Posted on 11/08/2023 6:02:09 AM PST by Red Badger
Aerodynamics play a pivotal role in the automotive industry, with its importance becoming even more pronounced in the era of electric vehicles. Efficient aerodynamics are crucial for several reasons, and first and foremost, they impact a vehicle's energy efficiency, which is paramount for EVs. Put simply, streamlined design reduces drag, allowing battery-powered cars to overcome resistance more easily and travel further on a single charge.
This leads us to the machine you see depicted here. It is Chery’s latest electric concept, which apparently has a drag coefficient of 0.168. The Aero prototype has been developed using AI simulations and Chery claims this is the most aerodynamically optimized car in the world. But that's completely inaccurate, to say the least. We'll get to that in a second, though.
The available details about the concept aren’t that many. The automaker from China explains it took inspiration from tuna fish for the overall design language and performed more than 2,000 different optimization cases pursuing the perfect aerodynamic lines. During tests in a wind tunnel in August this year, Chery registered a Cd of 0.168, which it claims is the best achievement in the automotive industry. The result hasn't even been verified independently, though.
If real, this is an impressive number, that’s for sure. However, it is by far not the lowest drag coefficient the automotive industry has seen. Comparing it with other remarkable achievements in the aerodynamic department, the Volkswagen ARVW concept achieved a Cd of 0.15 back in the 1970s. The Ford Probe V concept from 1985, meanwhile, had a wind resistance of 0.137, and the Fiat Turbina from 1954 had 0.14. These are all numbers that easily beat Chery's new concept.
The Lightyear 0, a much more modern car, had a drag coefficient of 0.175. That startup didn’t last long and only two vehicles were assembled, though. As Electrek recalls, Aptera Motors is putting the finishing touches on a solar electric three-wheeler, which is said to have a drag coefficient of between 0.13 and 0.15. These numbers aren’t official and public yet, though.
For those uninitiated with Chery Automotive, it is a Chinese automobile manufacturer that was established in 1997. Based in Wuhu, Anhui, China, Chery initially gained recognition for producing economical and affordable compact cars designed to meet the needs of the growing Chinese middle-class population.
Over time, Chery has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, with a strong emphasis on research and development. One notable aspect of its global expansion has been its push into the electric vehicle market. The manufacturer’s international footprint has grown steadily, with partnerships and assembly plants in several countries, including Brazil, Russia, and Iran. As of today, Chery also doesn't have the world's most aerodynamic car.
Source: Chery on Weibo
Fiat Turbina may have a lower drag coefficient, but the Chery (Cherovlet, China?) doesn’t look like it wants to tongue kiss you.
All of these, including the Chery, were concept cars. I remember the Ford Probe that actually made it to market had a very good rating. It never took off, and you don’t see them any more.
Somebody got their Chery popped...
It was intended to be the next generation Mustang, but Mustang clubs and owners all over the world raised hell with Ford, so they dropped the idea and called it the Probe....
I believe the AMC Pacer was the most aerodynamic car ever made...
Pacer’s drag coefficient of 0.43 was relatively low for that time..............But hardly spectacular........
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_Pacer
I had a 1986 Ford Probe. Nice little car, great commuter.
It was no Mustang, though.
It would have been had Mustang Nation not balked at the name.................
Wikipedia: Fiat Turbina
Looks like something from the Speed Racer cartoon.
LOL! The aquarium on wheels.
I test drove one of those once, lol. It reminded me of being in the cockpit of an A-6 Intruder.
With that front end it appears to have more coefficient drag than 1953 Studebaker commander.
Beautiful car had one with a Cadillac engine it was a fun car to drive great design.
Many didn’t like some Studebaker designs but most were wind tunnel tested in fact Baker was one of the first to have a rounded front end on their pick ups.
Pop has a 1949 I put a small block with a automatic chevy in it he and rewired it he loved it.
Thanks for photo
Indeed pop had one the rear window had a great view for a kid to check out the stars in a night ride.
Indeed pop had one the rear window had a great view for a kid to check out the stars in a night ride.
I remember I could stand up in the back, of course I was only like 8 years old....................
My grandparents had a late 1950’s Studebaker. My grandmother, who never learned how to drive, never sat in the front seat. She always sat in the back seat with her Rosary beads.......LOL!
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