Grille - Definition and Overview

In automotive engineering, a grille is an opening in the bodywork of a vehicle to allow air to enter. Most vehicles feature a grille at the front of the vehicle to allow air to flow over the radiator and cool the engine compartment. Others common grille locations include below the front bumper, in front of the wheels (to cool the brakes), or on the rear deck lid (in rear engine vehicles).

The grille is often a distinctive styling element, and many marques use it as their primary brand identifier. For example, Jeep has trademarked their seven-bar grille style. Rolls-Royce is famous for arranging their grille bars by hand to ensure that they appear perfectly vertical. Other makers known for their grille styling include Bugatti's horse-collar, BMW's split kidney, and Audi's new through-the-bumper style.