Of late, I've seen a number of very late model cars with what looks like a
wedge moulded into the headlight lens cover. I've seen these on various
Honda models, notably the Fit. The wedge is about the size of a box of
matches and is aligned with its blunt edge facing forward. I've wondered if it
could be aero related.
While looking through some Nissan Leaf info I found these tidbits:
... The design appears successful as the upright stance affords a spacious
interior with plenty of room for at least four people. Aerodynamics were not
overlooked though as the LEAF has a smooth underbody, a unique headlight
design that manages airflow around the front of the vehicle and a smooth
front end with a unique logo that hides the charging port... Source
... The headlights are more compelling, bulging out from the fenders more
than some concepts displayed on the auto show circuit every year.
Predictably, they serve a functional purpose. When Nissan was testing the
Leaf, they noticed a fair amount of wind noise coming off the side mirrors.
And with any EV, exterior noise is amplified due to the lack of racket
emanating from under-hood. So the lights were redesigned to split the air
leading towards the mirrors, eliminating buffeting and drawing a clear line
through the atmosphere... Source
Here are some shots of the Leaf's headlights (Click to enlarge):
Good golly, Miss Molly!
Severely fugly, but they are an aero feature...
not some EMF-hyped autonomous blob squeezing
its way out of the engine bay.
It would be rewarding to do some tuft testing on a
Leaf to see what's happening.
Absent that, is this something that might add a few points to Cd and MPGs?
I guess you have to do some tuft testing to trace the airflow around a
vehicle's side mirrors forward to the headlight area.
Then would come the question of how the DIY version should be shaped...
wouldn't it be nice if it were some portion of a cast off water/soda bottle!
For tuft testing purposes, shapes could be temporarily held in place with just
about any kind of tape.
Any thoughts/comments...
thumbs up
thumbs down
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