Automobile engineers are emphasising on the development of fuel saving technologies and this time they are presenting the Active Grille System in order to reduce fuel consumption. But the question is, how a grille can save fuel? Let’s see, how it works…
Active grille has automatic shutters that open and close according to the need and exclusively reduce the aerodynamic drag by controlling the air stream thus improving the fuel economy. They also act to control engine cooling by regulating the air flow into the radiator and engine compartment; reroute the air stream around the vehicle to lessen the aerodynamic drag. In winter season, this system is very handy and reduces the warm-up time.
Ford Mustang Active Grille
This system is in the testing phase yet and installed on several models such as Ford Mustang, and number of models from GM, Chrysler, BMW, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes and Mazda. Ford Says, “the 2015 Ford Mustang with 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine will be equipped with active grille shutters because hard-working turbochargers, need a lot of cooling air fed through the grille”, however the non-turbo models are also using this technology.
Apart from Mustang, Ford is using this technology on numerous vehicles and believes that the number of models will increase gradually in future. Most popular Ford F-150 trucks are also in the list of users. These models are not just enjoying the fuel economy but they are also enjoying the improved aerodynamics from active grille system.
Magna International is the supplier of Grille Shutters and they said,” In fact, there may be even more good reasons to use them on larger vehicles” “Almost every vehicle introduced in upcoming years will have active shutter system. With the development of our Active Grille Shutter, we have been able to swiftly meet automakers’ growing orders for a well-engineered, high-quality system that helps address rising fuel-economy standards and the need to reduce vehicle emissions.”
So, we all knew that Aerodynamics plays a huge role in vehicle efficiency and with the use of active grille shutters; it will reduce aerodynamics air drag. It’s a new term that car buyers should become known with.
