Toyota FCV concept - an odd car aerodynamically

[kach22i]

The profile is somewhat promising, but the large mouth bass front is puzzling.

Do they need massive cooling for hydrogen cars?

Image: Toyota FCV concept, 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, size: 1024 x 682, type: gif, posted on: November 20, 2013, 5:46 pm - Green Car Reports


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I haven't found the Cd of this car, sort of afraid to ask.

It's the rear which counts, right?

[NeilBlanchard]

I had not noticed the side view mirrors being integrated. The front grill looks bad, and it can't be good for low drag. I don't think that fuel cells have a particular need to shed heat - but they have a half a dozen HUGE hurdles to get over; so it is probably a moot point.

[jeff88]

It's a very interesting car. Definitely a concept/prototype car. Not fully developed and sole purpose is to provide guidance and understanding for future production vehicle designs.

I'm wondering if the little black area below the integrated mirror on the profile, just ahead of the door is an air escape for the engine bay air? If it is, would that be good for aerodynamics, or would that disrupt the flow around the car?

I'm certainly not a fan of the front end looking like it hit a wall (aerodynamically and aesthetically, speaking).

[aerohead]

I've made zero effort to be acquainted with current hydrogen technology,so I'm worthless on that one.
The side elevation looks okay.
Without an extreme closeup of the nose,it's hard to know how 'porous' the grille area is.It may actually allow only little air to pass through.
The outboard areas,if followed by some body camber will still have attached flow,as they'd be in a favorable pressure gradient.
It doesn't have the 'bubbly' appearance of which the 2014 Tundra was pilloried for,having to undergo some 'man-it-up' squaring so as not to scare off potential buyers.
The raised hood may have to do with the latest pedestrian safety regulations.Don't know.

[some_other_dave]

I'm thinking it is mostly a styling exercise anyway.

-soD

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by kach22i

Do they need massive cooling for hydrogen cars?

The batteries would still require cooling, but since it has a fuel-cell, there is still a combustion process requiring air

[RedDevil]

Remember the Honda FCX Clarity ?

That turned out to be the mould to form the Gen 2 Insight.

So you'd better love that FCV Concept monster - it is what the next gen Prius will look like

[Xist]

Originally Posted by aerohead

Without an extreme closeup of the nose,it's hard to know how 'porous' the grille area is.It may actually allow only little air to pass through.

Well, even if the the entire thing is blocked off, if the front is a maze, wouldn't that make it less aerodynamic?

[NeilBlanchard]

I think the grill is overcompensating ...

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Xist

Well, even if the the entire thing is blocked off, if the front is a maze, wouldn't that make it less aerodynamic?

If it's all just a styling statement,with zero porosity,stagnant air will simply pool inside all the maze elements and the equipotential inviscid outer flow will simply skip over it,cutting a b-line around and over the growing turbulent boundary layer,just as with dimples on a golf ball.
As long as the leading edge radii are sufficient to maintain attachment,the zero-yaw drag shouldn't be impacted.
In a crosswind gust,the sharp side edges could help control sudden yawing moments.
From a marketing perspective,the 'bold','masculine' look might counteract some fear by potential customers of 'effeminate' features threatening their testosterone levels.(Autospontaneoustesticularatrophobia)