Getting Smarter About Aerodynamics
Most cars get aerodynamic add-ons for one of two reasons: performance or efficiency. Sports cars use splitters, wings, and diffusers to stay glued to the road at speed. But for hybrids and EVs, it’s all about squeezing out more range by cutting drag wherever possible.
Apparently, one of the latest vehicles to receive an active aerodynamic trick is also one of the world’s best-selling SUVs: the new-generation Toyota RAV4.
Hidden under the RAV4’s front bumper is a small but clever setup called Active Front Spats, developed by Toyota and Aisin. They look like simple panels in front of the tires, but their job is to manage airflow around the wheels – one of the trickiest spots for aerodynamics on any car.
Aisin
The Aero Bits Hide Themselves Until They’re Needed
The concept isn’t new – front air spats have been around on fuel-saver cars for a while. The catch is that SUVs need more ground clearance, so big fixed spats aren’t practical. Toyota’s answer for the RAV4? Make them move instead of keeping them fixed.
According to Aisin, the Active Front Spats automatically retract and deploy depending on vehicle speed. At low speeds or while stopped, the spats stay tucked behind the bumper. That helps preserve ground clearance and approach angles, which matter more in urban bumps or light off-road situations.
When you pick up speed, the system drops the spats down using a special linkage. With the panels out, airflow around the front wheels is tidied up, helping cut drag.
It might seem like a small thing, but air swirling around spinning tires is messy business. Controlling that flow can actually make a real difference in efficiency, especially for taller SUVs that fight more wind than sedans.
Active aero like this is showing up more in sports cars and EVs, but seeing it on a mainstream SUV like the all-hybrid RAV4 is a sign of where things are headed. Carmakers are now chasing every little efficiency gain, not just bigger batteries or engine tweaks.
Aisin
For Now, It’s Only Available On North American Models
Aisin confirmed that the Active Front Spats make their production debut on the North American-spec Toyota RAV4. There’s no word yet on whether other markets will receive the same system, or if it’ll eventually spread across Toyota’s SUV lineup.
It’s the kind of advanced feature most owners won’t even spot unless they’re peeking under the bumper. But it shows how even everyday SUVs are adopting tech once reserved for performance cars.
Toyota
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