a multi-link suspension for the rear. Braking for this model is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels, as well as an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function.
Engine & Drivetrain
Powering the GS8 is a 2.0-liter TGDi engine. At the maximum, this powerplant can generate up to 248 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. All power is sent to its front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also present on this model are three drive modes which include Eco, comfort, and Sport.
There are four available color options for the Philippine-spec 2024 GAC GS8. There’s Elegant Black, Ink Seal Green, Crystal White, and Moonlight Grey.
The GAC GS8 is one of the most powerful midsize seven-seater SUVs on the market right now. Well, barring that of some luxury models. It is also on-par against its competitors when it comes to amenities and safety features.
The only thing that we see that might hold it back is its high starting price. There’s also the fact that it only has one variant in the local market.
GAC GS8 Pros & Cons
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₱ 2,398,000 - ₱ 2,648,000
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