Which brand produces the engine for the Empow?
4 Answers
The Empow's engine is independently developed by the GAC Trumpchi brand. The GAC Trumpchi Empow, also known as the EMPOW55, made its debut at the 2020 Guangzhou International Auto Show. Built on GAC's GPMA platform (abbreviation for GAC Global Platform Modular Architecture), it is the first sports sedan under this platform, positioned in the compact segment with an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.26Cd. The GAC Trumpchi Empow is a sporty sedan featuring the brand's latest design language, offering consumers two styling options. In terms of powertrain, the initial models are equipped with a new 1.5T engine from the Julang Power series, with potential plans to introduce a 2.0T version in the future.
I've been studying automotive technology for over a decade. The engine in the Emgrand is independently developed and produced by GAC, belonging to the Julang Power series, specifically the 1.5T turbocharged model. This engine utilizes advanced high-pressure direct injection and variable valve timing technologies, delivering 177 horsepower with strong torque performance. Through testing various vehicles, I've found it to be more fuel-efficient than comparable domestic brands like the Changan CS55's 1.5T, with a combined fuel consumption around 7L. It offers quick response in daily city driving without feeling sluggish. GAC has absorbed experience from its collaboration with Honda in recent years while insisting on independent development, steadily improving reliability. The aluminum alloy cylinder block reduces weight, and it's not picky about oil quality during maintenance, making it suitable for China's complex gas station environment. In daily driving, it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just over 7 seconds, with smooth power delivery and decent modification potential. Adding a hybrid system in the future would make it even more interesting. Overall, the progress in domestic engines is remarkable and trustworthy.
I've been driving the Trumpchi Empow for almost a year now, using it daily for commuting and picking up my kids. The engine is GAC's self-developed Julang Power, a 1.5T version that delivers strong acceleration. Overtaking on highways is effortless, with 0-100km/h achieved in about 7.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is reasonable at 8L in the city and just 6L on highways. The build quality is stable with no major issues—only an oil change after 10,000 km, and maintenance costs are low. Comfort is excellent too; it starts quietly with minimal vibration at idle, and my kids never complain in the back seat. Even on long mountain trips, climbing slopes feels effortless. Having previously driven a Honda Civic, I feel domestic brands now rival foreign ones—offering great value without constant repair worries. The brake discs and tires work well together, providing good grip even in the rain. Overall, it's a reliable life companion.
With over a decade of car repair experience, the Empow engine is quite common. GAC's in-house produced 1.5T Turbocharged engine from the 'JuLang Power' series is not complicated to maintain, and spare parts are easy to replace. A common issue is slightly faster oil consumption, so it's recommended to check the dipstick every 5,000 kilometers. Compared to Japanese engines, it's quieter but occasionally idles roughly. Changing spark plugs is straightforward and can be done in an hour or two. Reliability is good, as long as regular maintenance isn't neglected.
