BorgWarner’s pressure sensor glow plugs to go on VW’s new MDB 1.4, 1.6, 2.0 diesel engines

BorgWarner has announced that it is supplying its innovative pressure sensor glow plug (PSG) for Volkswagen’s all-new diesel engines starting with the 1.4-litre version and then adding the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre versions later this year.

Based on the new modular diesel engine system (MDB), the fuel-efficient, low-emission engines offer power ratings ranging from 55 kW (74hp) to 140 kW (188hp) and have been selected to be installed in several vehicles from VW, Audi, Seat and Škoda to meet Euro 6 emissions standards.

“BorgWarner’s advanced diesel cold-start technology contributes significantly to a cleaner combustion process,” said Brady Ericson, president and general manager, BorgWarner Emissions Systems. “BorgWarner is the first manufacturer to produce the PSG in series production. We are pleased to assist the Volkswagen Group in achieving its ambitious targets for powertrain optimization, reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.”

As one of the key components on the new MDB diesel engines, BorgWarner’s PSG combines a highly efficient glow plug to improve diesel engine cold starts with an integrated pressure sensor to improve engine efficiency. The sensor measures the rapidly changing cylinder pressure in the combustion chamber and reports the data to the engine control unit, establishing closed-loop control of engine pressure that allows the engine controller to continuously adapt fuel injection for each cylinder. Featuring a robust steel heating rod and a piezo-resistive sensor, the PSG allows improved engine performance and efficiency.

In addition to its PSG, BorgWarner supplies turbocharging technologies for the MDB as well.