BorgWarner's Advanced Technologies Support Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize Winner and Two Finalists

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- BorgWarner's variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbocharging technology boosts the performance and fuel economy for the Very Light Car by Edison2, Mainstream Class winner of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE competition. The four-passenger vehicle is fueled by E85 and built with a focus on low weight, high efficiency and superior aerodynamics. Designed to boost the output of down-sized engines, BorgWarner's VTG turbocharger helped the Edison2 team achieve the performance of a much larger engine, with lower weight and better fuel economy. During the competition, the Very Light Car recorded a total efficiency of 102.5 MPGe (miles per gallon or energy equivalent).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101005/DE76366 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101005/DE76366 )

In addition, BorgWarner's 31-03 eGearDrive® transmission drove two finalists in the Alternative Class for two-passenger vehicles: the Aptera 2e and the Alias from ZAP (OTC Bulletin Board: ZAAP). Both battery-powered electric vehicles benefited from the eGearDrive® transmission's high-efficiency gear train and compact, low-weight design, which contributes to extended driving range and, in turn, reduces battery capacity requirements. The eGearDrive® transmission achieves greater than 97 percent efficiency, while providing smooth, quiet operation. BorgWarner also provided the thermal management system for the Aptera vehicle's power electronics and electric motor drive unit. The Aptera recorded 179 MPGe on the X PRIZE test track and 195 MPGe during the event's dynamometer test. The Alias achieved a total efficiency of 124 MPGe.

"BorgWarner develops and produces technologies that improve fuel economy, enhance performance and reduce emissions in all types of powertrains, including gasoline, hybrid, electric and diesel. The X PRIZE plays a momentous role in promoting innovation, validating results and leveling the playing field to allow consumers to choose the winning technologies for the future," said Timothy M. Manganello, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BorgWarner. "The innovations born during this competition—big and small—promise to revolutionize the way people travel. BorgWarner is pleased that our advanced technologies helped bring the dreams of these next-generation automotive pioneers to reality. Congratulations to Edison2, Aptera, ZAP and all of the X PRIZE participants."

To inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles that offer more consumer choices, the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE awarded $10 million to teams that won a multi-stage competition for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPGe. A field of 136 vehicles from 111 teams was evaluated for efficiency, safety and performance under real-world conditions. BorgWarner was an official sponsor of the Aptera 2e team.

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 60 locations in 18 countries. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA, and MAN. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com.  

SOURCE BorgWarner Inc.