View Single Post
Old 12-28-2008, 12:56 AM   #23 (permalink)
eco_generator
AeroGuy
 
eco_generator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 224

Outback 14 - '14 Subaru Outback Limited
90 day: 23.1 mpg (US)
Thanks: 73
Thanked 32 Times in 28 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by basjoos View Post
These "aeroedges" appear to be mostly bandaids to compensate for aerodynamic inefficiencies downstream from them. So these are just bandaids to allow them to build slightly lower drag versions of "normal" looking cars. However these tricks won't get them anywhere near a Cd in the 0.1's.
Quote:
Originally Posted by aerohead View Post
Looks to me like aerodynamics has been fully understood since the day of Sir George Cayley in 1800.Newspapers.gotta love 'em!
Agreed on all of your guy's points, but I feel its just a tad bit too harsh. These are people that are working on cars that are essentially locked in shape by forces beyond their control. They are using known techniques in novel ways to lower the "normal" looking cars aerodynamic drag. I applaud them, every little bit helps. The coming boat-tail revolution, well that will come when it arrives.

The game of football has been well understood for decades upon decades, but it's the coach that comes up with novel ways and approaches that fit within the defined rules that will excel. I think you can say the same thing for aerodynamically minded mainstream carmakers. They have to play by the rules that say enough people still must want to buy the car.
  Reply With Quote