Tag Archives: hybrid engine

New hybrid engine from Horse Powertrain uses less than 3.3 liters per 100 km

Horse Powertrain has announced a new hybrid engine designed for greater energy efficiency, utilizing 100% renewable petrol fuel.

The first demonstration vehicle is expected to be unveiled later this year.

 

More Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Engine

This new system is based on the Horse H12 hybrid engine concept developed in collaboration with the Spanish energy company Repsol.

The H12 engine offers the following features and benefits:

  • Maximum brake thermal efficiency rate of 44.2%
  • Fuel consumption reading of less than 3.3 liters per 100 km (WLTP testing)
  • High compression ratio of 17:1
  • New generation exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system
  • High-energy ignition system
  • Optimized turbocharger
  • Hybrid-specific transmission tuning
  • New Repsol lubricant that reduces internal friction

With this new hybrid system, the engine provides a savings of over 40% compared to the average new passenger vehicle in Europe as of 2023.

Furthermore, the use of 100% renewable fuel in a mid-sized car is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 1.77 tons per year compared to conventional petrol vehicles, based on a driving distance of 12,500 km annually.

 

Who is Horse Powertrain?

Horse Powertrain is a global joint venture owned by Geely (45%), Renault Group (45%), and Aramco (10%).

The company supplies engines and hybrid systems to renowned automotive brands, including:

  • Renault
  • Geely Auto
  • Volvo Cars
  • Nissan
  • Mitsubishi Motors
  • Proton

Mitsubishi XForce HEV debuts in Thailand – will it enter Malaysia?

Mitsubishi Motors has just launched the new XForce HEV variant, featuring the same hybrid engine setup found in the Xpander HEV MPV.

This e:Motion powertrain includes an electric motor capable of generating 116 hp and 255 Nm of torque, complemented by a re-tuned 1.6-liter Atkinson cycle engine (4A92) that produces 107 hp and 134 Nm of torque.

According to Mitsubishi, the XForce HEV boasts a newly developed two-speed transaxle, along with a function that disconnects the electric motor from the drive axle at high speeds.

This new feature aims to reduce energy loss while contributing to a fuel consumption rate of 24.4 km/liter (4.1 liters/100 km).

Similar to modern hybrid systems available on the market, the XForce HEV also provides an EV driving mode.

Additionally, there are other driving modes including Normal, Wet, Gravel, Tarmac, Mud, and a special EV Charge mode that can be used to recharge the battery.

Visually, there are not many differences between the XForce HEV and the ICE variant, apart from the presence of the HEV badge with blue accents, clear-lens rear lights, and the word “XFORCE” on the engine hood.

Furthermore, it features aerodynamic 18-inch alloy wheels and sits lower (183 mm) compared to the standard XForce (222 mm).

Inside the cabin, there is an 8-inch digital display and a 12.3-inch Display Audio screen integrated into a single panel, followed by a premium Yamaha audio system with eight speakers and connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mélange fabric is used on the dashboard for a more luxurious appearance.

In terms of safety, the XForce HEV is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Mitigation (FCM), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Change Assistance (LCA), and Blind Spot Warning (BSW).

Additionally, the vehicle includes an Active Yaw Control (AYC) system that enhances handling on the road.

In the Thai market, the XForce HEV is priced starting from THB 899,000 (RM 117,502).

The question remains, will this HEV variant be offered in the Malaysian market this year?