8 cars that caught our eyes at an EV Track Day at Sepang
11 Jun 2026|1,115 views
Over here at Sgcarmart's media team, we are no strangers to track events - we are often invited by car manufacturers to experience their cars on racetracks all over the world, but this track day is rather different.
This time round, we were invited by Volt Auto, the sole distributor of Dongfeng vehicles to attend an EV-only track day event held at Sepang Circuit. Hosted by Malaysian tech website SoyaCincau in collaboration with Dongfeng, the Pop-Up EV Clinic: Track Edition is a unique event that has brought over 100 EVs to Sepang Circuit.
After spending an entire evening at a completely silent trackday, we've not only tried out the entire Dongfeng lineup, but also saw many interesting EVs
After spending more than five hours at the track, Jayjay and I have both driven Dongfeng Singapore's entire lineup, and we've also spotted many interesting participants. So, we are going to share some thoughts on the experience, and some of the cars that caught our eyes.
Here are some of the memorable cars for me:
The Dongfeng 007 Performance and 007 Premium were both on track duty at the EV trackday
Dongfeng 007 (Performance and Premium)
The Dongfeng 007 is easily one of the sleekest EV sedans that is currently available in the market. Apart from its good looks, the 007 also punches well above its price point, offering a premium quality cabin and a slew of pampering features. Offered in three trim levels with varying power, the 007 in Performance trim is quite the weapon - 536bhp, 620Nm and 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
Only the 007 Performance got some upgrades in the form of a larger brake and Michelin PS5 tyres
While I've experienced the cars on Singapore roads, this track day allowed me to push the cars to the limits, and left quite a bit of impression.
Apart from the Brembo front brakes and Michelin PS5 tyres, the 007 Performance that I drove on track was completely stock (the parts were fitted as the car was also used for taxi rides, and would be going hard for multiple laps, hence longevity of braking performance is key here).
With its tremendous power, the 007 Performance gets to its top speed quickly
On track, the impressive acceleration briskly brought the car up to its top speed of 173km/h. And although the suspension on the car is largely comfort oriented, it manages to keep the body in control even when pushed hard.
The 007 Performance managed an easy 2.47 lap with more to give, but I only had the opportunity for a single flying lap
Make no mistake, the 007 Performance isn't a track machine, but even then, I managed to clock a 2.47 lap on my first and only attempt - according to the official timesheet, I would have snagged the 5th position if the car had a transponder on.
The completely stock 007 Premium was quite a joy to operate as well; although the standard brakes aren't exactly suited to sustained track duties
Even the completely stock 007 Premium was able to achieve a sub three-minute lap, although the stock brakes were only good for two consecutive flying laps. Pretty impressive!
Who would have thought of bringing a charming EV hatchback to the track? Dongfeng, that's who!
Dongfeng Box
Most people have probably seen the Dongfeng Box on Singapore roads. It is not only cute and easily identifiable, but also a popular choice for new drivers and those who want something easy to drive.
Taking the charming hatchback to the track is probably the last thing on anybody's mind, but that didn't stop us from doing it anyway. And I was glad that we got to have a go in the Box at the Sepang Circuit.
With lesser weight than other EVs, the Box manages to be agile, manoeuvrable, and really fun on track
Small and relatively lightweight at around 1.3 tonnes, the Box manages to be agile, manoeuvrable, and unexpectedly fun on the track. With just 94bhp, the Box isn't fast - it tops out at 130km/h on the track - but that's actually part of the fun: You'll hardly have to use the brakes for the most parts, and there's no concern over entering corners too hot, you can keep the accelerator pinned to the floor for the entire turn 5 and turn 6 sweepers with ease.
In case you are wondering, the Box wasn't the last place on the track - it managed a 3.20, which is quicker than eight other participants!
BYD Seals are not only popular on the roads - there were several units at the track!
Modified BYD Seal
The BYD Seal is not only one of the most popular EVs in Singapore, it is also one that's rather dynamically inclined. During the launch of the Seal in Singapore, the media was invited to try out the cars at Changi Exhibition Centre, weaving through handling courses demarcated with cones - and we all walked away in awe of its performance.
Like the Dongfeng 007, the Seal is offered in varying levels of power, ranging from a Cat A COE friendly power level to the ludicrous Performance model with 523bhp, which completes the century sprint in 3.8 seconds.
