Would this test set-up be informative?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

Well to shoot that down: disregards the reynolds theory particularly for critical and transition speeds where stuff can be turbulent, laminar, or "we dontknow" which will affect flow and subsequently drag.

The only scenerio I see with a cross traffic is being high enough to avoid the disruption a high profile vehicle moving at speed makes to the local area. Could tumble a 'quad. Now you get into focus and adequate resolution.

Above 20-mph it isn't an issue for road vehicles.
Don't test in 'traffic.'
Don't test in 'wind'.

[freebeard]

drone speed
Our vehicles are at super-critical Reynolds number by 20-mph ( 32.2-km/h ). That's all a drone would have to do in order to 'observe' tufts or smoke.

I was somewhat surprised that the fastest [hobbyist] drone currently did 247MPH. How I Built the FASTEST Drone on Earth

[aerohead]

Then it won't be a reach to envision them at Lake Mirage and Bonneville before long. 'Test & Tune' will have a new 'look'.

[freebeard]

Audi Alt:Trail concept:

Audi's new concept has drones for headlights!!

The flat-fender aero/offroad body is interesting. Maybe not as much as the autonomous drones keeping ahead of the parade.

[aerohead]

I'll be glad when VW AG shareholders vote to burn Audi's charter, and erase it from the face of the Earth.( expletives and ad hominems deleted ).