Aerow-E ( my new car design )
 

O.K. so I've started building the frame for my new car. I think I have finally started to get a handle on how Google Sketchup works. So I now have a general idea of what my car will look like in 3d. Tell me your opinion, how does it look and what would you change if anything?

Jason,

I might be able to help you with the SketchUp model -- PM me for my email, and send it to me if you like?

What version of SU are you using?

Looking at the name, it sounds like it's electric, so do have enough room for the batteries and components? Which end is the front? If it's the right side I would be concerned about lift cause of its wing shape. Just my $0.02

Give us an idea of your chassis, drivetrain & passenger/s areas, then a great aero package would emerge. Or is it the inverse, an aero shell, then...

I am using google sketchup 8.
The front is the left side actually. I plan to have a Mustang 2 type front suspension and thought about using two swingarms for the rear.
It will be a light weight two seater with batteries in front and behind the driver. It will sit very low, similar to a Corvette or Firebird. The panels on the front and rear will be clear and lights and plates will still sit vertically behind the aeroshaped plexiglass.
So far my chassis is about 50% done. I am using 1" square steel tube and framing it like a race car frame.

Hi Jason,

If you can photograph the chassis from straight-on orthographic views, and give a few dimensions, the chassis could be modeled, so that the body shell could be modeled around it.

Is it a one person vehicle, or two? Any thoughts on the doors, etc.?

The metal chassis it self is not in a position to be taken a picture of yet, still trying to sell the Firebird so I have room in my garage.
The chassis at the moment is 54" wide by 72" long for the interior section. The roof at the apex is where the passengers will sit side by side at 45" high. I haven't figured up the dimensions of the front yet. I am going to go with the front dimensions of a Locost roadster on the front end. I have more pics of the 3d in 2d if that helps viewing any.

What's the front of it ?
There's no aerodynamic need for pointy ends on the front.
A blunt front (using the aero-template) also gives more internal volume, and you can use more of the rest of the car's length to closely follow the aerotemplate.
Or you can make the car shorter (and therefore lighter).
You get most of the benefits from the aerotemplate's shape even when you abruptly cut it short using sharply defined, straight edges (i.e. a real Kammback).
Making it even shorter and lighter.

I'd suggest modelling after the proven aero cars like 1L, any of the Probes or PNGVs, whatever. I don't think the man on the street is going to do better by eye than a professionally engineered, wind tunnel refined design. As you contemplate this more you may realize more of the shortcomings and unacceptable functionality compromises your current proposal has- better to consider them now, before you've invested time/effort/money building something.

Here's a lil thought experiment: I appears as though the driver's eyes will be about 6 feet away from the windshield. Maybe the effect can be approximated by sitting in the back seat of a TransPort dustbuster van and imagining driving it from there...

Another aspect is, you don't want sharp leading edges. Those A-pillars are going to have to change.

How about some boat-tailing- surely there are x-winds where you drive?

Ground clearance? Ramp angles for driveways and such? Solar gain? Reflections in the glass?

Sounds good, I wasn't aware that a blunt front end has aerodynamic merit over a pointed one. I will have to look at it again.

I like the kammback idea, but was wondering how much different the aero would be as opposed to a full boat tail.