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Counterflow heat exchangers are most effective when both fluids have large temperature changes as they pass through the heat exchanger. Automotive cooling systems have relatively small temperature change on the water side, therefore counterflow has small benefit.
If you have the space to make air flow as shown, then you have the room to make the radiator thicker. The air will then go through as in existing radiators, but come out closer to the water temperature. If, that is, the air flow is reduced to the minimum with a properly designed grille block.
There is an excellent book that covers this subject: Compact Head Exchangers, by Kays and London.
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06 Canyon: The vacuum gauge plus wheel covers helped increase summer 2015 mileage to 38.5 MPG, while summer 2016 mileage was 38.6 MPG without the wheel covers. Drove 33,021 miles 2016-2018 at 35.00 MPG.
22 Maverick: Summer 2022 burned 62.74 gallons in 3145.1 miles for 50.1 MPG. Winter 2023-2024 - 2416.7 miles, 58.66 gallons for 41 MPG.
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