
<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 23.1




INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements Nos.
33-92430 and 33-75568 on Form S-8 of Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. of our
report dated June 26, 1996, appearing in this annual report on Form 11-K of the
Ithaca Retirement Savings Plan ("IRSP") for the year ended December 31, 1995.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
- -------------------------
    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Chicago, Illinois
June 26, 1996

