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Old 02-27-2008, 01:43 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Gravity racer gallery - extreme aerodynamics

EDIT: split/copied this post from another thread. Some gorgeous examples of aero engineering from the big auto makers...

----

Some of the big auto mfr's compete every year in "extreme" downhill gravity races - and it's a really big deal for them.


Volvo


Volvo


Lotus


Nissan


Mazda


Audi


GM (Front)


Bentley


VW


Nissan (A winning team)

So ya, it's a big slap in the face. They know how important aerodynamics are - they're using it on downhill races where top speeds are ~50mph IIRC. Yet, bricks come off the assembly lines... Feel free to split this post off if you want...


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Old 02-27-2008, 06:16 PM   #2 (permalink)
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trebuchet03 -

Quote:
Originally Posted by trebuchet03 View Post
But the marketing value for winning is far more valuable. Some of the big auto mfr's compete every year in "extreme" downhill gravity races - and it's a really big deal for them.

...

Bentley

...

So ya, it's a big slap in the face. They know how important aerodynamics are - they're using it on downhill races where top speeds are ~50mph IIRC. Yet, bricks come off the assembly lines... Feel free to split this post off if you want...
From my POV, these events don't "compete" with their bread and butter products.

PS - The Bentley is GORGEOUS!

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Old 02-27-2008, 11:38 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Old 02-28-2008, 12:11 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Old 02-28-2008, 12:43 AM   #5 (permalink)
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Am I the only one that would be scared to death in one of these?
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Old 02-28-2008, 01:04 AM   #6 (permalink)
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Am I the only one that would be scared to death in one of these?
Hell no! Sign me up


Okay, maybe the first Volvo one - but I'm not afraid to wear the rubber suit
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Old 02-28-2008, 02:10 AM   #7 (permalink)
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Old 02-28-2008, 09:42 AM   #8 (permalink)
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Old 02-28-2008, 08:55 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Old 02-28-2008, 10:35 PM   #10 (permalink)
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I'd love to see this event. I assume it's held in California though...
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:57 PM   #11 (permalink)
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I know the aerodynamics are not perfect on this Mazda, but the body and windshield looks so cool.
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Old 03-01-2008, 03:08 PM   #12 (permalink)
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Gravity Racers

Looks like the Solar Challenge sans photovoltaics.Delicious! Thanks for the images!
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Old 03-11-2008, 06:31 PM   #13 (permalink)
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Any, except the Volvo

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Originally Posted by SVOboy View Post
Am I the only one that would be scared to death in one of these?
I'd pilot any of them .... except the Volvo.

Head First ... and they're supposed to be the safety minded car makers?

What's that ole' Hull Length to beam Width Equation?? Bet you find the winner had the best ratio total coupled with perfect mass.
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Old 03-11-2008, 08:53 PM   #14 (permalink)
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http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/...dixon1.583.jpg

Caption~

Roll down your window!
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Old 03-12-2008, 09:29 AM   #15 (permalink)
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I would like to see them do this with production cars in neutral. Then we would know the whole story on who is the slickest.
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Old 03-12-2008, 03:01 PM   #16 (permalink)
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The Bentley is awesome. Their cars look like slightly sculpted houses, but their downhill racer looks like a Buck Rogers spaceship.

(That's Buck Rogers the comic strip, not the gawdawful TV show).
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Old 03-14-2008, 04:23 AM   #17 (permalink)
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Those are unlimited category "soap box" cars. Major firms (Bentley, Lotus, Audi, etc.) put newly hired grad. students on those projects as a baptism by fire. I can't imagine them being too scary, they are piloted by 12-14 year olds.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
I'd love to see this event. I assume it's held in California though...
There are probably several races, but the big one was in England. I forgot exactly what it was called, but it is defunct now.

I'd like to see those things piloted by luge-borders...cajones grande.

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Old 03-14-2008, 06:13 PM   #18 (permalink)
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As a former street luge boarder (back in the mid eighties when it was a fringe sport) these things would be a blast, much safer and no doubt much, much faster. Heck I'd run one of these now - if I could fit in one.

Give me one with every dimension doubled, some suspension and a motor and behold, the perfect $4 a gallon commuter. Gets you to work with a no-caffene rush and a big grin to start the day.
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Old 08-14-2008, 02:23 PM   #19 (permalink)
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Gravity racer designs do not use spoilers, air dams, etc. to correct for aero-inefficiencies.
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Old 08-14-2008, 02:54 PM   #20 (permalink)
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Do the rules stipulate 4 wheels, outboard wheels, or what?

If two wheels work, a modified HPV a la Battle Mountain would surely be best.
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