“Aerodynamic development has yielded significant improvements in fuel efficiency across the full line of Ford vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “Full-size trucks, family-friendly utilities, and cars in each segment add fuel economy from careful attention to aerodynamic details.”
For instance optimized airflow over, under and around Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid is achieved with the help of revised front and rear fascias, front and rear tire shields, an underbody shield and optimized cooling air flow into the engine compartment.
The subcompact Ford Fiesta is available with a Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package that features cruise control, low rolling-resistance tires and several additions to enhance vehicle aerodynamics, such as underbody shields, side air deflectors and lower grille blockers.
The all-new Ford Focus four-door sedan is also available with an SFE package. Moreover, low rolling-resistance tires combine with a rear decklid spoiler and aerodynamically optimized wheel covers.
“A unique feature shared by Fiesta and Focus SFE models is that both vehicles rely on aerodynamic optimizations and an advanced six-speed automatic transmission to deliver superior fuel efficiency, whereas competitive models often force a driver to choose a manual transmission to achieve the highest fuel economy,” Ford explains.
Also, Focus four-door models feature an innovative system to improve vehicle aerodynamics – and fuel efficiency – at cruising speeds. The active grille shutter system will open grille slats when extra engine cooling air is required, such as low-speed stop-and-go driving. When cruising on the highway at steady speeds, the grille slats automatically close to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. According to Ford, the active grille shutter technology will migrate to other Ford nameplates.
A brief video discussing how an aerodynamic body shape enhances fuel efficiency and reduces wind noise can be watched below:
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