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Old 08-13-2011, 01:25 PM   #34 (permalink)
aerohead
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GM

Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
I have also seen it in reference to the Lexus sedan, but not 0.08!



(The air suspension drops the car 1 inch at highway speeds.)

Source: 2006 Lexus LS430 Reviews, Road Tests, & 2006 Lexus LS430 Test Drives

There is an article in Mechanical Engineering Magazine about the GM PNGV Precept of 1999.In the article they report that ground clearance has a definite effect on Cd.
If you look at this year's Leaf and Leaf NISMO racing car,on the racing version they chose to lower the car.
I haven't finished my 'look' at the two cars,but the change in fineness ratio between the two cars is remarkable.
And if you'll remember,this is one of the most important criteria Hucho mentions for low drag.
Lowering adds effective 'length' to any vehicle,increasing its L/H ratio.
PS Check out the roofline on both cars.You'll see something familiar.
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