Lotus is switching its Mercedes-AMG and Toyota-sourced powertrains for a new electrified V6 engine developed by Horse Powertrain. According to Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng, the upcoming revised Lotus Emira is set to be the first car powered by the new powertrain, which is slated to debut in a few weeks, according to Motor1.
The new 3.0-litre turbocharged mill, known as the W30, is Horse Powertrain’s first-ever V6 engine. Designed to support mild and full hybrid applications, it produces outputs ranging from 476 to 544 hp and 600 to 700 Nm of torque. The company also claims it is the lightest V6 available; weighing just 160 kg, it is reportedly 10 kg lighter than its closest competitor.
The W30 can be fitted in either transverse or longitudinal configurations. It features cylinder banks offset at 90 degrees to lower the centre of gravity and simplify exhaust installation; this is aided by integrated exhaust manifolds and turbochargers mounted directly to the cylinder heads.
It is not known what specific gearbox will be fitted to this engine for the Lotus Emira. However, for its global debut at Auto China 2026, Horse Powertrain has paired the W30 engine with a new four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) that features an integrated electric motor and a traction motor in a P1+P3 configuration.
The P1 motor will act as a generator to recharge the battery, with outputs of 340 to 480 hp, whereas the P3 traction motor delivers between 476 and 612 hp to the wheels.
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This move towards an electrified V6 for the Lotus Emira comes after the carmaker initially considered a V8 powertrain for the sports car, ironically attempting to meet strict emissions regulations with a potential unit sourced from Mercedes-AMG.
Nonetheless, because the touted Horse V6 engine is significantly more powerful than the 400 hp and 480 Nm produced by the current Mercedes-AMG turbo four, as well as the 406 hp and 420 Nm from the Toyota-sourced supercharged V6, things could get much more potent for the Emira. However, this switch to the electrified W30 setup also means the official end of the road for any pure-petrol powered model from Hethel.
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