Ford has announced that the 2015 F-150 will feature air curtains to reduce wind drag. The air curtain technology was first used on the Ford Mustang, and allows air to flow through a vent underneath the headlamps and out around the wheel. The air curtains will help the F-150 become more fuel efficient, with an EPA-estimated rating of 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, according to the company.
“With the new F-150, an extensive amount of time was spent running aerodynamic simulations and doing wind tunnel tests,” said Rob Lietz, Ford technical expert in applied computational fluid dynamics. “Major advances in our computational fluid dynamics capability let us quickly see how we could improve airflow while maintaining the tough truck looks expected from F-150.”
According to the company, other F-150 aerodynamic efficiency improvements include:
- Flush-mounted windshield eliminates need for molding that would disrupt smooth airflow;
- Tailgate top is designed to act as a spoiler, giving air that flows off the roof a place to land before smoothly trailing off – reducing turbulence behind the truck;
- Cargo box is narrower than the cab, with no reduction in box volume, which enhances airflow, while a trim piece prevents air from getting trapped between cab and box;
- Rear corners including tail lamps are precisely angled so air breaks off cleanly – reducing turbulence behind the truck; and
- Duct under headlamp channels air through to the wheelhousing and reduces the wake generated from the wheel.
For more information, visit Ford’s website.
