The Flowtie is a GM aerodynamics feature/technolgoy that provides better aerodynamic and cooling properties. It is essentially the traditional bowtie, but with the center removed – leaving only the chrome outline.
Origins
In developing the 2014 Camaro Z/28, engineers scrutinized every component when looking for ways to improve track performance, lap after lap, with even the iconic Chevrolet bowtie facing being audited.
During aerodynamics testing, Powertrain Cooling Development engineer Richard Quinn noticed that the bowtie on the Z/28’s grill was displacing air away from the radiator, which can impact engine cooling – an important aspect for all vehicles, especially track-oriented cars.
Removing the bowtie altogether didn’t seem to be an appropriate solution. Instead, Quinn took a cut-off wheel to the gold fill of the bowtie, cutting out the center and leaving the silver outline intact. He installed the prototype on the grill and retested to see the results.
This simple solution alone was enough to allow three additional cubic meters of air into the engine per minute, while dropping engine coolant and engine oil temperatures by 2°F (1.2°C) during extended track sessions.
The modified bow tie logo was affectionately labeled “Flowtie” by engineers.
Applications
The Chevy Flowtie is currently or has been used on the following Chevrolet vehicles:
- 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (introduction model)
- 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- 2019 Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty:
- 2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS
- 2019 and 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison: features a different kind of flow-tie, with the word “CHEVROLET” spelled out across the grille and each letter having flow-through properties
- 2021 and 2022 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: features a similar kind of flow-tie to the 2019, with the word “Chevrolet” spelled out, adopting the grille treatment from the 2019 and 2020 Colorado ZR2 Bison
- 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2: features a unique application of the flowtie, with red trim on the inside portions of the logo
- Chevy Beast / Off-Road Concept: features the same flowtie with red outline as 2022 Silverado ZR2