Aerodynamics

[Wren57]

Well heres a topic to seperate the men from the ricers... As you all can guess my Highlander is about as aerodynamically inclined as someone who pees into the wind... that said, lets talk about cars that dont share aerodynamic characteristics with a brick... As some of you may know the coeffecient of drag for a car is related to its aerodynamics. The more aerodynamic, the lower the coeffecient... does anyone know where I can find the coeffecient for different cars? I have seen the calculator for it, but I dont exactly know the frontal area of a Ford Lightning or NSX... and dont tell me body kits/lowering the car helps... I know that already... simply allows less air under the car which lessens the obstructed air which creates less lift (aka downforce) and less drag... yatta yatta yatta... basically I want a list! Anyone help me out here? Im mainly interested in C5 vette and MK4 Supra and any other car that may be more aerodynamic (stock)... thanks

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

I can't find a list anywhere. Wouldn't this require a windtunnel (or a windtunnel simulation) to measure aero drag? Even if you have the frontal area, angles and such should make a big difference.

[ebpda9]

and if u add a tripple decker 6' wing you will get more drag :o

[AzCivic]

Just do a search on google for each car seperatly.

For the NSX its 0.32
The F-150 0.43

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

I found a little more info on it:

Aerodynamic drag is calculated as: F = 1/2 CDAV^2
Where: F - Aerodynamic drag force, C - Coefficient of drag, D - Density of air (nominally about 0.08 pounds per cubic foot.. yes I know that's not a technically accurate mass but it saves converting to and then back from metric), A - Frontal area, V - Velocity of object

So aero drag is basically derived from the coefficient of drag plus the other things mentioned.

This is all I could find about an NSX and drag:
"We had expected the NSX and the 911 to duke it out for the bronze. Their power-to-weight ratios and aerodynamic drag are nearly equal (the 911's greater frontal area is offset by its superior 0.30 drag coefficient). "

[AzCivic]

Here's a interesting link http://world.honda.com/NSX/technology/t3.html

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Originally posted by AzCivic
Here's a interesting link http://world.honda.com/NSX/technology/t3.html

Great article!

[Racing Rice]

Believe it or not Lexus makes some of the best Aerodynamic cars.

The Lexus LS430 has a Cd of 0.25 (with air ride suspension that lowers at high speeds)

The GS 430/300's Cd is 0.29

The ES 300's Cd is 0.28

The RX 300's Cd is 0.36

The IS 300's Cd is 0.28

Pretty Impressive really. Lexus spends a lot of time wind tunnels testing all of thier car and SUVs. It really shows too.:yes:

[Wren57]

Wow Lexus really does their homework! Speaking of that, thats what I should be doing... instead I did some more research and found a really nice site all about the often overlooked aspect of performance... here it is!
http://www.teknett.com/pwp/drmayf/analyses.htm

[AzCivic]

How about this for a low drag coefficent:
http://www.uscar.org/techno/unveil.htm

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Originally posted by AzCivic
How about this for a low drag coefficent:
http://www.uscar.org/techno/unveil.htm

Wow, that's incredible.

[Racing Rice]

Originally posted by 94_AcCoRd_EX


Wow, that's incredible.

Yes it is!:eek: