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Lotus Tech Partners with Horse Powertrain to Introduce Hybrid V8 in Type 135
Lotus Tech has confirmed a partnership with Horse Powertrain to debut its hybrid V8 powertrain in the upcoming Type 135 supercar.
The Type 135 will feature Horse Powertrain’s 4.0-litre HORSE W40 engine, which produces more than 500kW of power and up to 800Nm of torque.
The powertrain will be paired with Horse Powertrain’s eight-speed HORSE 8LDCT hybrid dual-clutch transmission.
Lotus is partnering with Horse Powertrain to introduce a new hybrid V8 powertrain in its upcoming Type 135 supercar. The model will become the first vehicle to use Horse Powertrain’s new HORSE W40 engine together with the HORSE 8LDCT hybrid dual-clutch transmission. The partnership is expected to combine Horse Powertrain’s engine and transmission technology with Lotus’ experience in lightweight vehicle design and performance-focused chassis engineering.
The HORSE W40 is a 4.0-litre, eight-cylinder engine developed specifically for high-performance hybrid vehicles. It is designed as a hybrid-first powertrain rather than a conventional combustion engine adapted for electrification. Weighing approximately 200kg, the V8 can deliver more than 500kW of peak power and up to 800Nm of maximum torque. These figures place it among the most power-dense V8 engines currently available.
The engine uses twin top-mounted turbochargers in a compact “hot-V” configuration. This layout helps shorten the intake path to the turbochargers, which can improve throttle response and packaging efficiency. The HORSE W40 also features advanced direct fuel injection and extensive lightweighting measures. While the engine has been developed for the Type 135, Horse Powertrain says the design could also be suitable for other applications, including sports cars, pick-up trucks and off-road vehicles.
8DCT 3Q 1 W40 3Q 1
The V8 will be paired with Horse Powertrain’s new eight-speed HORSE 8LDCT transmission. Designed with a sportscar-grade wet dual clutch, the gearbox can handle up to 1,050Nm of torque. It is engineered to deliver a pre-fill time of less than 50 milliseconds and shift responses of under 20 milliseconds, helping provide quick and smooth gear changes during performance driving.
The transmission also includes an integrated silicon-carbide control system and power module, along with a variable-displacement mechanical pump. These features are intended to support both performance and efficiency by improving the management of power and hybrid-system functions. The integrated approach allows the engine and transmission to be developed as a single powertrain system rather than as separate components.
For Lotus, the Type 135 will represent a new stage in its sports-car development. Positioned between the Emira and the all-electric Evija, the mid-engine hybrid supercar is expected to combine the character of a high-performance V8 with the responsiveness and efficiency benefits of hybrid technology. Lotus says the car will preserve the mechanical involvement and driver focus associated with the brand while moving closer to the technical performance benchmarks set by the Evija.
The partnership also reflects the changing direction of high-performance vehicles. As manufacturers work to meet efficiency and emissions requirements, hybrid powertrains are becoming an important way to retain strong performance while improving overall energy management. With the Type 135, Lotus and Horse Powertrain aim to show that electrification can be integrated into a supercar without losing the power, sound and driving engagement traditionally associated with a V8.
