NGTC Engine

[AndySpeed]

Is it particularly prone to overheating? Not only have we seen several engine failures in its first season, but it seems that the Vectra's of Jordan and Pinkney which run it have a substantially increased number of vents at the front.

Compare the following two images for example. The first has is a '09 Vectra (http://www.touring-cars.net/wpg2-2?g2_itemId=945) which even has the front grill sealed. The second shows Jordan's '10 Vectra (http://www.touring-cars.net/wpg2-2?g2_itemId=2304) with a large vent in the centre middle, an open grille and even bonnet vents.

I know it's turbocharged but that doesn't make that much difference does it?

[VkmSpouge]

Well the new Toyota Avensis is drawn with the vents so clearly they are needed.
Interestingly I can't see any new vents in the SEAT Leon, Phil Glew drove at Silverstone with the NGTC engine but maybe that's because it was designed with a turbo diesel engine in mind?

[AndySpeed]

The number of vents reminds me of the look of the Ford Seirra's from the late 80's actually. Must be down to the turbo's then?

[Eurotech]

Yeah the turbos require extra cooling. Thats why the TDI SEATs had loads of vents in the front and the same for the Vectras. I'm not sure how AON got past the problem though cos they don't seem to have the huge vents.....

[Spyder]

The cooler you can keep a turbo the more efficient it is. It is why a lot of truck turbos have an intercooler.
A decrease in air intake temperature provides a more dense intake charge to the engine and allows more air and fuel to burn per engine cycle, increasing the output of the engine.

[longob]

Spider has just said it right. The cooler the turbo is the more effective it is. But this is quite hard thing to do. Some uses customized hood to put much bigger cooler.