We’ve been gawping at the new Ford Focus, taking it for its very first test drive on British roads. But the biggest surprise wasn’t the mind-boggling about of gadgetry behind the wheel, it was behind the grille: Ford’s new family runaround uses “active shutters”, but no, they’re not there to make the new Focus 3D capable.
Instead, these shutters stop cold air entering the Ford Focus’ engine on cold days. Ford says it lets the motor heat up quicker, getting to optimal operating temperature before the shutters are opened means it runs more efficiently, and can warm up the car’s interior quicker too.
We might be kissing goodbye to a bitterly cold British winter, but Ford’s already thinking of the next one, with an Active Grille Shutter that can vary between 16 different positions, to open precisely the right amount.
Not advanced enough for you? Take a look at the all-new Ford Focus Electric
And the result isn’t just a more efficient engine or a warmer cabin. The Active Grille Shutter system dramatically alters the aerodynamics of the new Ford Focus, and when it’s shut Ford says there’s a 2% reduction in CO2 emissions because of it.
Ford Focus models packing Active Grille Shutter technology will begin rolling off production lines in March.
