SUV Aerodynamics + 2018 Models

[kach22i]

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

Aerodynamic optimization

Every surface of the Urus clearly contributes to the car's aerodynamic prowess and its Lamborghini super sports car personality. Form and function work hand in hand within the Lamborghini design: each panel contributes to the car's overall drag coefficient.

The front splitter and very large air intakes ensure optimal air flow in conjunction with the extensive covered areas of the aerodynamically efficient underbody. Aerodynamic blades feature on the outer edges of the rear window, and the floating rear wing, integrated rear spoiler and spoiler lip reduce aerodynamic resistance. An advanced wheelhouse aerodynamic solution with Naca cooling improves and augments front brake cooling to enhance driving dynamics.

Efficient aerodynamics also contribute to the Urus' internal acoustics, improving ride comfort, reducing fuel consumption and emissions while a high downforce increases stability, safety and driving dynamics.

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.

[westygo]

Looks like the new Civic...

[freebeard]

I was headed for Interesting Aerodynamic... but I'll drop this here:

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.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I was headed for Interesting Aerodynamic... but I'll drop this here:.......................

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://www.porsche.com/norway/no/mo...an-gts-models/


https://www.carannouncements.com/2018-ford-escape/


https://www.cars.com/research/buick-encore-2018/


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


2011 HSE model - Flat roof
2011 Land Rover Range Rover HSE - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

[Frank Lee]

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.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

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.

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

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.

[Stubby79]

Crossovers...the worst of both worlds!

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

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.

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.

[aerohead]

Many SUVs are reported with lower Cds than most supercars.