Interesting Aerodynamic Cars (Mike Vetter's ETV, also Avion)

[freebeard]

Agreed. It certainly doesn't have the overall shape of a DS, which is more of a 1930s tail-dragger.

[NeilBlanchard]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Looks like a bigger, 4-dr VW XL1

The biggest aerodynamic difference that I can see is, the Lightyear One doesn't have a narrower rear track.

[freebeard]

It'd even got the 'Hofmeister kink'.

[NeilBlanchard]

[Bicycle Bob]

Is that hole in the front for tradition, or does it need ram air cooling?

[samwichse]

Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob

Is that hole in the front for tradition, or does it need ram air cooling?

My guess would be that's where the evaporator/condenser for the heat pump/AC system lives. And probably a small water cooler for batteries/motor.

[NeilBlanchard]

I think the intake grill is for A/C mostly, and other cooling, and fresh air supply. It probably has a thermally controlled damper.

But the four motors are in the wheel hubs, and they are super efficient. The motors that were used on the STELLA solar race car were close to 99% efficient. So, not much heat coming from those.

[freebeard]

https://youtu.be/bSbWwn_YCr8?t=1140

The Lightyear One is nice, but look at the box it came in. It's got a bullet nose and radiused top edges, but when you get to the back there is a square door with a fillet to give a vortex generator/spoiler effect.

I'd like to see some tuft testing on that.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

I think the intake grill is for A/C mostly, and other cooling, and fresh air supply. It probably has a thermally controlled damper...............

I agree, good observations.

Originally Posted by freebeard

The Lightyear One is nice, but look at the box it came in.

Interesting indeed, kind of looks like Thule roof top cargo box enlarged.

My guess is that it allows for maximum rear roll up door and a bit of styling and not based on actual aerodynamic needs. I mean why would a balanced trailer need tail down-force at speed? That's going to cause lift on the hitch on the other end and unbalance the load.

I'm posting this video here, looks to have some aero-content.

Geneva Motor Show 2019 electric vehicle highlights | Fully Charged

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R00v5pcSNk

[freebeard]

Just A Car Guy: just because it's only cgi doesn't mean a thing... someone drew up a new Henderson that was what they might have made in 1930

Su-weet.

I like the shiny skegs/exhaust. But maybe angled outward like a 1961 Olds.