Trumpchi Empow

The Trumpchi Empow (影豹) is a compact sedan produced by GAC Group under the Trumpchi brand in China and the GAC Motor brand globally. It was intended to be a sports sedan to differentiate from the GA4 compact sedan.[1]

Trumpchi Empow
Overview
ManufacturerGAC Group
Also calledTrumpchi EMPOW55 (concept)
GAC Empow (global)
Production2021–present
Model years2021–present
AssemblyChina: Yichang
Body and chassis
ClassSport compact (C)
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
PlatformGPMA platform (Global Platform Modular Architecture)
RelatedTrumpchi GA4
Powertrain
Engine
Power output
  • Petrol:
  • 1.5 L turbo
    125 kW (168 hp; 170 PS)
  • 2.0 L turbo
    195 kW (261 hp; 265 PS)
  • Hybrid:
  • 2.0 L Atkinson cycle naturally aspirated petrol engine
    103 kW (138 hp; 140 PS)
  • Electric motor
    134 kW (180 hp; 182 PS)
    175 kW (235 hp; 238 PS) (combined system output)
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,736 mm (107.7 in)
Length4,700 mm (185.0 in)
Width1,850 mm (72.8 in)
Height1,432 mm (56.4 in)

Overview
Trumpchi Empow rear

The Trumpchi Empow was first previewed in 2020 at the 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show in semi-concept form as the EMPOW55 Concept.[2] The production Trumpchi Empow was officially launched during the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show in Shanghai as the successor of the Trumpchi GA4 compact sedan in China, despite the GA4 continuing to be sold alongside and also received a facelift in early 2021. The production Empow sedan is based on GAC's new Global Platform Modular Architecture.

Powertrain

The Empow 270T sedan is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo I4 with 125 kW (168 hp; 170 PS) and 270 N⋅m (27.5 kg⋅m; 199 lb⋅ft) of torque mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The Empow is front-wheel drive only and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) takes 7 seconds.[3] Sales commenced in 2021 and prices for Trumpchi Empow 270T in China ranges from 98,800 to 128,800 yuan at launch.[4]

The Empow R 400T, is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 195 kW (261 hp; 265 PS) and 400 N⋅m (40.8 kg⋅m; 295 lb⋅ft) of torque, mated to an 8-speed Aisin automatic gearbox.[5] The Empow R 400T was introduced in the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show and became available since April 2023. The new 2.0-litre powertrain accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.7 seconds. Prices for Trumpchi Empow R 400T in China ranges from 138,000 to 158,000 yuan at launch.

The Empow R × ABT, a co-brand version collaborated with ABT[6] that comes with more agressive styling is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged powertrain. Also introduced in the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, this version came equipped with an ABT-designed aerodynamics bodykit and ABT branding in interior parts. The sale of this version will start by the end of year 2023.

A hybrid version was introduced in late 2022. This vercion came equipped with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle engine producing 103 kW (138 hp; 140 PS) and 180 N⋅m (18.4 kg⋅m; 133 lb⋅ft) of torque, mated with a electric motor of 134 kW (180 hp; 182 PS) and 300 N⋅m (30.6 kg⋅m; 221 lb⋅ft) of torque, with a maximum combined output of 175 kW (235 hp; 238 PS). The hybrid version could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds. Prices for Trumpchi Empow Hybrid in China ranges from 128,000 to 148,000 yuan at launch.[7]

Reputation

The Trumpchi Empow is generally considered cost-effective to maintain. It is also well-regarded for its value among its counterparts in its niche market. Some compared it with the Honda Civic, especially the sport-oriented Si model, due to the similarity in size and power output, and sharing the front-wheel drive layout. The newly introduced Empow R 400T is comparable to the Honda Civic Type R performance model, and is generally considered to be a value buy for its performanced offered, in contrast to Civic Type R's much higher price.

However, there was also criticism around the build quality, fit, and finish, especially for the earliest models. A battery draining issue is present from the MY 2021 to MY 2022 models.[8]

It was also sometimes received as a stereotypical "rice rocket", similar to the Honda Civic, due to the poorly-fitted aftermarket exterior modifications and aggressive driving of some Empow drivers. This also negatively affected the car's reputation.

See also

References
  1. "GAC Trumpchi releases Chinese name for all-new EMPOW55 sports sedan".
  2. "The new youth sedan GAC Trumpchi Empow enters the Chinese car market".
  3. "GAC Trumpchi Empow".
  4. "Trumpchi EMPOW55 Is The Marque's First Sporty Sedan".
  5. https://www.topgear.com.ph/news/car-news/gac-empow-r-debut-shanghai-a2619-20230418
  6. https://www.abt-sportsline.com/news/abt-chinas-first-initiative-the-gac-empow-r-x-abt-co-brand
  7. https://www.gacmotor.com/empow_hd/
  8. https://www.pcauto.com.cn/hj/article/1839489.html
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