Driving Innovation in South America’s Powertrain Landscape
HORSE, a division of Horse Powertrain and a global leader in hybrid and combustion powertrain solutions, has commenced production of its cutting-edge 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder ‘HR13’ turbo flex fuel engine at its advanced manufacturing facility in Curitiba, Brazil. This milestone underscores HORSE’s commitment to delivering innovative, efficient, and regionally adapted powertrain solutions.
A Flex Fuel Powerhouse for the Brazilian Market
Designed specifically for the South American market, the HR13 flex fuel engine is engineered to operate seamlessly on both gasoline and ethanol blends, key components of Brazil’s automotive ecosystem. Fully compliant with L8 emissions standards, the HR13 exemplifies HORSE’s drive towards sustainable and low-emission powertrain technologies.
With a peak power output of 163PS (120kW) and a robust 250Nm of torque available from just 1,600rpm, the HR13 offers an optimal balance of performance and efficiency. The engine benefits from a bespoke direct injection system featuring centrally mounted six-hole injectors operating at 200bar pressure, ensuring superior fuel atomisation and combustion efficiency.
Strengthening HORSE’s Manufacturing Footprint
The commencement of HR13 production marks another major step in HORSE’s expansion in Brazil, following the successful launch of its 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder ‘HR10’ engine earlier in 2024. The Curitiba facility, bolstered by a R$100 million investment, is now positioned as a key hub for powertrain manufacturing, with the capability to produce up to 600,000 engine units annually.
Further reinforcing its commitment to localised manufacturing, HORSE has also invested in a state-of-the-art gravity-casting process to produce aluminium cylinder heads for both the HR10 and HR13 engines. In addition, the company has expanded its powertrain and emissions testing facilities to serve third-party manufacturers across the region.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Wesley Palma, Plant Director at HORSE Curitiba, highlighted the significance of this production milestone:
“The start of HR13 production in Brazil demonstrates our commitment to delivering engineering and manufacturing solutions tailored to local markets. Specifically created with flex fuel capability, the highly efficient HR13 is perfectly suited to Brazilian OEMs and consumers. HORSE is particularly committed to localising key manufacturing processes, such as casting for the engine’s cylinder heads.”
Patrice Haettel, CEO of HORSE, echoed this sentiment:
“This move reinforces our commitment to the Brazilian market and South America. Our message has always been clear: there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to global mobility, but instead tailor-made solutions that reflect regional needs. The HR13 reflects this ethos, powered by low-emissions flex fuels and optimised for Brazilian market needs.”
HORSE: Pioneering the Future of Automotive Powertrains
As a forward-thinking powertrain specialist, HORSE continues to drive innovation in the automotive industry. With eight production plants across seven countries, three dedicated R&D centres, and a head office in Madrid, Spain, HORSE produces over 3.2 million units per year, serving customers worldwide.
The production of the HR13 engine in Brazil signals not only HORSE’s investment in the region but also its unwavering commitment to sustainable and high-performance powertrain solutions. As South America continues its transition toward cleaner and more efficient mobility, HORSE remains at the forefront, delivering technologies that redefine the future of automotive engineering.
