Drivetrain News
SearchVehicle drivetrain components and systems, including gearboxes, clutches, differentials and bearings.
Isuzu NQS 4×4 adds nine-speed transmission for emergency fleets
Isuzu’s NQS 4×4 pairs a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission with an 8,000kg gross vehicle mass, targeting emergency services, mining and other fleets with shared drivers. The transmission is intended to make the truck easier to operate while retaining off-road capability.
Second-generation BYD Seagull revealed with rear-wheel drive and front trunk
BYD has shown its redesigned Seagull electric hatchback in China. The second-generation model moves to a 95 kW rear motor, adds independent rear suspension and gains a front trunk; pricing and launch timing have not been announced.
Nissan reveals 2027 Rogue Hybrid with e-POWER and standard AWD
Nissan has revealed the 2027 Rogue Hybrid for the US, bringing its e-POWER system to the SUV. The petrol engine generates electricity while electric motors propel the vehicle. AWD will be standard, with the first trim due in autumn 2026 and the full range following in early 2027.
GM launches new V8 engines for 2027 full-size pickups
General Motors has detailed two new V8 engines, a carryover diesel and an upgraded turbocharged option for its 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, as US automakers renew competition in the profitable full-size truck market.
Ford expands V8 availability and cuts prices for 2027 F-150
Ford will offer its 5.0-litre V8 across the 2027 F-150 range, including premium King Ranch and Platinum models, while cutting prices for the Raptor and Tremor by removing some standard equipment.
ZF’s TraXon Hybrid wins Truck Innovation Award 2027
ZF’s TraXon Hybrid heavy-duty transmission has won the Truck Innovation Award 2027. VECTO simulations indicate potential CO₂ reductions of up to 47% in defined long-haul conditions, while the plug-in hybrid system preserves operational flexibility.
ZF showcases commercial-vehicle technology and growth at IAA 2026
ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions reports more than €5bn in awarded 2026 business and an almost 90% customer-acquisition win rate. At IAA Transportation, it is showcasing new driveline, braking, ADAS and software-defined commercial-vehicle technologies, including the MAXX Uniper air disc brake.
Freelander 8 sets 6,002-metre altitude record in Tibet
Chery-JLR’s Freelander 8 reached 6,002.33 metres in Tibet, setting a Guinness hybrid altitude record. The report examines how its turbocharged range extender, dual-motor AWD and two-speed rear drive handled thin air, steep scree and sustained electric operation.
ZF expands North American commercial-vehicle technology and production
ZF is expanding its North American commercial-vehicle business, bringing its PowerLine transmission to more applications and localising production of electric axles and trailer systems. The supplier is also developing hybrid technology and autonomous-truck solutions.
ZF TraXon 2 transmission debuts in HINO’s new S’elega coach
ZF’s TraXon 2 automated manual transmission with integrated Intarder has debuted in HINO’s new S’elega premium coach in Japan. The collaboration also includes ZF braking, suspension and radar-based driver-assistance technologies.
ZF launches EV drivetrain repair kits for independent workshops
ZF Aftermarket is launching more than 100 electric axle drive repair kit variants and new inverter, hybrid module and reducer solutions. Its EV parts portfolio covers 92% of Europe’s top 20 EV parc, while support for Chinese vehicle brands will expand through 2027.
ZF to showcase rail, bus and aftermarket technologies at InnoTrans 2026
ZF will present rail driveline and chassis systems, predictive-maintenance platform connect@rail, aftermarket repowering and bus technologies at InnoTrans 2026. Highlights include the CeTrax 2 electric drive, ZF Bus Connect fleet management and a new rail product innovation.
Horse Powertrain unveils 13-in-1 PHEV off-road drive system
Horse Powertrain, the Geely-Renault joint venture, has unveiled its 3DHT200 13-in-1 plug-in-hybrid drive system. The 230kW system delivers up to 4,920Nm of wheel torque and will debut in Geely’s Galaxy Cruiser 700 off-road SUV.
GWM adds diesel powertrain to Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 in Australia
GWM is introducing a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine for the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 in Australia, with outputs of 170kW and 620Nm and towing capacity of up to 3,500kg. More than six months of local testing covered calibration, towing, durability and software.
