Horse Powertrain, a joint venture involving Renault, Geely, and Aramco, is taking an unexpected step by bringing compact road engines into motorsport. The focus is on the 1.3-liter turbocharged H13 engine, which is already being used not only in production cars but also in racing projects.

Compact Engine Hits the Track

The 1.3-liter H13 engine is already powering the racing Caterham Seven, where it produces around 130 horsepower. It replaced the aging Ford Sigma engine and demonstrated that compact units can be competitive even in sports disciplines.

Additionally, the company is developing this engine for a new pickup truck racing series in Brazil. In this configuration, the unit already delivers about 200 horsepower and runs on pure ethanol, highlighting a push toward sustainability.

Technology and Efficiency

The engine's design includes unconventional solutions, such as a triangular cylinder head shape and an integrated exhaust manifold. It also uses a direct injection system with pressure up to 200 bar, adapted for ethanol.

Compact dimensions and a low center of gravity make the engine suitable for various racing platforms. This opens up prospects for its use in other series where vehicle balance and weight are crucial.

The New Role of Internal Combustion Engines in Motorsport

Horse is showing that internal combustion engines can remain relevant if adapted to modern requirements. Using ethanol reduces the carbon footprint, while small displacements enhance efficiency.

The company has already secured agreements to supply engines for rally cars in the U.S. and is developing projects in South America. The first full-scale competitions with the new engines are set to begin in 2027.

The emergence of the compact 1.3-liter engine in motorsport signals a shift in approach to racing. Instead of focusing solely on maximum power, the emphasis is moving toward efficiency, lightness, and environmental friendliness, which could set a new direction for the entire industry.