| Aerodynamics is one of the leading factors in vehicle | | | | Modern cars are always tested from an aero |
| performance. Car racing has focused on this aspect | | | | dynamical point of view. Wind tunnels are used on |
| ever since the 60s, when the first inverted wings | | | | car prototypes to see what each segment of the |
| were installed on formula cars. In time, the | | | | car does to airflow, and other tools such as |
| development of aerodynamic devices grew stronger, | | | | computational aerodynamics and aerodynamic design |
| often borrowing ideas and solutions form the flight | | | | and optimization are employed in order to find the |
| industry. | | | | best airflow solutions. |
| By improving aerodynamics, engineers saw faster lap | | | | The concept of body streamlining appeared after |
| times and more driver control over the car, both at | | | | Chevrolet-Chaparral implemented some |
| high and low speeds. The final element that | | | | groundbreaking airflow elements in their Can-Am cars. |
| contributes to improved handling and grip is the | | | | The rear axel of the car had a wing attached to two |
| downforce - using the underbody of the vehicle to | | | | struts and the wing was adjustable at pit stops to |
| facilitate airflow and "stick" the car to the tarmac. | | | | tune the car for the best efficiency. The idea |
| Since the introduction of aerodynamics, automotive | | | | became very popular in a short while, and other aero |
| engineers used the distribution of downforce as the | | | | dynamical improvements were soon to follow. Lateral |
| major decisive factor in car performance. Because of | | | | sealing skirts were later developed and formula |
| aerodynamic advancements, some racing cars reach | | | | racers ended up reaching speeds of 1.7 G. Lotus |
| cornering speeds of 4 G (four times the acceleration | | | | introduced the ground effect car - the bottom part |
| of gravity). The same factors that apply to racing | | | | of the vehicle was shaped in such a way that the |
| cars also stand true for street legal vehicles. The | | | | volume of downforce provided was much greater |
| shape of the car, the airflow created by accessories | | | | than with previous models. |
| and car parts, the effect of the rear wing spoiler or | | | | Today's cars, from a Ferrari F50 to a Smart, employ |
| frontal spoilers - all these contribute to the | | | | aerodynamics as an essential factor in their |
| aerodynamic level of the car. For improved | | | | construction. Manufacturers focus on this aspect of |
| downforce, you can try several solutions, such as | | | | car making - improved aerodynamics reduce fuel |
| installing a well calibrated rear wing or lowering your | | | | consumption, habitat noise and also provide the driver |
| car's suspensions. | | | | with more control and stability, thus improving vehicle |
| History and trends in aerodynamic development. | | | | safety. |