Abstract: A method of increasing operating efficiency of a powertrain includes unrestricting a grille opening by fully opening a shutter at or below a first predetermined vehicle speed, and turning a fan off. The method also includes unrestricting the grille opening by fully opening the shutter above the first predetermined vehicle speed and at or below a second predetermined vehicle speed under a high powertrain cooling load, and turning the fan on. The method additionally includes partially restricting the grille opening above the second predetermined vehicle speed via an intermediate position of the shutter, and turning the fan off. A specific size of the fan together with the selected positions for the shutter at the respective vehicle speeds provides sufficient airflow through the grille opening to cool the powertrain, and provides increased powertrain operating efficiency. A system for increasing operating efficiency of a powertrain and a vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: A method of increasing operating efficiency of a powertrain includes unrestricting a grille opening by fully opening a shutter at or below a first predetermined vehicle speed, and turning a fan off. The method also includes unrestricting the grille opening by fully opening the shutter above the first predetermined vehicle speed and at or below a second predetermined vehicle speed under a high powertrain cooling load, and turning the fan on. The method additionally includes partially restricting the grille opening above the second predetermined vehicle speed via an intermediate position of the shutter, and turning the fan off. A specific size of the fan together with the selected positions for the shutter at the respective vehicle speeds provides sufficient airflow through the grille opening to cool the powertrain, and provides increased powertrain operating efficiency. A system for increasing operating efficiency of a powertrain and a vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: A passenger motor vehicle has a spoiler arrangement in the rear area which is formed by a flap integrated into the vehicle body. The flap is movable by an adjusting device from an inoperative position extending approximately flush with the vehicle body shell into a moved-out, operative position, and vice versa. When the spoiled arrangement is in its moved-in, inoperative position, a continuous smooth-surface transition is thereby achieved between the flap and the adjacent body. In the moved-out, operative position, a defined breaking away of the air current passing the fast back is ensured. The spoiler arrangement also has an air current breakaway element which is constructed separately from the flap. The element extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, in the operative position of the spoiler arrangement, the element extends adjacent to a rear edge of the flap.