Mezzo Technologies and Andretti AutoSport Win 2010 BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The 44th annual BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award has been awarded to engineers Charles Becnel, Patrick Luke and Christophe Marques from Mezzo Technologies and Tino Belli from Andretti AutoSport for developing the Mezzo MicroChannel Radiator. Designed to fit in the same space and use the same connectors as existing radiators, the Mezzo MicroChannel Radiator significantly reduces coolant temperature with reliable, robust performance. Earlier this year, the IndyCar Series approved the technology for use by all teams.

Increased cooling capacity results in better engine performance and greater horsepower. Unlike conventional radiators that rely on fin designs to transfer heat, the Mezzo MicroChannel Radiator uses nearly five miles of stainless steel micro tubes measuring less than 0.5 mm (1/50 of an inch) in diameter to reduce engine temperatures up to 8 degrees C (14 degrees F). A corrugated arrangement also increases heat transfer while keeping pressure losses low. Developed by Mezzo Technologies in close cooperation with Andretti AutoSport, the innovation achieved significant results in scale models, wind tunnel testing and in IndyCar. The technology is now being evaluated by other race series as well as the aviation industry.

Presented to engineers by engineers, the Louis Schwitzer Award rewards individuals with the courage and passion to explore and develop new concepts in racing technology. BorgWarner sponsors this prestigious $10,000 award, which is presented by the Indiana Section of SAE International. The winners' names are added to the Schwitzer trophy on permanent display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

The award was initiated in 1967 to recognize a true automotive pioneer. The winner of the first auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in 1909, Louis Schwitzer's fame came not as a professional race car driver, but as an automotive engineer. After working in the automotive industry for many years, Louis founded the Schwitzer Corporation, which produced innovative cooling fans, water pumps and turbochargers. The Schwitzer Corporation joined BorgWarner in 1999. Throughout his career, Louis enjoyed numerous technological accomplishments, supported higher education, led the IMS technical committee for many years and maintained a strong association with SAE.

Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 61 locations in 19 countries. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA, and MAN. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com.  

SOURCE BorgWarner Inc.