Unless you’re a powertrain engineer or someone who is working on
vehicle packaging, chances are you don’t think a whole lot about
radiators, especially as they’ve been around a long, long time
(attributed to Karl Benz, 1844-1929—yes, “Benz” as in
“Mercedes”). But regardless, chances are you’ll find this to be
somewhat remarkable: Denso Corp. has developed a radiator that
is 40% smaller and lighter than its own previous comparable
model. Whereas the other one is 27-mm wide, this new one—which
is being used in the new Lexus GS—is just 16-mm wide. What’s
more, it is more efficient due to a modified fin design, a 10%
improvement in heat radiation. Said Akio Shikamura, senior
executive director of Denso’s Thermal Systems Business Group,
“The radiator’s reduced size translates into greater design
flexibility for installation in the engine compartment. This
also helps make the vehicle safer in the event of a frontal
collision because the reduced size allows for a larger impact or
crash zone.” In addition to which, t