According to the participants timesheet, there were several Seal Premium (308bhp) and at least one Seal Performance at the track. But the one that truly stole the show (and caught my attention) was a striking orange, modified unit that was lowered on RAYS TE37 wheels.
The fastest car of the day was the Tesla Model 3 Performance from Exotic Mods; the lowest car of the day is yet another Model 3 - on air suspension
Tesla Model 3 done two ways (one for speed, one for show)
One can never mention EVs without conjuring up images of a Tesla, and needless to say, more than a few of them turned up at the track. Tesla's Model 3 Performance was the original EV that blew everyone's mind with its incredible acceleration and speed.
The Model 3 is a popular EV Sedan, and the Performance variant is known for its sports cars beating performance
Putting out power in the ballpark of 500bhp and a 0-100km/h time of 3.3 seconds, along with a top speed of 261km/h, the Model 3 Performance made the news for being an attainable sedan that can put many high-performance sports cars to shame, and go toe-to-toe with some supercars in terms of straight-line performance.
2.27! Exotic Mods sure knows what it's doing
With such incredible attributes, it isn't surprising that the fastest car of the day at the EV track day was a modified Tesla Model 3 Performance from Exotic Mods, a Tesla specialist workshop located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. With handling and braking upgrades, weight reduction, aero upgrades, and sticky tyres, the Model 3 Performance managed a blistering 2.27 - very impressive!
This air suspension-equipped Model 3 with shiny BBS LMs looks absolutely sublime sitting low behind the pits
But that wasn't the only Model 3 that caught my eye, parked behind the pits, was another Model 3, but this one's on air suspension and a shiny set of BBS LM rims, looking really sweet and getting lots of attention.
Meanwhile, Jayjay had a great time with the Dongfeng Vigo, and has also pointed out several interesting cars he saw on track:
The Vigo is on Safety Car duty!
Dongfeng Vigo Safety car
The rugged-looking compact SUV takes on a working role at the EV clinic as a safety car. Though the car is exactly the same as a regular Vigo, it's cool to see it dressed up in official capacity.
Who would have expected to see the Dongfeng Vigo doing hot laps on the track? Not me!
The Vigo led the parade lap, setting the pace for the entourage to follow. That is expected. What I did not expect was finding the safety car parked and available for laps. Four hot laps later, I was told that the suction mounted flashing LED bars on top went from straight to a slant. Oops.
The iCaur V23 is a chic-looking SUV that's set to enter Singapore - its natural environment are paths less travelled, not a racetrack!
iCaur V23
Another car that's not what comes to mind when tracking is the Chinese electric off-roader from Chery. The iCaur is a brand that's also set to enter Singapore from Chery, after Omoda & Jaecoo. The Jaecoo J6 we see around Singapore was originally an iCar 03 in the domestic Chinese market, and the iCar/iCaur supposedly has to do with trademark issues.
This high-riding rounded boxy-looking EV took quite a few rounds around the circuit and seats five comfortably. The iCaur V23 is also due to enter Singapore.
Fitted with a custom setup, this EV is able to produce V8 burbles!
Tora Garage's Proton e.MAS 7
A new staple of Malaysian EVs (now more than ever after their recent regulation updates), this is no regular e.MAS 7. A custom project taken on by Malaysian garage Tora, this EV turns heads before you see it, thanks to its engine-emulating speakers on the outside. Rolling around the pit lane, you hear the burble of a V8 (of eight choices to choose from, including 'Formula One') but turn to see the humble EV.
More than just external speakers, Tora Garage also customises the suspension of factory cars with add-on pieces, as well as a slew of aesthetic upgrades. The interior was decked in backlit star-etched panel lighting, tartan door liners, and custom pieces just about everywhere you could see. The owner of Tora Garage shared that they would be opening an outlet at Permas, Johor soon, and they welcome customs of all makes. While a set of Maxhaust sound enhancements can cause upwards of S$3,000, the boss of Tora Garage shared that his set costs less than 2,800 MYR, or just under S$900.
The image of a large luxury MPV hurtling down Sepang Circuit's main straight is simply... bizarre
XPENG X9
Not the car that comes to mind when thinking of tracking, but I love an oddball choice. With potentially an in-car cinema screen, air suspension, rear wheel steering, 342bhp, and 450Nm, it does beg the question how the XPENG X9 would handle on the track (and the owners weren't taking leisurely drives for sure).
