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Old 08-06-2011, 05:07 AM   #1 (permalink)
efficiencyguy
 
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My Aerotail on Audi A2

Hello,

After seeing some boattails online. I decided to built one that also functions as a luggage carrier. So we can go camping with our 2 kids, bring all the stuff and not have to use an mpg-killing trailer or roofrack.
I used a trailerhitch bikerack as a base. It can tilt so you can open the trunk.

When I drive around 65 M/h on the highway, I get 10% more Mpg.
I once got 92Mpg (2,5 l/100Km) on a 135 mile trip, with 4 people and full of luggage.

I'm thinking of making a foam rim to fill the gap between the car and the tail and to improve the bottomside of the tail.

I can still see through the upper part of the rear window.
I have a webpage (in dutch) with more pictures.


I also made an electric recumbent motorcycle.
I'm a friend of the guy who made the mintcolored fully faired honda.
I still have to make a better fairing for it.

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Last edited by theo22; 08-06-2011 at 04:40 PM.. Reason: extra info
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Old 08-06-2011, 06:00 AM   #2 (permalink)
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The Q Sold - '02 Infiniti Q45 Sport
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wow!!

let me be the first to welcome you!!
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ECO MODS PERFORMED:
First: ScangaugeII
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...eii-23306.html

Second: Grille Block
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...e-10912-2.html

Third: Full underbelly pan
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...q45-11402.html

Fourth: rear skirts and 30.4mpg on trip!
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post247938
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Old 08-06-2011, 08:53 AM   #3 (permalink)
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Very nice.
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Old 08-06-2011, 10:04 AM   #4 (permalink)
Cd
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I saw your project mentioned on this site before, and I was hoping to see you join and share some details with us. A big welcome !
You have taken one of the most streamlined production vehicles ever offered to the public and greatly improved on its aerodynamics.
Welcome !
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Old 08-06-2011, 10:11 AM   #5 (permalink)
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I like the font that you chose for the text on the sticker. It looks professional.
Nice message too.
Do you plan to add a small clear section on the back to see out of ?
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Old 08-06-2011, 02:19 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Very neat fabrication and good idea to use the hitch / rack as a mount.
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Old 08-06-2011, 03:10 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Possible retail potential (niche market)?

Nice work. Very professional looking.
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Old 08-06-2011, 03:27 PM   #8 (permalink)
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As a fellow boat tail driver, that looks great!
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Old 08-06-2011, 03:34 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kodak View Post
Possible retail potential (niche market)?

Nice work. Very professional looking.
For this it may be worth PM-ing user Vekke who has a business doing aero stuff in Europe.
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Old 08-06-2011, 05:02 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Most people who see the Aerotail tell me to get a patent or to start selling them.
I run a succesfull business making Velomobiles (fully faired 3wheeled recumbent bicycles)
I have no intention of starting a production of aerotails.
I think there could be a market for a trailerhitch aerotail that would fit on several cars.
You can buy a trailerhitch luggagecarrier here in holland, but it's just a square box. They could simply change the shape to a more aerodynamic one and make 3 or 4 different sizes/shapes to fit most cars, hatchbacks SUV's etc.

Oh, here's a picture of my electric motorbike

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