GAC Trumpchi Empow R goes without roof in China

Khodrocar - We have an early contender for China’s sexiest car of 2024 but unfortunately at the moment there is no news on whether it will make it to production. Shown at the 2024 Shenzhen Jiuzhou (Kyushu) Modification Exhibition the already quite sporty looking Empow R gets the convertible treatment.

The car has been modified by GAC and both Autohome and Fast Technology report that the modifications cost nearly 1,000,000 yuan (138,950 USD). Not only has the car lost two doors but the wheelbase gets 120 mm lobbed off while the front doors are now 100 mm longer. The B-pillars are gone and to incorporate the folding roof mechanism the A-pillars, cross members, and rear fenders were rebuilt.

Riding on 20-inch wheels the convertible has a low-rider stance thanks to new twisted shock absorbers lowering the ride. Other modifications include the interior styling, refueling system and oil circuit, a new exhaust system, along with a non-standard paint job.

Power comes from the same standard 2.0T engine in the Empow R giving 195 kW power and 400 Nm torque. This is coupled to an 8-speed Aisin automatic transmission.

The GAC Trumpchi Empow first went on sale in 2021. The Chinese name yingbao means shadow leopard which seems better than the rather strange sounding Empow name in English. The car originally only came with a 1.5T petrol engine coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 

A hybrid version using a 2.0 liter engine and electric motor for a combined power output of 175 kW came in 2022. The Empow R followed in 2023 debuting at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show  which also showed the Empow R × ABT which is a collaboration with German tuner ABT and is meant to be available to buy.