Ground Clearance vs Aerodynamic Drag

[BabyDiesel]

Now to get back to the point of this thread

Lowering the Porsche and Fusion definitely shows big improvements over stock aerodynamics.

Car manufacturers could over time impliment an active suspension system with sensors in the front bumper that could lower and raise the car according the conditions instantaneously.

It could detect rough roads, potholes, speed bumps and dead animals and adjust accordingly.

If manufacturers are the meet CARB expectations, we might see this in the future.

[Cd]

We won't see that anytime soon though, because 'Merica likes to ride high 'n mighty.
SUVs are this generations station wagons/ minivans of yesteryear, dressed up to look like a pickup truck.
And then there are bumper height regulations.

[UltArc]

With this wave of autonomous driving, I couldn't imagine adjusted ride being left out. If these systems are detecting people, traffic, road conditions, obstacles, construction, animals, and weather, I would be shocked if they didn't implement it.

Of course on the premium/luxury brands first, then coming to the main stream. I would still prefer the manual systems like in Lamborghinis, but that's me. I would have bagged my car if I had tons of money, but some lowering springs may be in my future...I am just concerned with ground clearance. I already scrape and carve with my current height, I might literally not be able to pass if I go lower.

[Cd]

Lexus had that system years ago on the LS 430. The drag coefficient dropped from .26 to .25 with the adjustable air suspension option. I seem to remember that it only dropped the ride height an inch for that much of a decrease.

[tyronasauras]

94 lincoln mark vlll lowered about an inch automatically at speed w stock air suspension

[BabyDiesel]

These cars that lower themselves an inch we're a great start for manufacturers, thank y'all for finding them.

I would like to see them vary by up to 6"+ in ride height. In optimal circumstances, cars would ride as low as the .300 's Porsche in Post #1. Along comes a raccoon carcass and uuuppp it goes. Within 0.5 seconds after the danger has passed, the suspension would be dropping downward.

In regards to bumper regulations, I would not expect this in 'Murica, except MAYBE Cadillac. Porsche, BMW, MBZ; those I could see having this in less than 5 years. And they would probably be in Europe. The makers could get governmental approval to have this technology in a few select models on the road. Eventually, cars such as the Prius would get this technology, hopefully.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by BabyDiesel

Incredible info, aerohead! Much appreciated, I need to read into Hucho's works.

Thinking out loud here... What IF the length were optimized according to the Aerodynamic Template, and the end of the spoiler continued downward following the template?

To reduce the amount of lift under the decklid, extend the belly pan up at the 10° angle to meet the downward curvature.

At 45 mph, no need to worry about correct parchutes deployature. Wait, are we not trying to get rid of the natural parachute our cars create?

Could this be a boat tail without the kammback section, perhaps??

*The 'Template' doesn't produce lift,so in affect,the spoiler would be a solution for a problem we didn't have.
*The spoiler,extended,wouldn't really cut drag unless it was boxed in all around (box cavity).
*With a 10-degree diffuser up-slope,the flow would be detached and low pressure would migrate under the diffuser,which behind the rear axle,could induce a pitching moment which might lift the nose.
*Might be better to stick with 2.5-degrees,to 4-degrees,depending on where the diffuser originates,just to be safe.

[BabyDiesel]

Originally Posted by aerohead

*The 'Template' doesn't produce lift,so in affect,the spoiler would be a solution for a problem we didn't have.
*The spoiler,extended,wouldn't really cut drag unless it was boxed in all around (box cavity).
*With a 10-degree diffuser up-slope,the flow would be detached and low pressure would migrate under the diffuser,which behind the rear axle,could induce a pitching moment which might lift the nose.
*Might be better to stick with 2.5-degrees,to 4-degrees,depending on where the diffuser originates,just to be safe.

I meant the Bonneville spoiler causing lift. I misread a post is why I said that it would cause lift

I'll PM you about a design I have in mind for a boxed in spoiler.

I'm not sure why I put 10* for the diffuser I'll follow the 2.5*-4* when I build it.

What is your take on active suspension systems in the near future?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by BabyDiesel

I meant the Bonneville spoiler causing lift. I misread a post is why I said that it would cause lift

I'll PM you about a design I have in mind for a boxed in spoiler.

I'm not sure why I put 10* for the diffuser I'll follow the 2.5*-4* when I build it.

What is your take on active suspension systems in the near future?

I feel like active suspension will be commonplace at some point.
I'm not sure about the near future.
The R&D and tooling is paid for in 4-years,after that,the cost falls through the floor for the rest of time.
With platform sharing,an automaker might have a dozen vehicles running the same suspension under the skin,sharing expenses.
If automobile manufacturing were rationalized,as has been done in the past,national manufacturing could produce for all companies,supplying non- profit,low-cost components, as in Vietnam/Cambodia MC helmet. manufacturing today.
It would require a war on entropy/cost.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by aerohead

I feel like active suspension will be commonplace at some point.
I'm not sure about the near future.

Seeing how many Cadillacs and Porsches and what not get sold with semi-active or active suspension, I feel like it might not be too long before active suspension becomes a reasonable cost option with aftermarket offerings.

If I had a large chunk of cash I would personally send it the way of say, Levant Power, to get a prototype Genshock system on my car It seems like in this day and age, it's a little strange that a softly sprung SUV would still buck and bounce on a crappy road when successful fully active suspension has been achieved for quite a few years and semi-active suspension is the norm for many lines of cars.

Their system in particular would consume power constantly if you wanted to lift your car, but you could just install an air compressor that adds static pressure to the fluid in the shocks or something for full ride height adjustment. Being able to raise the car a bit would be super nice for going into driveways.