View Single Post
Old 08-19-2008, 01:40 PM   #1 (permalink)
MetroMPG
Captain Slow
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 6,315

Blackfly - '98 Metro
90 day: 78.69 mpg (US)

ForkenSwift - '92 Metro EV
90 day: 128.28 mpg (US)
Video: discussion of several GM Volt aero features

Most interesting to me, the designer addresses a nagging unresolved question I've had for a long time: what's better, a sharp corner on the side-to-rear transition, or a curve?

Also talks about grille blocking, mirror design, front radii, etc.



And a photo of the rear quarter corner with the crease to promote flow separation there:



Source: ABG Volt gallery

Here's what the designer had to say about that design feature, from the vid:

Quote:
I want to point out the little rear "vertical fin element", I call it, on the production Volt.

Now, air wants to stay attached to the car, but it has to leave the car at some point. And when it does, it needs to leave very quickly. So we want to put an aerodynamic trip device back there so when it leaves the car it separates cleanly and quickly, and doesn't send turbulence into the vehicle's wake.


(Support Ecomodder.com & get rid of these annoying ads!)      
 
__________________
Latest test: Airtabs on a minivan, A-B-A
Latest mod project:
designing/building front wheel skirts (Geo Metro)





www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote