BorgWarner predicts growth in transmission, engine-timing technology

BorgWarner Inc. told SAE World Congress attendees it expects wet-clutch and control system technology like that used in its DualTronic transmissions to capture up to 20% of the European passenger car market by 2015.

The firm also expects camshaft phasing technology, which it will provide this year for General Motors V6 engines, to grow by 500% from 5.2 million engines in 2000 to more than 26 million engines by 2009.

Wet-clutch technology enables a conventional-looking gearbox to function as a fully automatic transmission, but with reduced emissions and fuel economy improvements of up to 15%. BorgWarner said the technology also eliminates the “torque-interrupt” feeling that occurs when a manual transmission shifts gears. BorgWarner’s DualTronic transmissions are currently available on several VW and Audi vehicles.

Variable cam timing (VCT) technology is a means of precisely controlling the flow of air into and out of an engine by allowing the camshaft to be dynamically phased relative to its crankshaft. BorgWarner’s system includes the phasing device and the variable force solenoid. Its phasing device relies on camshaft torque for its actuation energy whereas conventional phaser devices depend on engine oil pressure. Its torsional assist technology is said to require fewer engine architectural changes while providing fuel and emissions benefits. It can be used in overhead valve and overhead cam engines.