mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Chevrolet Flowtie

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.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Flowtie Info Graphic

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:

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.