Horse H12 Concept: The 3.3 liter/100 km consumption revolution for future Dacia and Renault models
In an automotive industry at the crossroads between electrification and the survival of combustion engines, Horse Powertrain — the internal combustion engine division created by the collaboration between Groupe Renault and Geely — has announced an ambitious project that promises to redefine the efficiency of hybrid vehicles. Developed in partnership with Spanish oil giant Repsol, the new Horse H12 Concept engine aims for remarkable performance: fuel consumption below the threshold of 3.3 liters per 100 kilometers.
This motorization is not just an engineering exercise, but the centerpiece of the future strategy for brands like Dacia and Renault, offering a sustainable and affordable alternative to fully electric vehicles.
Cutting-edge technology: Record thermal efficiency and 17:1 compression
Unlike current engine generations, the H12 Concept is the result of a radical optimization of the combustion process. Designed in Spain, in Valladolid and Madrid, the new engine is an evolution of the 1.2-liter three-cylinder unit (known internally as HR12) that currently equips the new Duster.
The secret to the low consumption lies in the thermal efficiency (BTE) of 44.2%, a top value in the automotive industry. To achieve this level, engineers implemented an innovative combustion system with an unusually high compression ratio for a gasoline engine of 17:1. The technology package is completed by a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, an optimized turbocharger and a high-energy ignition system.
In addition, the engine will be coupled to a completely new hybrid gearbox, capable of managing energy flows much more efficiently, increasing the efficiency of energy recovery during braking.
Synthetic fuels and compliance with post-2035 regulations
A crucial aspect of the partnership with Repsol is the engine's adaptability to renewable synthetic fuels (e-fuels). The Horse H12 Concept has been designed to run on 100% renewable gasoline, which allows it to achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 90%, thus meeting the strict requirements of the European Union scheduled for the period after 2035.
According to data provided by Horse, using this engine together with green fuels on a mid-size car could reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 1.77 tons compared to a conventional vehicle, providing a "net-zero" solution without relying exclusively on electric charging infrastructure.
When will we see the new engine on Dacia?
Although Horse Powertrain has confirmed that the first tests on a demonstration vehicle will take place in the first half of this year (2026), an official date for series production has not yet been set. However, the direction is clear: the new hybrid system is intended to replace the current mild-hybrid and full-hybrid powertrains on the group's compact models and SUVs.
For the Mioveni plant, where the HR12 unit for the Dacia Duster is already produced, the adoption of the H12 Concept technology represents a guarantee of continuity and technological relevance in the next decade. Future models, such as the Bigster or the successor to the Sandero, are the main candidates to benefit from this record consumption of 3.3 l/100 km.
Conclusion: A sustainable bridge to the future
The Horse H12 Concept demonstrates that the internal combustion engine still has untapped potential, especially when integrated into a smart hybrid system and powered by new generation fuels. By reducing consumption by 40% compared to the current market average, Renault and Dacia are consolidating their leadership position in offering pragmatic mobility solutions. This engine is not just about saving money at the pump, but about a “technology-neutral” ecological transition, demonstrating that European innovation can produce concrete results in the fight against carbon emissions, while keeping the internal combustion engine affordable to the general public.