Geely and Renault's joint venture, Horse Power, has unveiled its new Horse W40 hybrid powertrain, built around a four-liter twin-turbocharged gasoline V8. According to the developers, the internal combustion engine alone produces over 670 hp and 800 Nm of torque, all while weighing just 200 kg. Combined with an electric motor, the hybrid setup puts out over 986 hp, making the system a direct competitor to Mercedes-Benz's renowned 4.0-liter V8 and one of the most compact solutions in the high-performance hybrid segment.
Hot-Vee configuration: turbines inside the cylinder bank
The key engineering innovation of the Horse W40 is its Hot-Vee layout, which places both turbochargers directly inside the V of the cylinder bank. This configuration shortens exhaust paths, reduces turbo lag, and makes the powertrain significantly more compact, allowing for more efficient engine bay packaging. The developers state that this architecture provides high torque at low engine speeds and predictable power delivery across a wide range of conditions, which is crucial for both track performance and daily driving.
Hybrid setup and eight-speed robotic transmission
Paired with the gasoline V8, Horse Power has developed its own eight-speed robotic transmission, the 8LDCT. The gearbox features dual wet clutches, is rated for up to 1050 Nm of torque, and according to the manufacturer, shifts gears in less than 20 milliseconds. When integrated with the electric motor, the hybrid drivetrain is expected to develop over 986 hp, positioning the Horse W40 as a premium solution where both peak power and rapid throttle response are paramount.
Lotus Type 135: the first production recipient and European manufacturing
The first production vehicle to feature the Horse W40 hybrid system is set to be the upcoming Lotus Type 135 supercar, expected to debut in 2028. The car will feature an entirely new design, distinct from the current Lotus Emira. A key difference from the electric Eletre and EMEYA models, which are manufactured in China, is the expectation that production of the new supercar will be localized in Europe—a significant signal of the brand's intent to keep its flagship line in Europe.
Potential beyond supercars: pickups and SUVs
The developers emphasize that the Horse W40 is not limited to supercars. Its high low-end torque makes the engine suitable for pickups and SUVs, where pulling power and acceleration reserves are essential. Horse Power does not rule out the possibility that other models featuring this V8 could appear in their partners' lineups in the future, transforming the Horse W40 from a niche specialist engine into a modular hybrid platform for multiple market segments.