Over here at Sgcarmart's media team, we are no strangers to track events - we are often invited by car manufacturers to experience their cars on racetracks all over the world, but this track day is rather different.
This time round, we were invited by Volt Auto, the sole distributor of Dongfeng vehicles to attend an EV-only track day event held at Sepang Circuit. Hosted by Malaysian tech website SoyaCincau in collaboration with Dongfeng, the Pop-Up EV Clinic: Track Edition is a unique event that has brought over 100 EVs to Sepang Circuit.
After spending an entire evening at a completely silent trackday, we've not only tried out the entire Dongfeng lineup, but also saw many interesting EVs
After spending more than five hours at the track, Jayjay and I have both driven Dongfeng Singapore's entire lineup, and we've also spotted many interesting participants. So, we are going to share some thoughts on the experience, and some of the cars that caught our eyes.
Here are some of the memorable cars for me:
The Dongfeng 007 Performance and 007 Premium were both on track duty at the EV trackday
Dongfeng 007 (Performance and Premium)
The Dongfeng 007 is easily one of the sleekest EV sedans that is currently available in the market. Apart from its good looks, the 007 also punches well above its price point, offering a premium quality cabin and a slew of pampering features. Offered in three trim levels with varying power, the 007 in Performance trim is quite the weapon - 536bhp, 620Nm and 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
Only the 007 Performance got some upgrades in the form of a larger brake and Michelin PS5 tyres
While I've experienced the cars on Singapore roads, this track day allowed me to push the cars to the limits, and left quite a bit of impression.
Apart from the Brembo front brakes and Michelin PS5 tyres, the 007 Performance that I drove on track was completely stock (the parts were fitted as the car was also used for taxi rides, and would be going hard for multiple laps, hence longevity of braking performance is key here).
With its tremendous power, the 007 Performance gets to its top speed quickly
On track, the impressive acceleration briskly brought the car up to its top speed of 173km/h. And although the suspension on the car is largely comfort oriented, it manages to keep the body in control even when pushed hard.
The 007 Performance managed an easy 2.47 lap with more to give, but I only had the opportunity for a single flying lap
Make no mistake, the 007 Performance isn't a track machine, but even then, I managed to clock a 2.47 lap on my first and only attempt - according to the official timesheet, I would have snagged the 5th position if the car had a transponder on.
The completely stock 007 Premium was quite a joy to operate as well; although the standard brakes aren't exactly suited to sustained track duties
Even the completely stock 007 Premium was able to achieve a sub three-minute lap, although the stock brakes were only good for two consecutive flying laps. Pretty impressive!
Who would have thought of bringing a charming EV hatchback to the track? Dongfeng, that's who!
Dongfeng Box
Most people have probably seen the Dongfeng Box on Singapore roads. It is not only cute and easily identifiable, but also a popular choice for new drivers and those who want something easy to drive.
Taking the charming hatchback to the track is probably the last thing on anybody's mind, but that didn't stop us from doing it anyway. And I was glad that we got to have a go in the Box at the Sepang Circuit.
With lesser weight than other EVs, the Box manages to be agile, manoeuvrable, and really fun on track
Small and relatively lightweight at around 1.3 tonnes, the Box manages to be agile, manoeuvrable, and unexpectedly fun on the track. With just 94bhp, the Box isn't fast - it tops out at 130km/h on the track - but that's actually part of the fun: You'll hardly have to use the brakes for the most parts, and there's no concern over entering corners too hot, you can keep the accelerator pinned to the floor for the entire turn 5 and turn 6 sweepers with ease.
In case you are wondering, the Box wasn't the last place on the track - it managed a 3.20, which is quicker than eight other participants!
BYD Seals are not only popular on the roads - there were several units at the track!
Modified BYD Seal
The BYD Seal is not only one of the most popular EVs in Singapore, it is also one that's rather dynamically inclined. During the launch of the Seal in Singapore, the media was invited to try out the cars at Changi Exhibition Centre, weaving through handling courses demarcated with cones - and we all walked away in awe of its performance.
Like the Dongfeng 007, the Seal is offered in varying levels of power, ranging from a Cat A COE friendly power level to the ludicrous Performance model with 523bhp, which completes the century sprint in 3.8 seconds.
