Has anyone noticed that the newer vehicles are using honeycomb grills that imitate a perforated grille? I've noticed this on newer dodge trucks and dodge vehicles.
Quote:
Some trucks achieve a similar result by using a thermostat to control the opening of the grille slats ahead of the radiator.
At low temperatures the grill opening is small and at higher temperatures the opening change to allow more airflow.
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This is the stuff auto manufacturers need to start doing and shutting their mouths about the 35mpg fleet average they have to meet. Couldn't they just make one that is controlled by air so the electrical system doesn't have to work so much? it's open whenever your at low speeds, but go fast enough and the flaps are caused to lift up from the force of air and cover the grille openings.
Basically, there are flaps that lay down on the front bumper on hinges, and is bent at the tip at an angle. At slow speeds, they stay down, but when you go fast enough air is forced under the flaps because the bend at the tip is at an upward angle. The air being forced under it lifts the flap into the air, and is pressed up against the grille opening until you have to stop, where they fall back down onto the front bumper.
Maybe not the best idea, but it's a start.