The joint venture Horse Powertrain, formed by Geely and Renault, has unveiled the W40 engine. This 4.0-liter V8 unit features a hot-V twin-turbocharger configuration, which optimizes the intake path. The engine weighs 200 kg, making it lighter than the 209 kg Mercedes-AMG M177 V8.
The W40 engine delivers 500 kW, equivalent to 670 hp, and produces 800 Nm of torque. It is designed to pair with the new Horse 8LDCT 8-speed dual-wet-clutch transmission. This gearbox features a silicon carbide control system and a variable displacement mechanical pump, supporting up to 1050 Nm of input torque.
The transmission is engineered for rapid performance, with clutch pre-fill times under 50 ms and gear shifts completed in less than 20 ms. The Lotus Type 135 sports car will be the first vehicle to utilize this new powertrain. This move follows Lotus's decision to shift back toward hybrid models instead of pursuing a fully electric lineup.
