How Car Design Impacts Aerodynamics

Among car designers Conversations about design among car journalists are not about the taboo but about the “counterproductive”: each person has their own taste, so there is no point in talking about design. Argument. Which does not prevent the same journalists from quoting press releases of the presentation in pieces when describing the appearance of a new model. In the meaningless texts of the manufacturer, there is approximately the following set and order of words: “The rapid line of the roof of the XXXX car and muscular wings and shoulders create a stunning profile.” Yet, how car design impacts aerodynamics is rarely addressed.

The phrase is taken from the latest official press release. Understand that approximately 80% of these documents are based on such proposals. In a broad sense, there is no difference between real developments and stylistic delights. Recently, designers have few real ideas, but they have a desire to highlight the future model in the flow. Sexual selection works in approximately the same way in wildlife. Only if the peacock eventually developed a chic tail that attracts females, then cars grow incredible front and rear optics, a crazy radiator grille, as well as the most cunning stampings on the sides—all to please the buyer.

Dacia/Renault Logan first generation

The technologies of 2016 allow almost everything—the only question is the budget planned for the design. The car style is becoming more and more aggressive, regardless of the brand and model. Even small city cars now feature huge, aggressive radiator grilles, monstrous air intakes, and headlights that create a striking contrast. There has been a remarkable surge in the evolution of car designs! Regarding real design, there should always be a guiding idea behind it, which is most often a layout or the development of functional models.

At the same time, a designer car does not necessarily have to be beautiful. That is, proportional. In general, we have conceived a lobby hit parade of modern—and not only—examples of car design. Additionally, there is the "anti-parade," which refers to cars that are visually striking but lack depth in their design concept. The essence of this "Jaguar" is in the relative freedom of the engineers-assemblers. Since the car has no power unit, the electric motors between the pairs of wheels and the battery pack are very compact.

Citroen 2CV

The designers put the entire chassis together into a flat platform in case it failed. They created a skateboard with a flat floor, positioning the wheels at the cart's corners. All that remained was to carefully "pack" the suspension. In general, you should be careful. A spacious interior includes a spacious wheelbase for the car, a flat floor, and a thoughtfully designed cabin layout that is oriented towards the front. Aerodynamics is the most innovative concept. The rear end of a car significantly influences its streamlining. In short, the softer, without breakdowns, the airflow around the car, the better the aerodynamics and the lower the fuel consumption.

In this context, cargo mechs with a vertical rear wall have the worst aerodynamics. Do you know why it is always incredibly dirty? In this place behind the car, there is a vacuum where all the dirt from under the wheels is sucked in. But the elongated tail, which is formed in this way by the flows, seems meaningless to the designers—the car becomes very long. Mercedes decided to "grow" a tail only for speed when the length of the car does not play such a big role, saving on parking. At the same time, the car extends the aerodynamic shields in the front and closes the wheel disks and flaps in the radiator grille. In general, the appearance should literally slow down here!

Citroen DS19

Who among us likes it? Nobody! The car was designed to resemble an ax. Shortly after its debut, the car was included in design textbooks. The designers perfectly illustrated the concept of a simple ax. The point is that the car should be as cheap as possible to produce and maintain. Logan achieves its simplicity on purpose—both externally and in the interior. The design is simple, obviating the need for intricate stamps or external body panels. Flat glass, a dashboard molded in one piece, and door panels with stampings instead of separate normal handles.

And so on. At the same time, the model is spacious, modern, and reliable, with indestructible engines and suspension. In fact, the idea of "Logan" appeared during the war. Consider another French brand. The Citroen 2CV was called not only "ugly duckling" but also "umbrella on wheels." The vehicle lacked any amenities. In fact, Citroen decided to make a motorized cart with a cheap fabric top. The cart was designed for both farmers and city dwellers. The former had to transport goods to the market on deteriorating roads; the latter, to move around the city. However, "de shvo," introduced in 1948—admittedly, it may sound clichéd, so feel free to bypass this phrase—put the French behind the wheel.

Conclusion

Citroen is likely the most design-oriented car brand. But in 1955, the French had the most important car ever. Imagine: at that time on Earth, the type 21 "Volga" was released, and here was a car—a flying saucer—with the opportunity to order one for yourself! Aerodynamics, wide use of plastic, the important role of the front drive wheels The phrase is taken from the latest official press release. Understand that approximately 80% of these documents are based on such proposals. In a broad sense, there is no difference between real developments and stylistic delights.

Recently, designers have few real ideas, but they have a desire to highlight the future model in the flow. Sexual selection works in approximately the same way in wildlife. Only if the peacock eventually developed a chic tail that attracts females, then cars grow incredible front and rear optics, a crazy radiator grille, as well as the most cunning stampings on the sides—all to please the buyer.

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