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[The designers] achieved the lowest wind drag for a Chevrolet midsize car in the past 100 years.
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Detail optimization removed 60 counts (0.006) from the drag coefficient, making the shape "nearly as efficient" as the Chevrolet Volt .28 Cd.
Some of the improvements, quantified:
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- 11 counts: Outside rearview mirrors are specifically designed to deflect wind without “upsetting” the airflow
- 10 counts: Rounded front corners – from the bottom of the fascia up through the headlamps – help air flow smoothly along the Malibu’s body sides
- Seven counts: Shutters in the lower grill opening on select models open and close automatically to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. This increases cooling airflow to the engine under certain conditions, such as under high engine loads at low speeds, and reduces aerodynamic drag when extra cooling is not needed.
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Those are 28 counts of the total, all of which result in "up to 2.5 miles per gallon more on the highway."
(NOTE: see post #18 for the rest of the modifications, quantified.)
A quote about working within government regs:
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“The Malibu was my first assignment on a truly global program, so I spent a lot of time researching the different standards around the world,” said Bednarchik. “For example, smaller mirrors could improve aerodynamics further, but each global market has requirements for mirror size that must be met.
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Source:
Chevrolet News - United States - News