Under new distributor Astara Philippines, GAC Motor Philippines started its brand reignition with the simultaneous launch of the 2023 GAC Empow and GS8.
The new offerings injected new life into GAC Motor Philippines lineup — which includes the compact GS3 SUV, the fun-to-drive GS4 SUV, and the versatile GN6 MPV. It highlights the brand's strong commitment to bringing world-class vehicles to more Filipinos — backed up by an expanded network of showrooms and service centers across the country.
Among the company executives who led the launch event included Raoul Picello, Astara Philippines Managing Director and Jun Cajayon, GAC Motor Philippines brand head.
“We’re thrilled to start the year on a high note with the highly-anticipated launch of the EMPOW and the 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 Picello.
Here are all the important facts about the 2023 GAC Empow and GAC GS8
The 2023 GAC Empow the carmaker’s greater confidence in its brand identity, international strategy and in-house technology.
Bold and original, the compact sedan’s exterior is characterized by futuristic lines and a sleek, muscle car-esque silhouette that results in an aggressive stance. The sculpted form and attention-grabbing design elements define its sporty profile, while its interiors, driving performance and technology are engineered to thrill the senses.
The 2023 GAC Empow will be offered in three variants at the following special introductory price points and colors.
The introductory prices incorporate a discount of P90,000 for the GAC Empow GS and GB variants, and P65,000 for the GE. These special prices will be valid until March 31, 2023.
The oversized front grille, beautiful 18-inch alloy wheels, and quad exhausts at the rear lend the car a muscular appearance. Sharp, angular design elements such as the eye-catching automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and extended rear lights contribute to the overall appearance of the 2023 GAC Empow on the road.
The interior features vibrant supercar-style colored leather panels, fighter-jet inspired seats, and carbon fiber materials that continue the sporty design. The look is completed by two screens: a seven-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay support. The front console of the 2023 GAC Empow is futuristic and sleek.
The experience inside the vehicle is further enhanced by a power sunroof, a leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with a built-in negative ion air purifier, multiple USB type-A ports, power adjustments to the driver’s seat, and leather upholstery with soft-touch interior trims, among others.
Under the hood of the 2023 GAC Empow is the carmaker’s 1.5-liter turbo engine — with churns 168hp and 270Nm of torque — featuring the carmaker’s in-house MegaWave technology. The engine is mated to a seven-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission. Most notably, the sedan can sprint from zero to 100kph in 6.95 seconds — believed to be the fastest acceleration for a compact sedan in its segment.
A total of six airbags come standard in the vehicle along with a tire pressure monitoring system for added peace of mind. A suite of advanced driver assistance systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) and High Beam Assist all help to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
The GS8, a full-size seven-seater SUV and one of GAC Motor's most successful nameplates, has been updated to appeal to high-end buyers. With its bold and futuristic design style, surging power, and trailblazing smart configurations, the brand's flagship SUV combines form and function.
The 2023 GAC GS8 is offered at a special introductory price and colors.
The introductory price provides a special discount of P100,000 valid until March 31, 2023 only.
The strong silhouette lends the new GS8 a stately and executive demeanor. For an aggressive and bold stance, the model's signature four-bulb metric automatic LED headlights pair perfectly with a powerful V-shaped chrome grille arranged in a symmetrical layout.
The 2023 GAC GS8 is finished off with 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, double chrome exhaust pipes, and LED daytime running lights.
Seats upholstered in finely crafted leather with diamond stitching are equipped with power adjustable controls and memory settings for the driver and front passenger. The leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, electrochromic rear view mirror, three-zone automatic air conditioning and one-touch power windows offer added convenience, while multi- color intelligent ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof give a touch of luxury.
A host of smart features headline the upgraded cabin of the GS8 has a host of smart and interactive features. These include a 14.6-inch HD touch screen with phone mirroring capabilities, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, four USB type-A ports, a wireless mobile phone charging pad, and a Bluetooth handsfree phone system.
A turbo two-liter engine — which provides a power of 248hp and an upgraded torque of 400Nm, paired with an eight -speed automatic transmission — powers the SUV.
The vehicle is equipped with GAC’s latest cutting-edge technology, including a widearray of driving assistance capabilities as standard. Among these are Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane
Departure Warning, Front and Rear Parking Sensors with HD Surround Vision Parking System, and Traffic Jam Assist.
To make sure the cars are in their tip-top shape, GAC includes a five-year warranty on its product’s parts and services.
The 2023 GAC GS8 and the GS and GB variants of the Empow are now in the country and will be available at GAC dealerships soon, while the first batch of units of the 2023 GAC Empow GE is scheduled to arrive in February, 2023 the carmaker said.
Based on what we’ve seen on their opening salvo so far, GAC’s succeeding performances shouldn’t disappoint.
Photos from GAC, GAC Motor Philippines, and Dylan Afuang
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