Horse Powertrain reveals HORSE W30 V6 hybrid engine, lightest on market, at Beijing Auto Show
Horse Powertrain has revealed the HORSE W30, its first production-ready V6 engine designed for hybrid vehicles, weighing just 160 kg – the lightest V6 on the market.
- 160 kg
- 350-400 kW
- 600-700 Nm
- 2028
What Happened
Horse Powertrain has unveiled the HORSE W30, its first production-ready V6 engine, ahead of the Beijing Auto Show 2026. The 3-liter engine is designed for mild- and full-hybrid vehicles, with a transverse or longitudinal configuration for flexible packaging. The two cylinder banks are offset at 90° to lower the center of gravity and optimize catalyst layout.
- 160 kg
- Approximately 170 kg
350-400 kW / 600-700 Nm
Maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm with integrated exhaust manifolds and turbochargers for efficiency.
“At Horse Powertrain, we believe we can offer automakers unprecedented economies of scale and innovation by consolidating the powertrain production and development pipeline that traditionally would have been replicated by many individual OEMs, allowing everyone in the industry to benefit from best-in-class technologies. The HORSE W30 is clear proof of this concept – bringing our mindset and experti”
“The HORSE W30 showcases Horse Powertrain’s technological versatility, and represents our first venture into the V6 engine category. Leveraging expertise from our wide portfolio of hybrid-first engines, the HORSE W30 is lighter and more compact than any other V6 currently on the market, all while delivering superior performance.”
HORSE W30 revealed at Beijing Auto Show 2026
Press conference showcasing strategic vision and hero products
First vehicles featuring HORSE W30 and HORSE 4LDHT transmission reach roads
Previously from Horse Powertrain Limited
Horse Powertrain previously won the Autocar Sturmey Award for its X-Range family of hybrid and range-extender powertrains. The company also recently launched an upgraded HORSE V20 4-cylinder engine for mild- and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with production starting in Skövde, Sweden.
- Horse Powertrain wins Autocar Sturmey Award for X-Range hybrid powertrains
- Horse Powertrain launches upgraded HORSE V20 engine for mild- and plug-in hybrid vehicles
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Horse Powertrain Limited's official releases.
Why this matters
The HORSE W30 demonstrates a hybrid-first approach to V6 engine design, achieving the lightest weight in its class. By integrating with a dedicated hybrid transmission, it promises improved fuel economy and performance. Vehicles with this engine are expected to reach roads in 2028, affecting automakers and buyers interested in powerful yet efficient hybrid powertrains.
Terms in This Story
- V6
- An engine with six cylinders arranged in a V configuration, commonly used for higher power output.
- Mild hybrid
- A vehicle with a small electric motor that assists the engine but cannot drive the wheels alone, improving fuel efficiency.
- Full hybrid
- A vehicle that can run on electric power alone for short distances, with the engine as a backup, offering greater fuel savings.
- P1 + P3 configuration
- A hybrid drivetrain layout where motors are placed at specific positions: P1 on the engine crankshaft and P3 on the axle, enabling different drive modes.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.