Lotus Tech Confirms Partnership with Horse Powertrain to Debut Hybrid V8 Powertrain in Type 135
Key Highlights
- ➤Lotus Type 135 will debut Horse Powertrain’s W40 V8 and 8LDCT hybrid powertrain.
- ➤HORSE W40 delivers over 500kW peak output and 800Nm maximum torque.
- ➤HORSE 8LDCT supports up to 1,050Nm torque input with sub-20ms shifts.
- ➤Type 135 becomes Lotus’ first mid-engine hybrid-V8 supercar between Emira and Evija.
Expert Statements
Feng Qingfeng, CEO of Lotus Tech
“We are excited to partner with Horse Powertrain to bring its advanced V8 engine and hybrid transmission technology to the upcoming Lotus Type 135. HORSE W40 and HORSE 8LDCT both represent significant advances in powertrain engineering, combining exceptional power and torque density with a highly integrated design. By bringing these technologies together with Lotus’ expertise in lightweight engineering and chassis dynamics, we aim to deliver a new generation of supercar performance, combining outstanding power, efficiency, and the precise, engaging driving experience that defines Lotus.”
Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse Powertrain
“HORSE W40 marks another landmark achievement for Horse Powertrain’s engineering teams, with our world-class technology powering one of the most power-dense V8s in automotive history. This hybrid-first engine has been built with our company’s full-powertrain perspective and expertise, designed for integration from the outset with our landmark HORSE 8LDCT transmission. In powering the Lotus Type 135, Horse Powertrain is both advancing the state of the art of automotive engineering while making a historic contribution to the world-renowned Lotus brand.”
* Type 135 hosts world‑first deployment of Horse Powertrain’s W40 V8 paired with HORSE 8LDCT hybrid dual‑clutch gearbox. * Type 135 is Lotus’ all-new mid-engine hybrid-V8 supercar. It’s the brand’s first entry into the category between Emira and Evija. * HORSE W40, Horse Powertrain’s first production-ready V8 engine, is one of the most power-dense V8 solutions available on the market today. It can achieve peak output of over 500kW, with maximum torque of 800Nm and designed for integration with HORSE 8LDCT transmission, an eight-speed dual-clutch hybrid transmission with a maximum torque of 1,050Nm. NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lotus Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: LOT) (“Lotus Tech” or the “Company”), a leading global intelligent and luxury mobility provider, today announced a partnership with Horse Powertrain, a global leader in innovative and low-emission powertrain systems, that the newly revealed HORSE W40 V8 engine and HORSE 8LDCT transmission will make their world debut as an integrated hybrid powertrain set in the forthcoming Lotus Type 135.
Get started
Create a free account to read the full story.