SUV Aerodynamics + 2018 Models
 

Many domestic models and foreign makes such as Lexus, Porsche, Land Rover and now Lamborghini are making their SUV's more aerodynamic.

It may be as simple as a roof line that tapers downward a few degrees, or a belly pan of sorts, but it's becoming the norm.

Latest example - press release.

04-DEC-2017
The new Lamborghini Urus: The world’s first Super Sport Utility Vehicle
Lamborghini Media Center : The new Lamborghini Urus: The world’s first Super Sport Utility Vehicle
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1512575206.jpg

Wish they would publish some numbers.

If that rear roof wing spoiler works as I think it does, the rear window is going to be kept clean.

Looks like the new Civic...

I was headed for Interesting Aerodynamic... but I'll drop this here:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...x-Reva_NXG.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Reva_NXG.jpg

Single box, high beltline, mirrors well back from the A-pillar; it doesn't have a visor over the back window though.

Not a + 2018 release, and not an SUV but it is interesting.

Looks like most of the articles on it are from 2009.

Anyway, here is the trend I've been noticing, sloping roof, not flat.

https://www.cars.com/research/land_r...r_evoque-2017/
https://car-pictures.cars.com/images...jpg&HEIGHT=600

https://www.porsche.com/norway/no/mo...an-gts-models/
https://files.porsche.com/filestore/...sche-model.png

https://www.carannouncements.com/2018-ford-escape/
https://i2.wp.com/www.carannouncemen...size=640%2C375

https://www.cars.com/research/buick-encore-2018/
https://car-pictures.cars.com/images...jpg&HEIGHT=600

Just a few years ago the roof top would have been level.

Even the old Range Rover Classic got a roof line redo.

2016 - Current roof - slopes
Range Rover’s $244,500 Holland & Holland Edition Made By And For Gun Lovers
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFg0zdy_b...-edition-0.jpg

2011 HSE model - Flat roof
2011 Land Rover Range Rover HSE - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
http://st.automobilemag.com/uploads/...-side-view.png

SUV aero... reminds me of snowmobile aero. Upon the introduction of any new bodywork the enthusiast press would call it "more aerodynamic"- of course none of it was ever tested. I would joke that soon the sleds would need to be equipped with anchors because they were so aero they would fly away on their own.

Attempting to streamline an SUV might be as uneffective as taking a pig to the gym. It might eventually lead to a small improvement but in the end you'll still have a fat pig that won't perform so effectively.

Either that or SUVs will converge with sedans until you're not sure which is which.

http://st.motortrend.com/uploads/sit...-side-view.png

Crossovers...the worst of both worlds!

I don't know why you say that.

I might have to aero-template a few of these SUV's to prove to the crowd that they match the template better than most cars.

I think in general the SUV's great failing has been the non-sloping roof. That has changed in the last four years or so.

The roof racks, protruding tires and other details are also killers, but that too has been under development and getting more sophisticated all the time.

The undercarriage is notorious, and that is changed in the Lambo Urus, they have a cost no problem attitude with that one.

SUVs
 

Many SUVs are reported with lower Cds than most supercars.

Even if they get streamlined the hell out of, most of newer SUVs are not so great at off-roading and are still quite oversized for city and road.

I can dream, can't I?

http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-fr...1396746884.jpg

I know I do. (VW Type II body grafted onto a Subaru Forester chassis)

I just wish SUVs and hatchbacks would continue the roofline and then cut it off sharp. This Porsche is an excellent example of a huge amount of hatch space lost to a sloped window. Too bad vertical windows aren't in style anymore.

https://s.aolcdn.com/commerce/autoda...s/40VOGEB3.jpg

I've seen one of these in person. Basically the best design for an SUV I could think of:

http://www.coolthings.com/wp-content...XRS-7200-1.jpg

I don't really get the SUV craze. They aren't sporty compared to a sedan, and they aren't necessarily more utilitarian either. Then again, I don't know why so many people have trucks.

Last week I saw a Maserati Levante for the first time.

I don't really get the high MPG commuter car craze. They aren't fuel efficient compared to a bicycle, and they aren't necessarily faster either. :p

Tell me when you can get up to 55 mph on your bicycle, and ride it for 30+ miles like that. And no, you can't use one of these. :)

Attachment 23440

I've got a 49cc motorized bicycle still hanging in the garage. Just got to cut some slots in the new shorter jackshaft and it should be good to go. I even have tall gearing on it, 25 mph is likely around 3000 rpm in 7th gear. That thing should go around 30mph on flat ground, I have hit what felt like 40mph going downhill with that same engine in a different bike though. Haven't ridden it in years, so I need to do something with it.

Both points of view are justifiable. Well, maybe they can also explain why the best-selling vehicle in my country is a small motorcycle :D