Internal Combustion Revolution in Beijing: Horse Powertrain Unleashes the “W30,” the World’s Lightest V6 Engine
While most automakers compete in battery density and charging speeds at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, a “horsepower” of a different kind is stealing the spotlight. Horse Powertrain, the behemoth formed by the alliance of Geely, Renault and Aramco, has decided that the era of the internal combustion engine is not only not over, but has just entered an era of record performance.
The undisputed star of their stand is the Horse W30, the first V6 engine in the company's history and, according to official data, the lightest engine of this type ever built for series production.
Gross Performance in "Lightweight" Clothing
If the industry has accustomed us to massive V6 engines, the Horse W30 rewrites the rules of the game. Weighing in at just 160 kilograms, it weighs 10 kilograms less than the previous world record holder. For passionate engineers, this is not just a number, but a victory of metallurgy and compact design.
Technical Specifications: Horse W30 (3.0L V6)
| Feature | Technical Details |
| Engine Displacement | 3.0 Liters |
| Configuration | 90° V6 (low center of gravity) |
| Maximum Power | 475 – 543 hp (350 – 400 kW) |
| Maximum Torque | 600 – 700 Nm |
| Maximum Engine Speed | 8,000 rpm |
| Weight | 160 kg (353 lbs) |
| Compatibility | Transverse and Longitudinal layouts |
The 90-degree angle between the cylinder banks is no coincidence. This architecture allows not only a lower center of gravity, but also a much easier installation of catalytic converters and turbochargers mounted directly on the cylinder head, optimizing gas flow.
The Technology Behind: Hybridization is Key
The Horse W30 is not a "dinosaur" that guzzles gasoline indiscriminately. It has been designed from the ground up to be "hybrid-first." It will work hand in hand with mild-hybrid (MHEV) and full-hybrid (HEV) systems, demonstrating that a performance engine can coexist with the strict emissions standards of 2026.
Alongside the V6 engine, Horse also introduced the new 4LDHT transmission. This is a 4-speed hybrid unit, weighing 199 kg and using a complex P1 + P3 architecture. Basically, the system allows the electric motor to intervene decisively both for efficiency in the city and for an instant extra torque on the track.
When Will We See It on the Roads?
Although the official presentation in Beijing has already sparked waves of excitement among manufacturers of sports cars and premium SUVs, enthusiasts will have to wait a little longer. The first models equipped with the Horse W30 unit and 4LDHT transmission are scheduled to roll out of the factory gates in 2028.
This launch marks a strategic moment for the Geely-Renault-Aramco joint venture. In a Chinese market dominated by electrics, Horse Powertrain is betting on a high-tech transition solution, offering a viable alternative for brands that are not yet ready to completely abandon the sound and character of a V6 engine.
The conclusion?
The Horse W30 is not just an engine, but a declaration of technological independence. In a world that is electrically silent, Horse Powertrain has chosen to make a little noise – and what a beautiful noise it makes at 8,000 rpm!
Given that this engine is designed for both transverse (front/all-wheel drive) and longitudinal (rear-wheel drive) configurations, what type of car do you think would benefit most from this ultra-lightweight V6: a luxury SUV or a thoroughbred sports car?
