Wheel well openings?

[metroplex]

I noticed on the 2016-up Explorers that there's a through-hole on the front fenders that lead into the front wheel wells. Is this for aero drag reduction or cooling of the brakes/tires?

I also noticed that there seems to be a removable flap on the front of the wheel wells. Are these removed on the Sports or are they for something else? It seems that opening would assist in brake cooling as well.

The rear wheel wells seem to have punch outs.

 

[Mlarv5]

I have a flap on my 17. I pretty sure it leads in behind the headlights. As for the other opening you are talking about, I doubt it is there to cool the brakes I am betting it is aerodynamic

 

[omar302]

They are called aero curtains. Though these links are for the Edge & F-150, it is the same on the Explorer:

How Air Curtains on F-150 Help Reduce Aerodynamic Drag and Aid Fuel Efficiency | Ford Media Center

 

[metroplex]

Thank you!! I knew it was to direct airflow but wasn't sure why.

I looked at some of the Sports and they have the same flap in the wheel well. I don't have fog lights on my XLT, but would this flap be the access panel for the fog lamp bulbs (if they're not LEDs)??