Attention to Detail, Attention to Aerodynamics – The 2018 GMC Terrain

The 2018 GMC Terrain is built to do a big job, providing a spacious perch for up to five people. The trick is to continue to provide spaciousness without sacrificing at the gas pump. To do that, GMC engineers concentrated on aerodynamics.

Like molding a Wilson football, the key was to determine the best shape. Of course, there are many more factors at play with a vehicle than a ball, but GMC engineers were up to the challenge. Each aspect had to be considered, including the positioning of the mirrors, the angle of the hood, the rake of the windshield and the placement of the roof rails.

To maintain the size and cargo space that the 2018 GMC Terrain provides, engineers had to work within the confines of a certain height, length and weight. To determine the best shape, the Terrain spent more than 300 hours undergoing tests in a wind tunnel. These efforts allowed the engineers to determine the best surface of every element from the grille up front to the spoiler in the back. Nips, tucks and lines all serve the central goal of wind flow.

Terrains have the lifted stance necessary to a true sport utility vehicle. This was also an obstacle as the engineers sought ways to reduce drag. Terrain aerodynamicists utilized testing and computer simulation as they crafted underbody elements to guide air to the back of the Terrain.

Styling was taken into consideration as well. Designers have a certain vision for the Terrain that had to be maintained as engineers worked to reduce wind resistance. The resulting style maintains the Terrain’s athletic good looks.

Active aero shutters do a special job, taking air flow into the engine for cooling or shutting it out where it will flow around the vehicle. With changes made to the vehicle body, this flow is unencumbered in its path either over or under the car.

The right aerodynamics are essential to good gas mileage. In this case, engineers were able to raise the EPA estimates by three miles per gallon on the all-wheel drive Terrain editions. At 26 mpg combined, the Terrain is moving families away from fuel dependence,.

There are three turbocharged engines. The two gas engines are matched with an efficiency-enhancing nine-speed automatic. A new turbo diesel is now on the menu. GMC uses stop-start technology to further reduce fuel waste. It halts the throttle at red lights and continues when the driver lifts their foot from the brake pedal.