According to the participants timesheet, there were several Seal Premium (308bhp) and at least one Seal Performance at the track. But the one that truly stole the show (and caught my attention) was a striking orange, modified unit that was lowered on RAYS TE37 wheels.
The fastest car of the day was the Tesla Model 3 Performance from Exotic Mods; the lowest car of the day is yet another Model 3 - on air suspension
Tesla Model 3 done two ways (one for speed, one for show)
One can never mention EVs without conjuring up images of a Tesla, and needless to say, more than a few of them turned up at the track. Tesla's Model 3 Performance was the original EV that blew everyone's mind with its incredible acceleration and speed.
The Model 3 is a popular EV Sedan, and the Performance variant is known for its sports cars beating performance
Putting out power in the ballpark of 500bhp and a 0-100km/h time of 3.3 seconds, along with a top speed of 261km/h, the Model 3 Performance made the news for being an attainable sedan that can put many high-performance sports cars to shame, and go toe-to-toe with some supercars in terms of straight-line performance.
2.27! Exotic Mods sure knows what it's doing
With such incredible attributes, it isn't surprising that the fastest car of the day at the EV track day was a modified Tesla Model 3 Performance from Exotic Mods, a Tesla specialist workshop located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. With handling and braking upgrades, weight reduction, aero upgrades, and sticky tyres, the Model 3 Performance managed a blistering 2.27 - very impressive!
This air suspension-equipped Model 3 with shiny BBS LMs looks absolutely sublime sitting low behind the pits
But that wasn't the only Model 3 that caught my eye, parked behind the pits, was another Model 3, but this one's on air suspension and a shiny set of BBS LM rims, looking really sweet and getting lots of attention.
Meanwhile, Jayjay had a great time with the Dongfeng Vigo, and has also pointed out several interesting cars he saw on track:
The Vigo is on Safety Car duty!
Dongfeng Vigo Safety car
The rugged-looking compact SUV takes on a working role at the EV clinic as a safety car. Though the car is exactly the same as a regular Vigo, it's cool to see it dressed up in official capacity.
Who would have expected to see the Dongfeng Vigo doing hot laps on the track? Not me!
The Vigo led the parade lap, setting the pace for the entourage to follow. That is expected. What I did not expect was finding the safety car parked and available for laps. Four hot laps later, I was told that the suction mounted flashing LED bars on top went from straight to a slant. Oops.
The iCaur V23 is a chic-looking SUV that's set to enter Singapore - its natural environment are paths less travelled, not a racetrack!
iCaur V23
Another car that's not what comes to mind when tracking is the Chinese electric off-roader from Chery. The iCaur is a brand that's also set to enter Singapore from Chery, after Omoda & Jaecoo. The Jaecoo J6 we see around Singapore was originally an iCar 03 in the domestic Chinese market, and the iCar/iCaur supposedly has to do with trademark issues.
This high-riding rounded boxy-looking EV took quite a few rounds around the circuit and seats five comfortably. The iCaur V23 is also due to enter Singapore.
Fitted with a custom setup, this EV is able to produce V8 burbles!
Tora Garage's Proton e.MAS 7
A new staple of Malaysian EVs (now more than ever after their recent regulation updates), this is no regular e.MAS 7. A custom project taken on by Malaysian garage Tora, this EV turns heads before you see it, thanks to its engine-emulating speakers on the outside. Rolling around the pit lane, you hear the burble of a V8 (of eight choices to choose from, including 'Formula One') but turn to see the humble EV.
More than just external speakers, Tora Garage also customises the suspension of factory cars with add-on pieces, as well as a slew of aesthetic upgrades. The interior was decked in backlit star-etched panel lighting, tartan door liners, and custom pieces just about everywhere you could see. The owner of Tora Garage shared that they would be opening an outlet at Permas, Johor soon, and they welcome customs of all makes. While a set of Maxhaust sound enhancements can cause upwards of S$3,000, the boss of Tora Garage shared that his set costs less than 2,800 MYR, or just under S$900.
The image of a large luxury MPV hurtling down Sepang Circuit's main straight is simply... bizarre
XPENG X9
Not the car that comes to mind when thinking of tracking, but I love an oddball choice. With potentially an in-car cinema screen, air suspension, rear wheel steering, 342bhp, and 450Nm, it does beg the question how the XPENG X9 would handle on the track (and the owners weren't taking leisurely drives for sure).
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