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Tesla · 09-09-2013, 07:57 PM

Here's a Lexus concept, don't know if they ever went anywhere with it.
Fourwheelsteer: Motoring Writer: Weird Tech: Lexus rear mounted radiator

Without all the considerations of engineering problems,
Is it aerodynamically advantageous to eject hot air into the wake to reduce drag, this being for both cooling system and exhaust?

I have looked at many of the threads trying to nut out ways to recover heat energy and came to the conclusion that this may actually be the best use for it, throw it into the wake, energise the air there, increase pressure and reduce wake drag.

As for radiator sizing, for most vehicles a couple of small heater (or other) cores would be ample to remove enough heat for 80% of running situations, the main radiator can be kept in normal function as a cold ballast and grill block can be opened for those long trips on hot days.

So really, is there any significant aero benefit possible with this idea to warrant spending the time required to overcome the engineering and design issues?

09-09-2013, 07:57 PM	#48 (permalink)
Tesla Master EcoModder Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 355 The Truck - '02 Nissan GU Patrol ST Thanks: 5 Thanked 76 Times in 50 Posts	Here's a Lexus concept, don't know if they ever went anywhere with it. Fourwheelsteer: Motoring Writer: Weird Tech: Lexus rear mounted radiator Without all the considerations of engineering problems, Is it aerodynamically advantageous to eject hot air into the wake to reduce drag, this being for both cooling system and exhaust? I have looked at many of the threads trying to nut out ways to recover heat energy and came to the conclusion that this may actually be the best use for it, throw it into the wake, energise the air there, increase pressure and reduce wake drag. As for radiator sizing, for most vehicles a couple of small heater (or other) cores would be ample to remove enough heat for 80% of running situations, the main radiator can be kept in normal function as a cold ballast and grill block can be opened for those long trips on hot days. So really, is there any significant aero benefit possible with this idea to warrant spending the time required to overcome the engineering and design issues? Last edited by Tesla; 09-09-2013 at 08:03 PM..