BorgWarner Torque Management Expertise Broadens With New Technologies for Enhanced Traction, Stability, Performance

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 28 -- BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems has broadened its industry-leading capabilities in torque management with two new technologies that offer sophisticated enhancements to the precision of torque delivery -- providing automakers and drivers with enhanced traction and stability for maximum performance and security as well as improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

BorgWarner introduced its new Pre-emptive Torque Management(TM) and InterActive Differential Control(TM) torque-transfer systems during the Society of Automotive Engineers All-Wheel Drive Systems, Security and Driver Interaction Symposium taking place this week at the Dana Technology Resource Park in Ottawa Lake, Michigan.

"These two new systems provide our customers with reduced development time, improved reliability, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions," said Cynthia A. Niekamp, BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems President and General Manager.

"In addition, drivers of vehicles equipped with these systems will experience better vehicle handling, enhanced traction and greater vehicle stability. In building on BorgWarner's proven Torque-on-Demand(R) and InterActive Torque Management(TM) torque-transfer systems, we continue to advance the forefront of supplier innovation in four-wheel and all-wheel drive."

The Pre-emptive Torque Management(TM) system's differentiating feature is its ability to deliver torque before a wheel slips. A precise amount of torque is transferred prior to wheel rotation, through the use of electronic sensors and microcomputer controls also developed by BorgWarner. Managing the power between the front and rear wheels, and eliminating power to the rear wheels when it is not needed, results in better handling, traction and fuel economy.

The system continuously monitors dynamic torque capacity and adjusts capacity as required. It offers improved reliability and durability, as well as lower weight and cost. The system can be mounted anywhere between the output of the transmission and the input of the secondary axle. It is available in a variety of sizes to meet specific vehicle requirements, thus providing very flexible packaging benefits. Additionally, it can limit torque transfer to the power takeoff unit and secondary axle, permitting the use of lighter-weight and lower-cost components.

The InterActive Differential Control(TM) system also uses BorgWarner-developed electronic sensors and controls, in this case to deliver optimal biasing torque across the center differential automatically. When the system senses that the wheels are slipping, it automatically transfers power to the tractive wheels through the center differential. When the slipping stops, biasing to the tractive wheels is reduced or eliminated -- again, enhancing vehicle handling and traction through the management of power between the front and rear wheels.

Both systems deliver the requested amount of torque in response to electronic signals provided by one or more of the vehicle's traction and/or stability control systems. They are both fully interactive with, and work in conjunction with, other vehicle systems including antilock braking systems (ABS), electronic traction control (ETC), electronic stability programs (ESP), and active suspension programs. Both systems are pre-tested, and offer the customer benefits such as improved vehicle integration with no separate electronics to package, as well as reduced wiring harness complexity.

BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems is a leading independent global designer and producer of transfer cases and systems for four-wheel drive vehicles for the sport-utility and light truck markets. Its systems enhance driver security, reliability and ease of use.