Breadvan_update_060: front end design

Front end design

For our Breadvan Hommage we are currently exploring the possibilities of having a see-through bonnet scoop, or hood scoop integrated on the top of the bonnet. Sometimes these known as airdam. These intakes are a upraised component installed on the hood of a car. As the original Breadvan had one, we are considering to install one on our Breadvan Hommage too. The bonnet scoop allows a flow of air to directly enter the engine compartment. This was much needed for the original Breadvan. For our car the flow of air is needed mainly to cool the engine down. However, most bonnet scoops only have one opening and are closed on all other sides. The main function is to allow a direct flow of air to the engine. This is why there is a the need for it to be upraised. To effectively channel air to the engine compartment.

Front end design

In some case the airdam is purely stylistic. The grilles on the front of many modern cars are closed. For example, air dams like those on the MINI Cooper are fake. They are decorative and do not enhance performance in any way. If we are not able to technically improve the engine airflow or cooling by the bonnet scoop we will not install it on the Breadvan Hommage. Hood scoop functions are different. Most of the times the scoops are there for cool air. In most modern vehicles the combustion engines “breathe” via air ducted from under the front bumper. For instance, this air goes through plastic tubing towards the engine. The high operating temperatures in the engine compartment result in intake air that warmer than the ambient temperature. Because of that it is less dense. A hood scoop can provide the engine with cooler outside air, increasing power.

Form follows function

The V12 engine in the Breadvan Hommage is naturally aspirated. Therefore, it does not have turbochargers or superchargers. Sometimes these engines in the front end design are equipped with top mounted intercoolers to reduce the temperature. As a result, this increases the density of the high-pressure air produced by the compressor. Although our car does not feature an supercharger, channelling outside air to the engine bay increases its effectiveness. Consequently, it will provide an improvement in power. To be effective, our functional scoop must be located at a high-pressure area on the hood. So, if we decide to go for an airdam it will be located at the rear of the hood. To clarify, the curvature of the windshield creates a high-pressure zone. Installing it like this means we can see the engine through the airdam and make it functional too.