BorgWarner to supply IndyCar turbochargers

BorgWarner will be the exclusive provider of turbochargers for the Izod IndyCar Series starting in 2012. The deal runs through the 2016 season, and the announcement was made on Friday, days before the 100th anniversary of the first running of the race.

BorgWarner's Engineered for Racing (EFR) turbochargers introduce Gamma titanium-aluminide wheels, stainless-steel turbine housing and ceramic ball bearings. However, given that the EFR turbochargers were originally designed for performance enthusiasts, BorgWarner used weight-reduction techniques and end-housings to ensure racing-quality performance.

IndyCar hasn't allowed turbochargers since its separation from CART in 1996. The league decided to [copy CART/Champ Car in yet another area and] allow turbochargers to generate greater competition and enhance fuel economy.

The 2012 IndyCar engine manufacturers (Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus) can use or single- or twin-turbo arrangements.

BorgWarner has deep ties to IndyCar, and the trophy named for it has been the annual prize for the Indianapolis 500 race since 1936. The nearly five-foot-four-inch-tall sterling-silver trophy has the name, average speed, date of victory and portrait of every winner since 1911. AutoWeek