BorgWarner Dual-Clutch Technology Shifts Into High Gear on BMW M3

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 9, 2008 - BorgWarner will supply its DualTronic(R) clutch module for the 7-speed "M double-clutch transmission (DCT) Drivelogic" in the BMW M3, recently launched in Europe, the United States and other markets worldwide.

"BorgWarner's dual-clutch technology enables fast shifts and powerful launches, providing the precise response and lightning acceleration BMW drivers crave," said Dr. Bernd Matthes, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems. "Add the bonus of better fuel economy, and this automatic transmission creates a truly exciting and dynamic driving experience."

The BorgWarner DualTronic(R) clutch module is a critical component in the BMW M DCT Drivelogic developed and manufactured by GETRAG. The transmission is the world's first dual clutch transmission designed for conventional RWD inline vehicle configurations and was developed to match BMW's highest performance vehicles. The same transmission will later be used in other BMW 3-series vehicles.

With engine torque capacity of 600 Nm and engine speed capability to 9,000 RPM, the M DCT Drivelogic boosts the M3's 0-100 Km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration by 0.2 seconds over a standard manual gearbox. Potential fuel economy gains are 4% - 10% when compared with a traditional automatic transmission. A leader in the globalization of dual-clutch transmission technology for ten years, BorgWarner's family of DualTronic(R) technologies combines the efficiency of a manual gearbox with the functionality of a fully automatic transmission, delivering seamless powerflow, improved fuel efficiency and a fun-to-drive experience. Customers include VW, Audi, Bugatti, SAIC, Nissan and GETRAG PowerShift(R) dual-clutch transmission programs with five additional global automakers including BMW.

In addition, BorgWarner is currently working on over 25 programs with transmission and vehicle makers around the world. Supported by manufacturing capacity at its facilities in the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, China and Mexico, BorgWarner expects to quadruple production of its dual-clutch technology over the next six years to 2.5 million dual-clutch transmission applications per year at full-launch of announced programs.