MIAS 2022: GAC PH previews Empow55 sports sedan

GAC Motor Philippines returns to the grand automotive stage for the 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) held at the World Trade Center in Pasay. Here, the Philippine arm of the Chinese carmaker teased the audience with a preview of what’s to come to the local automotive scene.

Making their appearances were the EMPOW55 and the second-generation GS8. The former looks to make a mark in the country’s sports sedan segment while the latter — a familiar nameplate for Filipinos — is aimed at the local sport utility vehicle category.

The EMPOW55 features the brand’s Mecha grille with double-sided blade air curtains. The front end is flanked by slim and upswept LED headlights that further accentuate the sports sedan’s fore. At the rear is a sloping rear windshield, a high-performance rear deflector, four exhaust pipes, and slim LED lights that complete the sedan’s coupe-like appearance. It will ride on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Under the hood of the EMPOW55 is GAC Motor’s fourth-generation 2.0ATK engine that boasts a thermal efficiency of 42.10 percent and is capable of producing more power, a more agile response, and lower fuel consumption.

The EMPOW55 will also debut the brand’s GPMA (Global Platform Modular Architecture) platform as well as ADiGO 3.0 smart driving system and the all-new “Mega Wave Power” technology that focuses on the vehicle’s vitality, reliability, and energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, the second-gen GS8 (which was launched last year) wowed MIAS attendees with its striking vertical LED headlights as well as with its massive “Dragon Scale Wing” front grille. According to GAC Motor Philippines, the SUV is fitted with a “Red Diamond” taillight.

The vehicle features a 12.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.6-inch center LED touchscreen information display. The SUV also offers its would-be owners a floating lower center console that is capable of wirelessly charging mobile devices.

Powering the second-gen GS8 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that makes 252 horses with 400Nm of torque. The powerplant is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The EMPOW55 and the second-gen GS8 will be on display at the brand’s booth at MIAS 2022 from April 7 to 10.

Photos from Dylan Afuang

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