Geely launches AI-powered off-road technology for Zhanjian 700
Geely has launched an AI-powered off-road technology suite combining a new vehicle architecture, 830kW triple-motor hybrid powertrain and digital chassis. The Zhanjian 700 will be the first model to use it; pricing and launch timing remain undisclosed.
ZF expands technology-open commercial-vehicle decarbonisation portfolio
ZF is presenting a technology-open commercial-vehicle decarbonisation portfolio at IAA Transportation 2026, combining hybrid and electric drivelines, trailer electrification, air-management systems and integrated software to improve efficiency and support fleet transition.
IndyCar unveils lighter IR-28 chassis and battery-hybrid powertrain for 2028
IndyCar has unveiled its 2028 IR-28 chassis and powertrain package, featuring a lighter design, 2.4-litre twin-turbo V6 engines and a new battery-based hybrid energy-storage system supplied by BOLD Technology.
Range Energy powered trailer brings hybrid assistance to existing heavy trucks
Range Energy’s powered trailer, using ZF’s AxTrax 2 electric axle and batteries, can add propulsion and regenerative braking to existing heavy trucks. A test-track ride showed smoother launches, potential fuel and emissions savings, and power for trailer equipment without new charging infrastructure.
Dongan supplies range extenders for Xiaomi and Huawei EREVs
Harbin Dongan Auto Engine is supplying its M15DRE range extender for Xiaomi’s Skynomad N70 and N90 EREVs, with Huawei’s Maextro also using its 1.5-litre unit. The reported 8,000-yuan price highlights China’s maturing range-extender supply chain.
Nissan to supply Andretti Formula E with GEN4 powertrain
Nissan will supply Andretti Formula E with its GEN4 powertrain from Season 13 under a multi-year agreement, combining technical expertise and development support between the teams.
Canadian fleet’s downsped Super-B specification exceeds 9 mpg
Canadian fleet operator John Bickner has developed a highly downsped Volvo Super-B tractor and trailer specification that delivers more than 9 mpg Imperial. Volvo built the unapproved configuration for evaluation, and 13 further trucks are now being tested by fleets in similar heavy-haul applications.
Xiaomi discloses Kunlun range-extender specifications for Skynomad SUVs
Xiaomi Auto has disclosed specifications for the Kunlun range extender powering its upcoming Skynomad SUVs in China. The 1.5-litre turbocharged system produces 112 kW, supports several petrol octane ratings and achieves 5.7 L/100 km depleted WLTC consumption. An N90 Max prototype has completed more than 60,000 km of testing.
Toyota’s electric HiLux adopts De Dion rear suspension for eAxle packaging
Toyota’s electric HiLux uses a De Dion rigid-leaf rear suspension to package its rear eAxle while retaining payload, durability and rough-terrain capability. The layout reduces unsprung mass but remains less independent and more complex than a live axle.
Toyota launches 341kW performance hybrid LandCruiser 300 in Australia
Toyota has launched a performance hybrid LandCruiser 300 in Australia, combining a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for 341kW and 790Nm. The flagship Sahara ZX and GR Sport retain 3,500kg towing capacity and gain additional on-board power capability.
Honda marks 30 years of transmission production at Ohio plant
Honda celebrates 30 years of production at its Transmission Plant‑Ohio in Russells Point, marking 26 million transmissions made since 1996. The 1.1m ft² plant produces CVTs, two‑motor hybrid systems and differentials, employs 1,200+, and highlights investments, on‑site wind power and energy‑efficiency gains.
Ford Trucks renews exclusive supply deal with Driventic
Ford Trucks has extended its exclusive retarder agreement with Driventic, which has equipped over 10,000 vehicles. Driventic's hydrodynamic retarders have been integrated into Ecotorq transmissions and have been positioned for Ford’s expanded F-Line and F-Max Gen 2.0.
Horse Powertrain launches D20 Methanol range extender
Horse Powertrain has unveiled the D20 Methanol, a 170kg, 105kW range-extender powertrain featuring a 2.0-litre methanol engine and axial-flux motor; lab tests have shown a 47% fuel-to-energy conversion, enabling a 40kWh recharge from 19.6L of methanol.
