Horse Powertrain, a startup company currently sponsored by Renault and Geely, has come to the Beijing show with an innovative hybrid powertrain based on a new turbocharged V6. Despite its extremely low weight, it can apparently send more than 1,115 PS (1,100 hp / 820 kW) to the wheels.
The V6 itself supports transverse and longitudinal layouts and weighs as little as 160 kilos (352 pounds). It revs up to 8,000 RPM and churns out 476 PS (470 hp / 350 kW) along with 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. An alternative version is also being developed with 544 PS (536 hp / 400 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.
A single e-motor can assist the engine with either 476 or 612 PS (470 or 604 hp; 350 or 450 kW), depending on the model. The resulting system supports driving in ICE, hybrid and all-electric modes, as well as a highly efficient range-extender mode using the engine as a power generator.
The company claims that the powertrain is compact and lightweight enough to be compatible with most cars. Just when it may reach mass production remains unclear. Aside from Renault and Geely, companies like Mercedes-Benz and Nissan are also invested in the startup, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see the first Horse Powertrain reach the market before the end of the year.
