BporgWarner turbochargers are being used to improve performance in new compressed natural gas (CNG) engines from Opel and Volkswagon. BorgWarner’s technology is currently being used in the Opel 1.6-liter compressed natural gas (CNG) engine and the VW 1.4-liter TSI EcoFuel engine.
With the help of BorgWarner’s turbochargers, both engines were able to achieve 150 horsepower, so they have the pickup that previous CNG engines lacked while still providing great fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. For example, measured on a gasoline equivalency basis, the Opel Zafira ecoFlex Turbo gets 31.2 MPG and the The VW Passat TSI EcoFuel gets 34.5 MPG.
In a press release, Roger Wood, President and General Manager of BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems explained why the company’s turbocharger technology is important:
“Worldwide, nearly eight million vehicles on the road are equipped with CNG engines. Offering the combined advantages of clean combustion with low fuel costs, global demand is expected to grow steadily over the next five years. BorgWarner’s leading turbocharging technology makes CNG-powered vehicles exciting to drive. These engines allow drivers to enjoy both fuel economy and performance.”