Gasgoo Munich- At the 2025 Shenzhen International Performance Car & Customized Vehicle Exhibition, Geely Holding Group unveiled a methanol-powered one-make race car and announced the launch of a new domestic racing series, signaling a push to integrate alternative fuels into competitive motorsport.
Image source: Geely Holding
The debut of the Xingyao 6 race car marks the first time Geely's long-developed methanol technology has been deployed in a track-focused application, reflecting a broader attempt to align sustainability with high-performance driving.
Positioned as a renewable, low-carbon fuel, methanol is being explored by Geely as a viable option for high-load racing conditions. The Xingyao 6 is powered by the Horse Powertrain DHE20TDM methanol engine, designed to run on M100 fuel.
The unit delivers over 250 horsepower and 400 Nm of peak torque, with a thermal efficiency exceeding 48% and a high compression ratio, underscoring its performance credentials. Compared with conventional gasoline engines, the setup is engineered to provide faster throttle response under sustained track use.
From a racing perspective, the methanol configuration offers a different balance compared with battery-electric solutions. Without the weight penalty of large battery packs, the car maintains a competitive power-to-weight ratio and handling characteristics, while preserving the mechanical engagement associated with internal combustion.
A rapid refueling system further enhances track usability, allowing for quick turnaround times suited to tightly scheduled race formats.
Alongside the car, Geely introduced the “Green Methanol Super Geely League PRO,” a one-make touring car championship aimed at delivering a professional-grade racing platform comparable to TCR-level competition.
The inaugural 2026 season will span multiple Chinese circuits, including Chengdu, Zhuzhou, Wuhan, and Ningbo, across five rounds and ten races. The series is also designed to create opportunities for crossover participation with international events, while initial teams have already been assembled and driver registration is underway.
Geely's latest move builds on a broader motorsport strategy that has evolved over recent years, spanning grassroots racing, one-make series development, and participation in global competitions.
Through its Lynk & Co Cyan Racing program, the group has already established a strong presence in international touring car racing, securing multiple championships since entering top-tier competition in 2019. These efforts have contributed to raising the profile of Chinese automotive brands on the global motorsport stage.
The initiative also reflects Geely's broader multi-pathway energy strategy, which spans battery-electric, hybrid, and high-efficiency combustion technologies alongside methanol.
By extending methanol applications from fuel production and distribution to road vehicles and now motorsport, the company is using racing as a testing ground to validate and promote alternative energy solutions—while simultaneously supporting the development of China's domestic motorsport ecosystem.
