Horse Powertrain isn’t exactly a household name in Malaysia, but maybe it should be – the joint venture between Geely and Renault was the unseen force behind Proton’s new BHE15 1.5 litre i-GT turbo and naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engines. And at the recent Auto China show in Beijing, the company showed off what its boffins were working on next, jumping on the latest industry trends.
One of its more intriguing projects at the show was the X-Range of ultra-compact 1.5 litre four-cylinder mills. A development of last year’s Future Hybrid Concept, it was designed to convert battery electric vehicles to hybrid, plug-in hybrid or range extender power, coming at a time when carmakers all over the world are reevaluating their electrification strategies.
The most conventional of these engines is the F15 Direct Drive, a simple inline powertrain with an integrated single-speed transmission and electric motor. This is meant to replace the front electric drive unit in inexpensive EVs where space isn’t a particular issue. The F15’s electric motors can be configured in either a performance configuration – with a P1 generator at the crank and a P3 traction motor aft of the transmission – or a compact variant with a P2 motor-generator between the motor and gearbox.
For rear-wheel-drive applications, the C15 is the same engine laid flat, enabling it to be installed within the rear subframe. This also allows for double isolation installation to reduce NVH, while the compact exhaust and after-treatment systems maximises floor space for either batteries or passenger space.
This engine is available with or without the F15’s electric motor and transmission, which means it can work with the existing electric drive unit; it also frees up the mill to be placed anywhere in the car. According to Horse, all three are available in 95 PS (70 kW) naturally-aspirated and 163 PS (120 kW) turbo forms, with over 200 kW (272 PS) of electric power and an 800-volt electrical architecture for faster charging.
Arguably even more impressive was the W30, a high-performance hybrid/PHEV/REEV powertrain centred around a 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6. It comes with a wide 90-degree bank angle, providing enough space for a “hot-vee” (the turbos sit in between the cylinder banks) configuration. Horse says that at 160 kg, the six-pot is 10 kg lighter than the next-lightest V6, and that it alone produces between 300 kW (408 PS) and 400 kW (544 PS) and between 600 Nm to 700 Nm of torque.
This is paired with a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (4LDHT), consisting of a pair of two speeds – the engine uses all four speeds, while the electric motor uses only two. Speaking of which, the W30 also uses a P1 and P3 motor configuration, with the P3 producing between 350 kW (476 PS) and 450 kW (612 PS). Compatible with transverse and longitudinal installations, the W30 is said to meet the latest emissions regulations and is expected to be ready at the end of 2028.
Horse’s close ties to the parent Geely group – and by extension, Proton – suggests that the national carmaker may well end up with one or both of these powertrains in its cars. The F15 is the most likely, as it could be used to turn EVs like the eMas 5 into a hybrid (although why a city car like that would need upwards of 272 PS is anyone’s guess…), broadening its appeal still further.
As for the W30, it would be tempting to see this as a precursor to the return of the Proton Perdana V6, especially given the engine’s compact and lightweight nature. But there are two things in the way, the biggest of which (quite literally) is the 3.0 litre displacement that would make for prohibitive road tax costs in Malaysia. Also, as much as it would be fun to imagine, 612 PS would really be overkill for a Proton (unfortunately), especially when all of it would go to the front wheels.
Still, doesn’t hurt to dream, does it?
GALLERY: Horse W30 and 4LDHT at Auto China 2026
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These guys are on slaughtering mode wiping out the legacy automakers.
The next phase will be Hybrids when the EV craze starts to cool down. China is going back to combustion engines to complement the electric motors.
Who is having the last laugh here.
Who is having the last laugh here.
Geely is going to need volume production to regain their investments. it is also good that these arrays of engine choice is available for proton to tap on rather than complete new development with limited volume. what proton need is local supply chain to join the list of geely supply chain and produce some of the parts. in that way our local automotive part industry can tap into volume production of major brand product.
saga with hubrid engine… i think it will sell well.
B40 r afraid to use hybrid engine…. it wont sell well here
thats a wrong assumption. if perodua trash sell at RM70k with toyota hybrid engine, B40 will rush to buy it
B40 like spending for good face, but dont want compromise comfort and continue to get underpower.
Probably will start on future new gen of S70 or if any, S90, or X90 as a test bed. Definitely reserve for higher end segment ant top spec. The product is there, now it is up to Proton to develop their platform around the engine.