I was thinking over how that the Mercedes C111 seemed to be the 'perfect' shape aerodynamically, yet the numbers are rather unimpressive when compared to the new Mercedes passenger cars, and even some new cars from Mazda.
Or perhaps, I am looking at it wrong. The Cds on the new cars are so much
more impressive when you compare them to this ideal car.
Just look at the car from all angles and it should be perfect aerodynamically.
A low front end sloping upwards to a windshield curved which tapers back in plan form to a tear drop shape. No wipers or external protrusions. A tiny almost nonexistent grille. Full covered wheels - both front and back, and a curve which matches the aero template perfectly.
By looks alone, this car is a streamlined bullet with all of the right aero tricks. Perfect in fact.
Yet we see that the short tailed version of the car has a Cd of .237 .
By comparison, the new Mercedes has a Cd of .22 despite looking dumpy in comparison.
Does this make anyone else feel as though air is so unpredictable as to make modifying our cars nearly fruitless ?
Not that it would stop me all that much, but it is frustrating never the less.
Imagine taking a car and modifying it by lowering it, removing the mirrors, adding front and rear wheel covers, a blocked grille, a curved windshield, a full belly pan, as well as a tapered template matching shape, and all the other aero tricks, only to find out that your car has more drag than a car like the CLA with its gaping grille and side scoops, uncovered wheels and profile that is completely out of line with the template curve.
