---
title: "Geely and Renault unveil 200kg 4.0L twin-turbo V8: Horse W40 hybrid system delivers 986 hp and will power the Lotus Type 135 supercar"
description: "Geely and Renault's Horse Power joint venture has introduced the Horse W40 hybrid system, based on a 200kg 4.0L twin-turbo V8. It will debut in the Lotus Type 135 supercar."
date: 2026-11-11T16:48:46.328Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/geely-renault-horse-w40-v8-lotus-type-135
tags: [horse-power, geely, renault, lotus-type-135, v8-engine, hybrid-system, automotive]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Geely and Renault unveil 200kg 4.0L twin-turbo V8: Horse W40 hybrid system delivers 986 hp and will power the Lotus Type 135 supercar

![New compact 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine Horse W40 assembled with the transmission](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/11/horse-power-w40-v8-geely-renault-lotus-type-135/horse-power-w40-v8-geely-renault-lotus-type-135-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Horse Power (Geely + Renault) introduced the Horse W40 hybrid system, based on a 200kg 4.0L twin-turbo V8.
- The ICE delivers over 670 hp and 800 Nm; the combined hybrid output exceeds 986 hp.
- The Hot-Vee configuration houses turbochargers inside the cylinder bank for a more compact design.
- It is paired with an 8-speed 8LDCT transmission (1050 Nm, <20ms shift time).
- The first production vehicle will be the Lotus Type 135 (debut 2028), with European production expected.
- High low-end torque makes the system suitable for pickups and SUVs as well.

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.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Подвинься, Mercedes. Geely и Renault создали 4,0-литровый битурбо-V8 массой всего 200 кг, гибридная система выдает 986 л. с.](https://www.ixbt.com/news/2026/11/11/podvinsia-mercedes-geely-i-renault-sozdali-40-litrovyi-biturbo-v8-massoi-vsego-200-kg-gibridnaia-sistema-vydaet-986-l-s.html) - Source: Announcement of the Horse W40 hybrid system (4.0L twin-turbo V8, 670+ hp, 800 Nm, 200 kg, Hot-Vee, 8LDCT at 1050 Nm, >986 hp in hybrid mode), first recipient is Lotus Type 135 (2028), European production, potential for pickups/SUVs. All figures are taken from this source without changes.

## FAQ

### What is the Horse W40 and who developed it?

The Horse W40 is a hybrid powertrain developed by Horse Power, a joint venture between Geely and Renault, featuring a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 with a Hot-Vee layout.

### What are the Horse W40 engine specifications?

According to the manufacturer, the ICE produces over 670 hp and 800 Nm, with a weight of 200 kg. The combined hybrid system output exceeds 986 hp.

### Which vehicle will be the first to use this system?

The first production car to use the Horse W40 is the Lotus Type 135 supercar, due in 2028, which is expected to be manufactured in Europe.

### Is the Horse W40 suitable for vehicles other than supercars?

Yes, developers highlight that its high low-end torque makes it suitable for pickups and SUVs, and they do not rule out the engine appearing in other models.