New Horse V8 confirmed for Lotus supercar

Type 135 will get Horse's first eight-cylinder engine, plus a new dual-clutch - and at least 680hp...

By Matt Bird / Tuesday, 10 November 2026 / Loading comments

Even in the good times, confirmation of a new V8 engine would be quite exciting. In a world where we’re meant to be giddy about inverters, battery chemistry and regen, it’s borderline exhilarating. And that’s what we have right here: the W40 is the first eight-cylinder unit from Horse Powertrain, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 designed to work with the company’s new 8LDCT dual-clutch.

The news gets better, too, as the hot-V W40 has been confirmed as the engine for the Lotus Type 135 supercar. It sounds an ideal fit, weighing 200kg and offering maximum outputs of more than 679hp (500kW) and 590lb ft. Horse has developed this new V8 with electrification in mind, the design ‘optimised for high-performance hybrid vehicle platforms.’ In the modern supercar fashion, it seems likely that the Type 135 will have a bit of battery boost somewhere - heaven forbid a new exotic goes on sale with less than 700hp - but those details haven’t been confirmed yet. The dual clutch, which can shift in 20 milliseconds, is rated for up to 774lb ft, so the hardware is certainly capable of handling more.

There’s plenty to the W40 to be eager about, too, from ‘extensive lightweighting techniques’ to a shortened intake path for the brace of blowers. Even without a hybrid helping hand, it should be a responsive 4.0, with ‘unparalleled power and torque density’ promised. This capacity has become the go-to size for a V8 of late, with a nice round 500cc for each cylinder - think about the AMG and Audi/Porsche/Lambo equivalent - so it’ll be interesting to see how Horsepower (sorry) compares.

CEO Matias Giannini has called the V8 “another landmark achievement” for the company. Certainly it’s a bit more interesting than yet another four-pot. Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng added: “We are excited to partner with Horse Powertrain to bring its advanced V8 engine and hybrid transmission technology to the upcoming Lotus Type 135. The Horse W40 V8 engine and 8LDCT hybrid transmission 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.” With electric having not really worked and the old V6 not special enough for a flagship, this new 4.0-litre sounds like an ideal fit for a Hethel hypercar - over to you, Lotus…