Lotus probably never saw Chinese ownership in its future, let alone a Chinese engine under its lightweight skin, but here we are. Almost a decade after Geely acquired a controlling stake in the legendary sports carmaker, an all-new Horse Powertrain (HP)-developed turbocharged V6 will make its way into the updated Lotus Emira. So, a few
So, a few disclaimers before moving forward. Firstly, this technically is not the first Chinese engine to make its way into a Lotus. That honour falls to the clumsily named Lotus For Me, which is essentially an Eletre SUV packing a plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.0-liter, inline-four petrol engine developed under Geely’s umbrella.
Secondly, Horse Powertrains is a 50:50 joint venture between Geely and Renault, so the engine is technically half Chinese and half French.
The engine is codenamed W30 and displaces 3.0-litres, with power figures up to 536 PS and 700 Nm of torque. Futureproofing comes with its adaptability for use in mild-hybrid, full-hybrid or plug-in hybrid applications.
It supposedly weighs just 160 kg, which HP says is 22 kg lighter than any other V6 currently in production. Not only is it light, it is also reportedly the smallest V6 in the market. The lump can be mounted longitudinally or transversely.
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HP developed it to work with a four-speed hybrid transmission, codenamed 4LDHT, that packs dual motors and weighs 199 kg on its own.
A report by Autocar also states that the engine’s modular design and displacement will see it serve as the foundation for HP’s upcoming V8 engine, which will likely displace 4.0-litres.
The larger V8 will power the marque’s new supercar, due to hit the road in 2028. It is expected to bring back the haloed Esprit name that was last used in 2004. Here, it should form the basis for a hybrid powertrain with over 1,000 PS and electric motors.
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Lotus also confirmed that the updated Emira will continue to be assembled at its Hethel plant, putting an end to rumours the facility was about to be shut down. The plant has an annual capacity of 10,000 units but is currently operating on about five times fewer vehicles.
The move to shift away from Mercedes-AMG and Toyota powertrains is a logical one for Geely and Lotus. After all, why start HP if not to develop and build more engines in-house that will power the majority of its range.
Previously, the Emira could be optioned with a Mercedes-AMG turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that also powers the Mercedes-AMG A45 or Toyota’s supercharged 3.5-liter V6. While only the latter could be had with a manual, it seems unlikely the refreshed Emira will have three pedals.
Interestingly, Geely just won its first TCR World Tour race with the Geely Preface TCR racecar that runs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine developed by HP as well. Could this smaller engine be the direct replacement for the Mercedes-AMG unit when the updated Emira is revealed?