You recognise this of course, from the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2026, but this time at the Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2026, Proton’s HEV hybrid system appears to have abandoned the ‘FutureMotion‘ marketing name, which we always thought was a bit naff anyway.
It’s a few steps closer to production, and we expect to see it first in Proton’s upcoming AMA02, which is widely expected to be a Saga-based A-segment SUV. The system is a version of Geely’s i-HEV powertrain, which debuted in China earlier this year.
The setup is essentially that of the eMas 7 PHEV, except shorn of its large 18.4/29.8 kWh Aegis short blade LFP battery. This is led by a 1.5 litre BHE15 four-cylinder engine, with the one shown here being the naturally-aspirated version.
Proton calls this a dedicated hybrid engine (DHE), closer in design to the eMas 7 PHEV’s mill instead of the i-GT engine used in the turbo X50 and NA Saga. It uses a slightly modified block and runs on an Atkinson cycle full-time, rather than only in certain conditions as per the other cars, and is fitted with single instead of dual VVT.
The engine also adopts an electrically-powered alternator and air-con compressor, joining the electric water pump the Saga already comes with and eliminating the auxiliary belt. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is different from one in the i-GT mills as well.
Slides on a standee screen next to the engine also reveal its outputs to be 111 PS and 136 Nm of torque (same as China’s Geely Preface i-HEV), a 14:1 compression ratio, a 46.5% thermal efficiency (48.41% for Preface i-HEV), a 97.5% transmission efficiency, a 97% dual-motor peak efficiency and that 5W-30 oil is to be used.
Dual motors? Yes, there’s a one-speed 11-in-1 dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) with P1 (starter-generator) and P3 (traction) motors. Motor output is not revealed here, but the Geely Preface i-HEV’s develops 190 PS and 240 Nm of torque, and the Geely Galaxy Starshine 6/Emgrand EM-i‘s produces 163 PS and 210 Nm of twist.
Proton has already confirmed that it will use a ‘DHT120‘ for a yet-to-be-launched SUV, with the number standing for the motor’s output in kW – this conveniently converts to 163 PS. The company’s deputy CEO Abdul Rashid Musa said at KLIMS that the powertrain is slated to debut in a new model very soon, with the engine and DHT set to be assembled in Tanjong Malim.
Whatever name Proton eventually decides to market this system with, it’s a versatile one. This series-parallel hybrid system can run on electricity only, have the engine charge the battery which then feeds the motor that drives the wheels, directly clutch the engine to the wheels or have both engine and motor join forces to drive the wheels. Excited?
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An effort to save face for relying on foreigners after decades of bragging their failed ciptaan anak tempatan products.
Geely is Proton’s Future
it is in the genes of the type C that they have the midas touch. if they were to govern malaysia, it will grow like proton and we will be the Asian Tiger again.
Again? but Malaya wasn’t governed by type C back then. Feel free to go “lay flat” at the mainland.
u mean geely hybrid? no geely means potong bankrupt. want good perodua QVE can dm me. Sekian
All the components showing “Made in China” stickers and stamps, but Proton is so proud to claim that the engine powertrain is assembled in Malaysia. It’s nothing to be proud of if you just assemble things coming from outside.
Don’t care. More value, buy. No value, avoid like plague.
This is the way to go. HEV for proton branded vehicles enable proton to sneak into small segment vehicles which clearly geely is not into . Make it good and let’s see if geely will rebadge it for specific oversea market. That will a great progress
I want more powerful new car, bring it on.
So its similar with current PHEV? but without P. Interesting.
“Proton has already confirmed that it will use a ‘DHT120‘ for a yet-to-be-launched SUV,”
A sedan, please. I am so sick of SUVs. Don’t let the only option be BYD’s Seal 6.
Slap this in a c segment sedan and my next car will be proton
Slap this in a c segment sedan and my next car will be a proton