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Old 01-18-2020, 03:03 PM   #81 (permalink)
aerohead
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ldjessee00 View Post
Specifically:
*The taller Ram,and its turbulent wake exposes less of Showstar's forebody to dynamic pressure,an advantage lost on the Model X,but not Cybertruck.

But much like the Tesla Model X, the Cybertruck has a 'fastback body', which will not help as much as the more flat back of an SUV or large pickup truck...

At least I think so, if I am following all those items you are adding to the first post.
Your logic is good.From what I gather at the Tesla owner's website,they put some thought into what they're going to pull.I wouldn't use the Cybertruck without some sort of aero add-on.
There are no technological boundaries forbidding the use of tuned fairings or air deflectors as mentioned in the post.We have a potential 52% drag reduction on the table.Just like for the Model X.Really,any vehicle.
We could use a HUMMER H2 to pull with,and we'd see less impact to its mpg when towing.However,we'd have to put up with 11-mpg to enjoy that benefit.
I believe the new JEEP pickup got 4.8-mpg pulling the same Cimarron,and couldn't even maintain the posted 60-mph speed limit,up the grade.It's large,turbulent wake wasn't much help to it.However,since it's an 'ICE' vehicle,it's 4.8-mpg is superior to the Tesla's 48-mpg!
If you re-watch the video of the 'Gauntlet',see if you can discern an 18-wheeler in the climbing lane,pulling a trailer van, with a frontal area discrepancy between trailer and tractor,as large as that between the Cimarron and Tesla.We have data from 1980's NASA that, the optimum scenario for pulling is,with the tow vehicle and trailer frontal areas closely matched,and as little,or no gap in between them.Cimarron and BOREAS are both a 'fail.'

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