BorgWarner Turbocharger for Fiat's 1.8 GDI Engine

American manufacturer BorgWarner announced today it has developed a tuned turbocharger for Fiat Powertrain Technologies' new 1.8l direct injection gasoline engine. According to the manufacturer, the new turbocharger allows the engine to achieve a maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1,400 rpm, while at the same time eliminating the mechanical compressor required by standard turbochargers.

"Once again, BorgWarner has achieved a 'first' in turbocharger design, confirming our technological leadership in all aspects of turbocharging," Roger Wood, BorgWarner Engine President said when announcing the achievement. "We are pleased to supply partners like Fiat with state-of-the-art technologies that greatly enhance driving performance and improve fuel economy."

The turbocharger designed by BorgWarner is less expensive and less complex in design than its counterparts. The turbine housing is made of a temperature-resistant alloy while the manifold is produced with a less costly alloy.

The optimized turbo with a boost pressure control valve is less expensive and complex, allowing at the same time improved fuel economy. Thanks to the welding technology used, the cast manifold was fixed directly to the turbine housing.

Fiat's 1.8l GDI was introduced at this year's Geneva Auto Show and comes fitted on the Lancia Delta and Alfa Romeo 159. To give you an idea of the powerplant's performances, it's enough to say that for the Lancia Delta, the engine allows for 30 mpg (7.8 liters/100 km) and emits 185 grams of CO2 per km. About the same figures can be achieved in the Alfa Romeo 159: 29 mpg (8.1 liters/100 km) and 189 grams of CO2 per km.