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GAC debuts its most exciting compact sedan yet, the Empow R—Auto Shanghai 2023

What would happen if GAC transforms the Empow into a performance sedan? Well, this is what you get.

Autodeal on Apr 18, 2023

The regular GAC Empow is already a fantastic car to drive. It sports handsome good looks, a well-built interior, and great driving dynamics, especially in its Sport Plus drive mode that makes use of all its available power and completely transforms the vehicle.

However, GAC knows that the chassis has so much more potential, that could take the fight with other performance vehicles in the market. Enter, the GAC Empow R Shadow Leopard, launched at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.

Out goes the regular turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 168 hp and 270 Nm of torque mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and in goes a larger turbocharged 2.0-liter four-banger unit making a much more commanding 265 hp and 400 Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Though acceleration figures are still being kept under wraps at the time of writing, we could expect 0 to 100 km/h times in the range of six seconds, or faster.

Footwork is managed by a lower sport-tuned suspension that gives the Empow R better stance and stability during cornering, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, upgraded roll bars, and of course a larger multi-piston braking system to help with the added performance.

It also has the looks to back up the added power, with more aggressive styling, compared to the standard variant, including a more prominent front grille for added cooling, sportier front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a rear spoiler which GAC says are also functional in keeping the car pinned to the road. The Empow also gets a quad-exhaust system and an aggressive rear diffuser.

On the inside, the Empow R also gets bucket seats with special upholstery, an alcantara-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel, as well as added alcantara all across the dashboard and major touch points. The digital cluster and infotainment system also receive an update with a special user interface unique to the Empow R, which also helps the driver monitor the vital statistics of this sports sedan on the fly.

Should the “regular” Empow R not cut it for you, European tuning company, ABT has managed to get their hands on one, and in true ABT fashion, has dialed the Empow R all the way up with a much more aggressive design, though power figures are not unveiled for this version just yet. We managed to have a look at the ABT Empow R at GAC’s pavilion at the Shanghai Auto Show, and it is truly much more aggressive than the already aggressive Empow R.

Overall, the Empow R is positioned as a more performance-oriented version of the regular Empow, with a focus on delivering an engaging driving experience. Hopefully, we do see this model land on our shores, and we also hope that we get to drive one real soon.

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