MBenz B-Class .26 Cd" sleeker than bullet" with video

[Cd]

MBenz B-Class is "sleeker than a bullet" at .26, but is it just me or are the engineers just soaking up overtime ? I mean c'mon over 275,000 hours of computer modeling and 1100 hours of wind tunnel testing for a .26 Cd ???

It's no wonder people have the impression that the way that a car comes from the factory is the best it can get, and that to improve the aerodynamics on a car one must have a PHD and spend thousands of hours at it.

"Mercedes says that over 275,000 hours of computer modeling and 1100 hours of wind tunnel testing were involved in making the B-Class so aerodynamic. Among the tricks used include a sealed front fascia (including special seals that prevent air leaking past the headlights), a large roof spoiler, special slots and spoilers around the wheel arches, a flat underbody panel, and adjustable radiator shutters that can open or close depending on how much cooling air the engine requires.


Read more: Video Find: Mercedes-Benz B-Class Sleeker Than a Bullet? - WOT on Motor Trend "

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY_pH...layer_embedded

[Cd]

" First car in the world with a 'Pagoda' roof "

Really ???

[Vman455]

Hmmm... the guy in the Mercedes jacket also claims the B-class is "the most aerodynamically efficient car in the world" around 2:30. It looks like the frontal area might be slightly larger than a Prius III, which at Cd .25 would have lower total drag.

Edit: I'm right--the 2013 B-class is 70.3" wide and 61.3" high vs. the Prius' 68.7" width and 58.7" height.

[HypermilerAX]

The Citroën AX is even better and was produced in... 1986.

Cd : 0,31
Frontal area : 1,74 m² (18,85 sq ft)
CdA : 5,84 vs 6 for the Prius.

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by HypermilerAX

The Citroën AX is even better and was produced in... 1986.

Cd : 0,31
Frontal area : 1,74 m² (18,85 sq ft)
CdA : 5,84 vs 6 for the Prius.

The more things change, the more they stay the same...or get worse!

[aerohead]

Perhaps their claim is a contextual remark based on a particular market segment of crossover SUVs based on length,height,width,and curb weight at the time of press release.
Certainly,all their effort was to chip away at a hard design and quit at some point at which time diminishing returns were devouring their budget.
If we look at their market competition it would give a contrast to their remarks.
The upshot is that Daimler-Benz thinks aerodynamics a market 'driver'.If so,that's a good thing,as the level of general consumer education may be dragged to new levels along with the hyperbole.

[arcosine]

A bullet has more acceleration and higher top speed.

[bestclimb]

I have bullets with a Cd of around 1.5, I also have bullets with a Cd of greater than .4

[Otto]

Exactly which bullet? Wadcutter?

[aerohead]

I don't have the table with me,but I believe the 'Aberdeen' type,boat-tailed projectiles are Cd 0.158 at sub-sonic velocities.
Hornady makes a real screamer in small caliber.
The latest Barrett sniper round should have a low sub-sonic Cd as well.