All articles tagged with #aerodynamics
A Scientific American update ranks bicycles as the most energy-efficient form of transport on Earth, due to biomechanics that maximize propulsion while minimizing gravity and friction; advances like aero-focused designs and e-bike assistance could push efficiency even further (e.g., recumbent velomobiles).
This piece catalogs ten cars noted for notably poor aerodynamics, listing their drag coefficients (0.4–1.05 Cd) and explaining how design choices—ranging from early brick-like shapes to modern high-downforce track cars—made them wind-inefficient. Examples span the Ford Model T (0.79 Cd) and Mercedes Simplex (1.05 Cd) to the Plymouth Prowler (0.49 Cd), Citroën 2CV (0.52 Cd), VW Beetle variants (0.48–0.40 Cd), Dodge Viper ACR (0.541 Cd), Caterham Seven (0.60 Cd), and others, noting data limits and exclusions (no SUVs/trucks) and highlighting aero evolution toward contemporary efficiency.
Ford is pursuing a low-cost, high-efficiency electric-vehicle strategy by building a universal platform, retrimming parts, and adopting Formula 1–style aerodynamics. A California skunkworks team led by ex-Tesla engineer Alan Clarke is simplifying the vehicle, using two aluminum castings for the body, a compact in-house electrical architecture, and a Michigan-made LFP battery from CATL to cut cost and weight. Aerodynamic tweaks—such as teardrop rooflines and smoother underbody—are expected to add range and efficiency, with a $30,000 mid-size pickup due in 2027 as the first test of the approach to outcompete cheaper Chinese EVs. The project marks a major shift after Ford’s prior EV setbacks.
Ford is pivoting from costly, oversized EVs like the F-150 Lightning to a family of affordable electric vehicles built on a Universal EV Platform (UEV), led by a Silicon Valley skunkworks team. The plan focuses on efficiency and cost, using a bounty system to quantify micro-optimizations (weight, drag, etc.), adopting lighter aluminum components, cheaper lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) batteries, and a zonal architecture with an integrated E‑Box to cut wiring and parts. Ford aims for a $30,000 midsize EV in 2027 and is moving toward mass production with tighter supply‑chain control, even if it means 400‑volt systems over the faster 800‑volt setups to maintain flexibility and battery compatibility.
Rivian says the R2's rear wiper is tucked into a recessed tailgate pocket to avoid aerodynamic penalties, a move that adds about six miles of range. The design also supports a roll-down rear window, a drainage path to vent water, a heating element to prevent ice, and software that raises the wiper in advance of bad weather—showing the level of aerodynamic optimization Rivian pursued for the R2.
Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull and Cadillac ran the first 2026 pre-season tests, with Hamilton and Leclerc combining for 170 laps as teams focus on mileage and tyre understanding under the new rules. Piastri’s McLaren day ended early due to a fuel-system issue after 48 laps, while Mercedes’ George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posted the fastest times and clocked 168 laps on their final day; Red Bull were delayed awaiting spare parts. Two more Bahrain tests run 11-13 and 18-20 February precede the season-opening Australian GP, with officials noting that lap times aren’t directly comparable due to different programmes.
Around half the F1 grid tested the new 2026 cars at Barcelona, with seven teams on track and no official lap times; drivers described a radical shift in aerodynamics and power units toward more electric power, noting driving the cars is different and at times complex, though Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli praised their drivability. Esteban Ocon warned of a very complicated cockpit workload, while early pace was unofficially led by Isack Hadjar for Red Bull; the test emphasises reliability as teams adapt ahead of further running with McLaren and Ferrari joining.
Ford introduces the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC Coupe as a track-focused bridge between the standard Dark Horse and Ford’s GTD/GT3 programs, featuring a supercharged 5.2L V8 with a seven-speed dual-clutch, reworked MagneRide suspension, five-level variable traction control, aero borrowed from GTD including an aluminum hood and rear ducktail, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and optional Track Pack with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 R tires and carbon-fiber wheels. The interior remains driver-centric with a flat-bottom wheel, Recaro seats, Alcantara/Dinamica accents, and rear-seat removal for weight reduction. Slated for summer availability, the SC emphasizes engineering depth and motorsport lineage over marketing spectacle.
Ford Racing has announced an evolutionary upgrade to the Mustang GT3, focusing on aerodynamics, kinematics, and braking to enhance performance and stability across various tracks, with improvements tested at Daytona and Sebring, aiming for continued success in global racing.
The 2026 Formula 1 season will feature a major technical overhaul with new car designs that are narrower, lighter, and devoid of ground-effect tunnels and DRS, aiming to enhance racing and innovation, with various manufacturers competing under new rules.
The Ford Mustang GTD, a high-performance race-inspired vehicle with advanced aerodynamics derived from Formula 1 technology, features a sophisticated Drag Reduction System (DRS) that adjusts rear wing and front splitter flaps for optimal downforce and speed, making it one of the most hardcore Mustangs ever built, despite its high price and limited racing usability.
Porsche has announced an optimized version of its successful 911 GT3 R race car, set to debut in 2026, featuring improved aerodynamics, suspension, and handling, based on extensive customer feedback and testing across global circuits, with options for existing models to upgrade.
The 2025 Tour de France showcased significant technological advancements, especially in aerodynamics and weight reduction, driven by innovations in bike design and rider positioning, with a focus on efficiency and performance, influenced by experts like Dan Bigham.
Porsche is finalizing the new 911 GT3 Cup, featuring improved aerodynamics and an upgraded 503 hp engine, set to debut this summer and compete in the 2026 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, with significant enhancements in safety, electronics, and handling.
The Tour de France's second-fastest stage was driven by factors like flat terrain, tailwinds, advanced aerodynamics, improved nutrition, and AI-driven performance optimization, with the race continuously speeding up over the years. The fastest stage ever was in 1999, but recent advancements have significantly increased race speeds.