Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunwapta
Would this idea improve the aerodynamics of a pickup or flat fronted SUV etc...
Put a receiver hitch on the front of the truck then put a 'spoiler'/bumber a foot or so out in front.
This idea first came to me when I looked a a Smart car. They look too short to be safe so I thought that it needed bumpers that would extend out in front of it at higher speeds then retract for parking.
So, with the right aerodynamic shape could such an extendible bumper actually improve the vehicle's mileage? If so, it would seem that it could do wonders for a vehicles such as my flat fronted Ford Excursion. (Note, I have a 4 cyl Saab 9000 Aero as a daily driver.)
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Sunwapta,you may be surprised to learn that the nose of the Excursion is more slippery than older Corvettes.If you'll go to the archive and look at the Phil Knox aerodynamic photos album,you'll find wind tunnel photos of cars with "dirtier" noses than your Ford's,with perfectly attached flow.Your greatest challenge lies behind the Excursion,with it's enormous wake.That's where your money is going.I believe your efforts at the front end will go un- rewarded.