GAC Motor PH starts 2023 with Empow sedan, all-new GS8 SUV launch

GAC Motor Philippines has unleashed its twin offerings for the first quarter of 2023, in the form of the Empow compact sports sedan and the GS8 full-size crossover. The back-to-back debut was held Wednesday at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati. 

The 2023 Empow is GAC Motor Philippines' first sport compact sedan  

Not only is this the automaker’s maiden public event for the year, but it is also the first launch held under Astara Philippines, its new distributor in the country. Representatives from both Astara and GAC Motor were in attendance, such as Astara Managing Director for Southern Europe and the Philippines Jorge Belzunce, Astara Philippines Managing Director Raoul Picello, and GAC Motor Philippines brand head Jun Cajayon. 

Both previewed at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show, the Empow and GS8 are two of GAC’s global models. The Empow is GAC Motor PH’s first performance sedan, and is already out to make quite an impression among potential buyers with its aggressive stance punctuated by futuristic lines and overall sporty character. 

It uses a dual-screen setup for instrumentation and infotainment 

It is also equally impressive inside with fighter jet-inspired seats, tech features such as dual digital screens, and amenities like a power sunroof, dual-zone air conditioning, and negative ion air purifier. Six airbags and multiple driver-assist features lead the safety kit, while power comes in the form of a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine working with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to produce 168 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque.

Meanwhile, the GS8 SUV is now on its second generation and serves as GAC Motor Philippines’ flagship model. The exterior has been redesigned to give the GS8 a statelier appearance, apart from now standing bigger than the previous iteration. 

The 2023 GAC GS8 takes on a more executive-looking presence

Seven occupants can fit inside the opulent interior, with leather upholstery featuring diamond stitching. Three-zone automatic climate control keeps all occupants comfortable. A large 14.6-inch high-definition touchscreen brings phone mirroring capabilities, while a wide array of driver-assist features comes standard such as Forward Collision Warning and HD Surround Vision Parking System.  

Under the hood of the GS8 lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection

Pulling all that equipment forward is a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine rated at 248 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Spinning the drive wheels is a third-generation 8-speed automatic gearbox. Drivers can choose between three driving modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport) that run the gamut from efficiency to performance. 

GAC Motor Philippines has listed to introductory prices for its two new models, valid until March 31, 2023: 

• 2023 GAC Empow 1.5L GS DCT - Php 1,135,000 
• 2023 GAC Empow 1.5L GB DCT - Php 1,215,000
• 2023 GAC Empow 1.5L GE DCT - Php 1,283,000
• 2023 GAC GS8 2.0L AT - Php 2,298,000

Interested buyers can see the 2023 GAC Empow and GAC GS8 up close at all authorized GAC Motor Philippines dealerships nationwide. 

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