Quote:
Originally Posted by tasdrouille
From the following image we can determine that both mirrors make up 2% of the total frontal area. No matter how well those mirrors are designed, they at least add 2% to the aerodynamic drag. Plus, there is an unknown Cd penelaty associated with the form drag of the mirror itself.
Best case scenario probably is that the volt's mirrors halve the aero drag penality over your average side mirror.
Generaly side views mirrors make up 5% of the total drag of cars. You could as well say that any average side mirror would not impact the range of the volt as the difference will probably be witin a mile.
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What you have to do first is calculate the Cd for the Volt with and without the mirrors and then factor in the area. That's what would make the actual difference so small as to be inconsequential.
Aerodynamics is more than just numbers. Shape and placement in the airstream are critical. The mirrors on the Acura are an aero nightmare compared the the Volt's.