The 1.3-Liter Engine Powering a New Era of Racing

Daily Car

27/03/2026

What is the Horse Powertrain H13 engine?

The H13 is a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine from Horse Powertrain, a company formed by automotive giants Renault and Geely, with investment from Aramco. While initially developed with a focus on fuel economy and low emissions for everyday passenger cars, this compact engine is now being adapted for high-performance applications in motorsport, showcasing its impressive versatility.

Where will this engine be used in competition?

The H13 engine is set to power a diverse range of racing vehicles. It has already been tested in a Caterham Seven race car, where it produces 130 horsepower. Its most prominent new application will be in a new pick-up truck racing series in Brazil. For this series, the engine is being co-developed to run on pure ethanol (E100) and is expected to produce around 200 horsepower. A larger 2.0-liter variant is also being supplied for Chevrolet Sonic-based rally cars competing in the American Rally Association.

What are the key technical features of the H13?

The engine's design incorporates several notable features for performance and efficiency. It uses a 'Delta-shaped' cylinder head, which means its cross-section is triangular, contributing to a compact, lightweight build with a low center of gravity. The direct injection system is specifically engineered for ethanol fuel, using six-hole injectors that operate at a high pressure of 200 bar for optimal fuel delivery. Furthermore, the exhaust manifold is integrated directly into the cylinder head, a design that improves turbocharger response.

Why is a small combustion engine like this still significant?

The development of the H13 for motorsport demonstrates that innovation in internal combustion engines is far from over. By creating a lightweight, powerful, and adaptable engine that can run on alternative fuels like ethanol, Horse Powertrain is providing a viable solution for specialized markets, particularly in racing. This project underscores that efficient, downsized combustion engines still have a crucial role to play alongside the industry's shift toward electrification, especially in applications where power-to-weight ratio and fuel flexibility are paramount.

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