Since its formation, Horse Powertrain has made a name for itself as a global leader in innovative, low-emission hybrid and combustion powertrain solutions. With its suite of market-leading technologies, such as its X-Range series and new amorphous motor technology, Horse Powertrain has demonstrated its commitment to high-performance engineering.
Further to this, there is one area where Horse Powertrain is quietly making a name for itself: motorsport. With its commitment to developing and improving the next generation of engine technology, motorsport provides a great proving ground to showcase and stress-test our company’s technology, pushing our innovations further while underlining Horse Powertrain’s capabilities and leadership in this space.
So, let’s take a look at how Horse Powertrain is making an impact on the world of motorsport and some of the projects and success stories it has already achieved.
Rallying comes in a few different shapes and sizes, with variations including stage rallying, rallycross, rally raiding, and autocross. Typically, these races are high-intensity, multi-surface events that take place across stages or within a closed circuit.
From an engineering and powertrain perspective, these events pose several challenges. Rally cars must cope with aggressive loading and unloading, cooling demands, torque control, and a range of other difficulties posed by the variation in surfaces. These might include dirt, gravel, asphalt, and even snow and ice, and also requires handling rapid changes in speed and acceleration. For us at Horse Powertrain, these conditions provide an ideal opportunity to test the latest engine technology in a high-stress environment.
In 2024, we partnered with Kristoffersson Motorsport, through our division, Aurobay Technologies, for the 2024 FIA Rallycross Championship. As part of the partnership, we installed one of our production 2.0-liter engines in a VW Polo KMS 601 RX.
Rather than engineering a specialist engine, our team was able to tune existing technology to significantly higher power levels, demonstrating the quality and adaptability of our existing product portfolio.
Alongside our success in the FIA Rallycross Championship, we also provide an engine for the American Rally Association’s RC2 class. Featuring a direct-injected 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the vehicle is designed to offer Rally2-level performance at a lower cost than imported European alternatives.
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Our team at Horse Powertrain has been competing in the FIA TCR World Tour since 2024 in partnership with Lynk & Co Cyan Racing. This international competition pits full-season drivers against local racers as they compete for World Tour points and local championship standings.
At Horse Powertrain, through our division Aurobay Technologies, we supply the powertrain technology behind the Geely Preface TCR. Over the years, our technology has helped secure multiple FIA TCR World Tour titles, most recently in 2025, when Lynk & Co Cyan Racing claimed both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships, cementing its position as the most successful team in TCR history.
Our continued success in this competition, built on a history of consistent victories, demonstrates the quality of our technology and our commitment to staying ahead of the innovation curve.
Horse Powertrain has been competing in the FIA TCR World Tour in partnership with Lynk & Co Cyan Racing
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The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is an annual motoring time trial that takes place on Pikes Peak in Colorado, USA. Dating back to 1916, the event is famous among motorsport enthusiasts, providing a unique test of engineering and driving skill that attracts teams and spectators from around the world.
In 2024, our Aurobay division entered a vehicle with the goal of winning the Unlimited division. Using an existing production engine, the engineering team upgraded the standard passenger-car ECU with a specialized Motorsport Control Unit, while otherwise retaining the same hardware.
During the race, the team needed to ensure the engine could handle the high altitude, steep gradients, and hard acceleration demands of the course. After some issues during the test drive, the team recalibrated the vehicle and went on to deliver a category-winning performance, recording the fastest time in the Unlimited class.
This achievement demonstrates the quality of off-the-shelf technology that, with minimal modifications, can win one of the most demanding hill-climb events in motorsport.
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Alongside major races across motoring categories, we also supports one of Europe’s most successful racing series, the Caterham Academy.
First established in 1995, the series is designed for rookie drivers, giving them the opportunity to gain real-world motorsport experience. We supply the official engine, with the Caterham Horse HR13 powering the Caterham Seven racecar. Producing 130bhp and 176Nm of peak torque at 5,150rpm, the engine delivers the performance of a true racing engine, giving drivers a genuine race-car experience.
With more than 1,400 drivers having competed in the series over the years, the Caterham Academy continues to provide an important platform for developing the next generation of racing talent.
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These are just a few examples of how we at Horse Powertrain are making a name for ourselves in the world of motorsport.
Horse Powertrain and motor racing are a natural fit, with both driven by innovative technology and the pursuit of performance. The advances made through these projects not only push the boundaries on the track but also provide valuable learnings and technologies that can benefit the OEMs and customers we support.
With more projects and challenges ahead, we look forward to seeing what the next opportunity brings.
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