BorgWarner launched research and development at its new engineering center in Itatiba City, Brazil. BorgWarner’s state-of- the-art 21,500-square-foot (2,000-square-meter) engineering center provides capabilities for application engineering and research and development to create new technologies.

Totaling over 226,000 square feet (21,000 square meters), the campus in Itatiba also includes a production facility to manufacture several environmentally friendly technologies for passenger cars and commercial vehicles such as turbochargers, viscous fans and fan drives, engine timing systems and emissions technologies, according to the company.

“With our new engineering center in Itatiba City, we are strengthening our position as a leading supplier of advanced powertrain solutions engineered to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and increase performance,” said James Verrier, president and chief executive officer for BorgWarner. “Driven by Brazil’s INOVAR-AUTO regulations, BorgWarner supports customers with fast-to-market solutions and introduces new technologies precisely tailored to the needs of the market.”

BorgWarner’s campus in Itatiba City is strategically located close to major development regions, only 80 km northwest of São Paulo. The new engineering center features two engine test stands to quickly develop and validate new technologies locally to meet the unique specifications of the Brazilian market.

For example, BorgWarner’s turbocharging technologies are optimized for flex fuel engines that use Brazilian fuel containing either 20-25 percent ethanol or 100 percent ethanol. With the ability to further expand its testing capabilities with up to four engine test benches in the future, the new engineering center is another important element of BorgWarner’s efforts to provide fuel- efficient technologies that reduce emissions and enhance performance for vehicles around the globe, according to the company.