Kirchheimbolanden, 7 November 2005 – The start of production of the new 1.3-litre CDTI common-rail turbodiesel engine also sees the launch of the smallest version of the new BV generation of VTG (variable turbine geometry) turbochargers from BorgWarner Turbo Systems. With this new system, the turbocharger specialist from Kirchheimbolanden is expanding its product range of VTG turbochargers for especially small and powerful diesel engines, thus once again underlining its technological lead in this field.

Powerful yet refined and economical is how the modern 1.3-litre CDTI common-rail turbodiesel engine presents itself in the new Opel Astra. The compact diesel power unit with variable turbine geometry from BorgWarner Turbo Systems is celebrating its debut at this year’s RAI motor show in Amsterdam. With 200 Nm of torque and a fuel consumption of just 4.8 litres per 100 km, the 66 kW (90 bhp) version offers impressive performance, economy and environmental friendliness. GM Powertrain in cooperation with Fiat developed the 1,248 cc four-valve engine, which caused quite a stir two years ago in the Opel ECO-Speedster when Opel engineers set 17 sensational world records with the new engine on the test track.

The series launch of the 1.3-litre CDTI soon followed in the Opel Corsa, Tigra, and Combo models, as well as in several Fiat vehicles. In contrast to the 52 kW (70 bhp) basic version, the new engine in the Opel Astra has a BorgWarner turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. The Type BV35 turbocharger system raises torque from 170 to 200 Nm, with maximum torque already available from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm.

The world’s smallest four-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel develops its maximum power output at 4,000 rpm, making the 90 bhp CDTI one of the most powerful engines in its class.

BV technology makes engines more compact

The new BV technology already represents the third generation of variable turbine geometry (VTG) from BorgWarner Turbo Systems. In the meantime, VTG with variable guide vanes has become state-of-the-art in modern passenger car diesel engines. BV technology celebrated its successful debut in 2003 in the 1.4-litre three-cylinder engine of the Audi A2, and was later also used in the VW 1.9-litre TDI. This innovative technology also set new standards in the higher engine class up to 3.0 litres, for example in the Audi 3.0-litre V6 diesel and the Ford/Land Rover 2.7-litre V6 diesel.

BorgWarner Turbo Systems expects to continue this noticeable improvement in driving dynamics and fuel economy with further developments. The regulated two-stage turbocharging system R2S is expected to assist in the continued success of compact diesel engines.

BorgWarner Turbo Systems, a business of the globally active automotive supplier BorgWarner Inc., is a leading producer of turbocharging systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles as well as industrial, locomotive and marine engines. BorgWarner Turbo Systems has a workforce of more than 3,658 employees at twelve locations in eleven countries. The headquarters of the company are located in Kirchheimbolanden, Germany.

Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 62 locations in 17 countries.Customers include Ford, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, VW/Audi, Toyota, Hyundai/Kia, Renault/Nissan, Honda, Caterpillar, Navistar International, Peugeot and BMW. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.bwauto.com.