The Aerodynamic Development of the New BREZZA and FRONX

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">MSIL (Maruti Suzuki India Limited), India’s leading carmaker, has various SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) in its model lineup. Traditionally, SUVs are considered to have a bold on-road presence and this bold design language often deteriorates aerodynamic drag performance. Over the years, the demand for this segment has significantly grown, whereas the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) norms have become more stringent. To cater this growing market demand, MSIL planned for two new SUVs: (1) New BREZZA - A bolder design with similar targeted aerodynamic performance compared to its predecessor (BREZZA-2016) and (2) FRONX - A new cross-over SUV vehicle targeted best-in-class aerodynamic performance in this category at MSIL. This paper illustrates the aerodynamic development process for these two SUVs using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and full scale WTT (Wind Tunnel Test). During the initial stages, the bolder design of the New BREZZA (2022) deteriorated the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle. Styling exterior surface modifications and addition of new aero parts facilitated the recovery of aerodynamic drag performance. The front & rear bumper corners, roof end spoiler profile, rear quarter glass edging, slits on fender lining and air-dam on rear bumper helped in air flow attachment. In FRONX, the styling design language had been created by considering ambitious aerodynamic performance requirements. The aerodynamic silhouette consisting of hood-windshield transition, roof lining, optimized backdoor spoiler, side body profile etc. along with underbody aero-parts like underbody covers, strakes and central air-dam improved the aerodynamic efficiency in FRONX by 11% with respect to base model BREZZA-2016. To achieve this improvement in aerodynamic drag values, major technical counter measures in external shape and addition of aero parts while retaining the SUV styling image were done. This paper illustrates how these changes were realized in the aerodynamic development process and the corresponding air flow phenomenon.</div></div>