MG roadmap: Plug-in Hybrid+ and SolidCore Battery
MG has unveiled a roadmap that has prioritised Plug-in Hybrid+ powertrains and SolidCore Battery integration, which have been developed to increase thermal and electric-drive efficiency and have been scheduled for introduction on B-, C- and D-segment SUVs from 2027.
REWIRE project advances smart remanufacturing
The Horizon Europe-funded REWIRE project has brought together industry and research partners across three demonstrators to deploy robotics, AI and digital twin technologies, and has established a Triage, Plan, Simulate and Assure framework to improve remanufacturing traceability, compliance and scalability.
Geely Galaxy A7 EM PHEV sets 2,608.360 km record
Geely has set a Guinness World Record after its Galaxy A7 EM PHEV has covered 2,608.360 km on a single tank of fuel and full charge, and has used a Thor EM Hybrid 2.0 powertrain with 47.26% thermal efficiency.
Geely reveals Galaxy Cruiser 700 interior and 1,128-hp hybrid powertrain
Geely has revealed official interior images and technical details of its Galaxy Cruiser 700 plug-in hybrid SUV. The vehicle combines three electric motors with a 2.0-litre engine, a 70 kWh battery, 900V charging, steer-by-wire and dynamic-control software.
BYD tests upgraded Atto 2 with rear-wheel drive and possible LiDAR
BYD is testing an upgraded version of its Atto 2 electric SUV, known as the Yuan Up in China, with a rear-wheel-drive platform and revised suspension. A future variant may also add LiDAR for advanced autonomous-driving capabilities.
ZF Group India Secures Three Automotive Test-System Orders
ZF Group India has secured three orders from independent testing agencies for battery, tyre and e-axle systems, and has emphasised local manufacturing under the Make in India initiative while aligning with India's regulatory framework.
BYD Atto 2 refresh gains rear-wheel drive and optional LiDAR
BYD’s refreshed Atto 2, spotted in China, is expected to gain a rear-wheel-drive layout, longer wheelbase, revised suspension and optional LiDAR-assisted driving. Chinese versions are expected to use 42kWh and 52kWh LFP battery packs.
Chery unveils diesel plug-in hybrid Rely P3X truck with 800 Nm
Chery has revealed production details of the Rely P3X, a diesel plug-in hybrid pickup producing 350 kW and 800 Nm through a series-parallel drivetrain. The truck is due to launch overseas in the fourth quarter as the Chery Stockman.
Chinese Carmakers Overtake Japan in ICE Technology
Chinese carmakers have achieved higher thermal efficiencies and integrated AI-driven engine control, surpassing prior benchmarks in hybrid and petrol powertrains, and have narrowed Japan’s traditional lead in internal-combustion technology, according to Nikkei and industry analysts.
Maserati updates Grecale, GranTurismo and GranCabrio with new powertrains
Maserati has updated the Grecale, GranTurismo and GranCabrio, including revised combustion powertrains and an electric Folgore variant. The GranTurismo Folgore features an 800V system, three motors, a 92.5kWh battery and more than 540km of range.
Chery Tiggo 7 HEV confirmed for export markets
Chery has been identified as introducing a self-charging Tiggo 7 HEV for export, featuring a 5.1 kWh Kun Peng 2.0 hybrid system, underfloor air-cooled battery and enhanced EV-mode capabilities, positioned between ICE and PHEV variants in the company’s line-up.
Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 plug-in hybrid SUV unveiled
Geely has announced the Galaxy Cruiser 700, a plug-in hybrid off-road SUV with 830 kW peak power, an estimated 2,880 kg curb weight and multi‑motor torque management alongside advanced assisted‑driving features.
BMW unveils electric M Concept Neue Klasse with four-motor drivetrain
BMW has showcased its all-electric M Concept Neue Klasse at Le Mans, featuring four electric motors, 800V technology, a battery exceeding 100kWh and software-based control of drivetrain and braking systems.
BYD launches Dolphin G DM-i plug-in hybrid in Europe
BYD has entered Europe’s B-segment with the Dolphin G DM-i plug-in hybrid, combining an EV-led dual-motor system with Blade Battery options, up to 105km of electric range and DC charging capability.