Lotus Confirms Emira to Adopt Geely-Renault Horse Powertrain V6 Engine, Plans 2028 Esprit Hybrid Supercar to Meet EU Regulations
2026/05/18
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Paul Tan
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Updated Hongqi H5 Official Images Released: Launching May 20 with Lingxi Cockpit and Sinan Intelligent Driving System
The updated Hongqi H5 will launch on May 20 with official images revealing exterior refinements aligning closer to the H9, including an illuminated front emblem light, "Dragon Whisker" headlamps, "Phoenix Tail" taillights, and new "Banner Victory" multi-spoke wheels in Azure Ripple paint. The cabin features the Lingxi intelligent cockpit with a 15.6-inch 2.5K display, HUD, digital instrument cluster, and 8155P chip enabling seamless smartphone integration and AI voice interaction. The Hongqi Sinan intelligent driving system supports highway pilot, urban memory navigation, and trace reversing. Powertrain options are expected to carry over the 1.5T, 2.0T gasoline, and 1.5T PHEV configurations.
2026 Hongqi H6 Launched: Priced from 179,800 Yuan with New Xuanying Blacked-Out Edition
The 2026 Hongqi H6 has officially launched with eight variants priced between 179,800 and 239,800 yuan. The lineup introduces three new Xuanying editions featuring full blacked-out exterior packages, darkened chrome trim, and red brake calipers. The Zhixing trim adds Yilian smartphone connectivity, while the Zhimei variant gains lane centering assist alongside Yilian connectivity at unchanged prices. Xuanying variants carry a 3,000-yuan premium over their standard counterparts with identical equipment. All models are powered by a 2.0T engine ranging from the entry-level Zhixing to the flagship Zhizhen.
Volkswagen Unveils ID. Polo GTI, Ushering Iconic Hot Hatch into Electric Era
Volkswagen debuted the ID. Polo GTI electric hot hatch during the Nürburgring 24H weekend, marking the iconic nameplate's 50th anniversary. The production model closely mirrors the 2023 ID. GTI Concept with full-width light bar, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, illuminated VW badge and 19-inch octagonal alloy wheels. Measuring 4,096/1,816/1,513 mm with a 2,599 mm wheelbase, the vehicle retains physical controls inside alongside a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, signaling Volkswagen's strategic push into high-performance electrification.
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Leapmotor D99 Interior Revealed: LEAP 4.0 Architecture with Dual-Chamber Air Suspension, CDC, and Flexible 7-Seat Layout
Leapmotor has unveiled the D99 interior, built on the LEAP 4.0 architecture with BEV and EREV powertrains, featuring dual-chamber air suspension and CDC dynamic chassis. The 2+2+3 cabin layout includes a large center display, digital instrument cluster, HUD, and rear entertainment screen. Second-row seats rotate 90 degrees for viewing or 180 degrees to face the third row, with a central table. Third-row seats offer heating, electric folding into the cargo floor, and rearward flip fishing mode, with all rows capable of folding flat for maximum versatility.
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Lotus Confirms Emira to Adopt Geely-Renault Horse Powertrain V6 Engine, Plans 2028 Esprit Hybrid Supercar to Meet EU Regulations
Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed the Emira will replace its Mercedes-AMG 2.0L turbo and Toyota 3.5L V6 engines with the Geely-Renault co-developed Horse Powertrain W30—a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 producing 476-544PS and 600-700Nm. Featuring compact dimensions, lightweight construction, and versatile longitudinal/transverse mounting, the engine pairs with an integrated motor automatic transmission, potentially making the Emira a hybrid sports car. The switch addresses stringent EU emissions standards and amortizes Geely's R&D investment. Lotus has revised its electrification strategy, previewing a 2028 flagship Esprit supercar with V8 hybrid powertrain.
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Brabus Unveils First Coachbuilt Creation 'Bodo': Aston Martin Vanquish-Based GT Coupe Priced at €1 Million
Brabus has unveiled its first coachbuilt vehicle, the Bodo, named after founder Bodo Buschmann. Based on the Aston Martin Vanquish and priced at one million euros, the 2+2 GT coupe features an entirely new carbon-fibre body retaining only the original roof. Design highlights include wide shoulders flowing into a boat tail rear, deployable two-stage spoiler, stacked dual tailpipes, and a large vertical-bar grille with angular headlamps. The sinister stance is completed by 21-inch Monoblock Z-GT 'Shadow Edition' wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston callipers, and bespoke Continental SportContact 7 Force tyres measuring 275/35 front and 325/30 rear.