Independent garages may soon see a new breed of low-emission, efficient engines hitting the market, as Horse Technologies, a division of Horse Powertrain, has started production of its 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder HR12 LPG engine at its Mioveni, Romania facility.
The HR12 LPG is notable for combining direct injection technology with Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)—a world-first in volume production—while also featuring 48V mild hybrid technology. This includes a Belt-integrated Starter Generator and DC/DC converter, designed to assist torque delivery, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce CO2 emissions through features such as start-stop functionality and electric boost during acceleration.
Delivering 140PS (103kW) and 230Nm of torque from just 2,100rpm, the engine reduces CO2 emissions by around 9% when running on LPG versus gasoline. It has been developed to meet Euro 6e emissions standards and is designed with Euro 7 compliance in mind, making it suitable for both EU and global markets.
Horse Technologies has developed a bespoke direct injection system for LPG, incorporating an electronic vaporizer for precise compression control and reinforced valve-train components. Importantly for vehicle practicality, the LPG fuel tank is positioned below the boot floor in the spare wheel well, meaning no compromise to interior space or storage.
Patrice Haettel, CEO of Horse Technologies, said: “The arrival of the HR12 LPG demonstrates our commitment to delivering genuinely innovative powertrain solutions across all fuel types.
“Direct-injection technology for LPG fuel makes it a true world-first for Horse Technologies and is further evidence of our global technology leadership as alternative fuels experts.”
Developed across Horse’s sites in Bucuresti, Titu, and Mioveni, the HR12 LPG is the seventh engine generation produced at Mioveni, where the plant has a capacity of 450,000 engines per year.
