China’s position as the world’s largest car market has attracted the attention of renowned tuners, and the latest entrant is none other than ABT China. The joint venture, established in February, recently showcased its first tuning kit at the Shanghai Auto Show, targeted at the GAC Empow R. This marks ABT’s foray into the Chinese market, offering its expertise to enhance the performance and aesthetics of the popular four-door sedan sold under the Trumpchi brand.
The GAC Empow R, already a performance-focused version of the sedan, has been further modified by ABT, making it the first time the German tuner has extended its upgrades to a Chinese vehicle. The GAC Empow R x ABT boasts a striking exterior design with a distinctive grille and bumper intakes pattern, complemented by a front splitter featuring integrated fins. The side profile reveals matching side skirts and fender flares, drawing attention to the newly added 19-inch alloy wheels. Enhancing the sporty look at the rear, ABT has installed a fixed rear spoiler, a central-mounted exhaust pipe, and a more prominent diffuser.
ABT has chosen a stylish black color scheme with red accents for the Empow R x ABT’s exterior, creating a harmonious visual appeal. This color theme is carried over to the interior, where the black upholstery is adorned with tasteful red details. Inside the cabin, ABT’s upgrades include new seat covers, illuminated sill plates, and the distinctive ABT emblem on the headrests, central armrest, and floor mats. The Empow R’s digital cockpit already featured unique graphics and the R branding on its bucket seats with integrated headrests, enhancing the sporty ambiance.
Under the hood, the GAC Empow R comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, delivering 168 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. However, ABT has taken it up a notch by fitting the Empow R with a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, generating an impressive 265 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. This upgrade allows the ABT version to share the same performance figures as the Empow R, making it a potent performer on the roads. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, directing power to the front wheels. Notably, the ABT version boasts a commendable 0-100 km/h (0.62 mph) sprint time of just 5.7 seconds, only 0.4 seconds slower than a Hyundai Elantra N.
While ABT China has not yet confirmed any suspension or chassis upgrades for the Empow R x ABT, the performance kit is set to be launched in China by the end of 2023. Pricing details for the tuning package have not been released, but considering the base GAC Empow’s price range of $14,260-$19,845, it is expected to offer an enticing package for performance enthusiasts.
The collaboration between ABT and the GAC Empow R has brought together German precision and Chinese innovation, promising a thrilling driving experience for Chinese car enthusiasts. With its debut set to captivate the Chinese market, automotive enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await ABT’s future projects and the electrifying results they are bound to produce.