GAC goes topless with Empow R convertible concept

GAC chops the top of Empow R

GAC Motor is perhaps one of the most daring brands to come from the PRC. We see it in models like the GS3 Emzoom that packs features we don’t normally see in a typical vehicle of its class. At the same time, GAC seems to be a brand that likes performance, as they have a potential WRX challenger in the Empow R.

However, GAC seems to have other ideas for the Empow R. Instead of making it go faster, they tried to make the sporty sedan a lot cooler. How? Well, they did it by chopping off its top.

Yes, you’re looking at a prototype convertible version of the GAC Empow R. According to reports, the modification was done by GAC themselves. We apologize for the low-quality pictures, but that's all we can get for now. It was showcased at the 2024 Shenzhen Jiuzhou Modification Exhibition, and boy it’s indeed a looker.

The Empow R has gone through quite an extensive bodywork surgery to become a convertible. Aside from shutting the two rear doors and removing its B and C pillars, GAC also shortened the wheelbase by 120mm and stretched the front doors by 100mm.

Additional reinforcements were made to the A-pillar, as well as the rear of the car to keep the structural integrity of the body. The interior styling, fuel, and exhaust system were also altered for the convertible. For rainy days, there’s still a canvas roof in place of the hardtop.

GAC also lowered the suspension and put in a set of 20-inch wheels for the Empow R convertible. Much to Papa Smurf’s delight, the Empow R convertible concept was painted in a nice shade of blue.

As for its powertrain, the GAC Empow R remains with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo that puts out 265 PS and 400 Nm of torque paired to an 8-speed sport-tuned automatic gearbox from Aisin.

According to reports, the modifications to make the Empow R a convertible cost GAC around 1 million yuan (PHP 7.7 million). While that may seem ridiculously high, that’s about right when you take into account the R&D costs in developing a new vehicle.

But since GAC has already spent that much on a one-off, we wouldn’t be surprised if they actually build a production version in the future.

Source: CarNewsChina