Aisin and Toyota have co-developed 'Movable Front Spats,' which have been adopted for the first time in the new RAV4 (North American spec). The technology automatically deploys at high speeds to reduce air resistance and improve fuel efficiency.
Aisin Corporation (Headquarters: Kariya, Aichi; President: Moritaka Yoshida) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Headquarters: Toyota, Aichi; President: Kenta Kon) have co-developed 'Movable Front Spats,' which have been adopted for the first time in the new Toyota RAV4 (North American specification).
Front spats are products installed at the lower part of the front bumper, in front of the tires, to reduce air resistance and contribute to improved fuel efficiency by rectifying the airflow hitting the tires during driving.
Conventional front spats were fixed to the vehicle, and because they needed to maintain a certain height to avoid interference with the road surface, there were limits to the reduction of air resistance. The newly developed and adopted 'Movable Front Spats' automatically retract and deploy according to driving speed. By retracting at a stop or during low-speed driving, ground clearance and off-road capability are ensured. During high-speed driving, they deploy using a unique link structure to maximize the rectification effect of the air hitting the tires, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and extended driving range.
Aisin will continue to promote technical development that improves the environment and society, realizing its management philosophy: 'Inspiring Movement, Creating Tomorrow.'
Airflow when retracted
Airflow when deployed
'Movable Front Spats'
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product
FAQ
What are Aisin's Movable Front Spats and which vehicle has adopted them for the first time?
Aisin's Movable Front Spats are aerodynamic devices installed at the lower front bumper, in front of the tires, to reduce air resistance and improve fuel efficiency. They have been adopted for the first time in the new Toyota RAV4 North American specification.
How do Movable Front Spats differ from conventional fixed front spats on vehicles?
Unlike conventional fixed front spats, which are limited in air resistance reduction because they must maintain a fixed height to avoid road surface interference, Movable Front Spats automatically retract and deploy based on driving speed, enabling greater aerodynamic benefit.
How do Movable Front Spats function at low speed versus high speed?
At a stop or during low-speed driving, the Movable Front Spats automatically retract to ensure ground clearance and off-road capability. During high-speed driving, they deploy via a unique link structure to maximize tire airflow rectification and improve fuel efficiency.
Which two companies co-developed the Movable Front Spats featured in the new Toyota RAV4?
Aisin Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi, under President Moritaka Yoshida, and Toyota Motor Corporation, headquartered in Toyota, Aichi, under President Kenta Kon, jointly co-developed the Movable Front Spats.
What is Aisin Corporation's stated management philosophy guiding its technical development efforts?
Aisin Corporation's management philosophy is 'Inspiring Movement, Creating Tomorrow,' which the company says guides its ongoing technical development aimed at improving the environment and society through innovations like the Movable Front Spats.