After all my snarking,
I found this: It may be an improvement over the 2008 model but the fact that one of the new models does the 1/4 mile in 14.4 seconds speaks to the main priorities: more power, lip service to efficiency. The new "improved" Ram has worse aero than the original 1994 version!
Quote:
The cooperative application of aerodynamic science and innovative styling led to aerodynamic improvements on the new Ram that resulted in an estimated coefficient of drag (Cd) of .422 for a crew cab 4x4 model – compared with a Cd of .463 for a 2008 Ram Quad Cab® 4x4 (and .42 for the original 1994 Dodge Ram!). Extensive wind-tunnel testing was conducted to hone the 2009 Dodge Ram’s exterior shape.
The shape of the front grille, hood, and exterior mirrors cuts wind resistance
A subtle circumferential notch near the rear edge of each outside mirror housing causes airflow (and dust or water, when present) to separate from the housing. This also helps keep the door glass clean
An air dam directs air flow around the vehicle to reduce drag, and cool the engine and air conditioning condenser
Full cut-line doors reduce wind noise and drag
A carefully developed curve at the leading edge of the windshield frame reduces drag
A raised lip on the cowl screen directs air flow and water toward the sides of the windshield
The cowl screen smoothes the airflow transition from hood to windshield, reducing turbulence and wind noise
Troughs created by windshield side moldings channel water over the roof rather than around to the side windows
Side windows offset from door frames were minimized to help reduce turbulence and wind noise
Side sills are lowered, extending the attached air flow and eliminating some underbody turbulence
The new front-end module has smaller gaps around head lamps to help aero performance
A large tailgate spoiler integrated into the sheet metal improves aerodynamic flow
Lowered windshield-wiper location improves visibility, as well as reduces wind noise and drag
Flush-fit fog-lamp pockets eliminate drag of fog lamps
Reduced wheel openings help decrease drag
Optimized ride heights provide aerodynamic efficiencies
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All that supposed wind tunnel testing and they
ESTIMATED the Cd? It went from terrible to meh
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Vortex generators are old tech. My new and improved vortex alternators are unstoppable.
"It’s easy to explain how rockets work but explaining the aerodynamics of a wing takes a rocket scientist.
