Car And Driver Brings The Chevrolet Volt To The Wind Tunnel In ‘Aero Comparo’: Video
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There are multiple factors which may affect a cars fuel economy. Engine size, gear ratios and weight all have an impact on efficiency, however one influence that may often go overlooked is aerodynamics. How well a vehicle slices through the air is crucial to fuel consumption, so which of today’s economy cars are the most slippery? Car and Driver’s technical director Don Sherman took a field trip out to the wind tunnel to find out.
When talking about fuel economy, you almost have to bring up the Chevrolet Volt extended-range EV. C&D brought along a couple of the Chevy’s competitors too, the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius, in addition to the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Your’re probably thinking the three EV’s in this test, the Model S, Volt and Leaf, will run away with the victory, but you may surprised. The Prius has been in production for some time now, so you can bet that Toyota has the car’s aerodynamics sorted out by now. Even though it’s the only all-gasoline model in the test, ze clever Germans behind the CLA are not to be underestimated either. So who will come out the winner? Check out the video below to find out.
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Keep in mind the Volt is one of if not the oldest design in the test. Also they had to make due with a Delta platform.
I expect the next model to catch up here with some cleaning up of the design and a new platform that had this car in consideration when it was designed from the start.
I know the suspension drop was not considered for the Chevy due to price but the Cadillac should have had it. But since it was a short term car they may have not thought the price was worth the time it would be on the market.
Hopefully the electronics will be miniaturized, such as integrating the onboard charger with the main voltage regulator box. Instead for now it’s under the passenger side headlight. Hopefully 6.6KW charging and possible Level 3 charging. 3 cylinder engine instead of 4 and maybe lean burn. More high tech steel or aluminum to cut curb weight.
I really like the Volt and hope it stays competitive
It would be interesting to compare the Volt and Ampera
I have thought that too as the nose on the Opel looks better but looks can be deceiving.
Drag coefficients will not sell a car. I see more of the boxy Kia Soul and the Nissan Cube than the Toyota Prius on the road.
The Soul and Cube are not Electric.
This is not about sales on styling but sales on range. If they can cut drag it adds to the range and that is what creates sales.
The sharp edge on the bumper at the end of the quarter panel alone add a measurable amount of range.
It will be interesting to see what GM finds to cut drag on the next generation.
Styling on these cars is a challenge as you have to make them look good to sell but it also cuts into the drag. Longer cars have an advantage over the shorter cars and you can control the flow a little more. Then little tricks like the lowering of the suspension also help much but if you are trying to hit $30K the price kills it.
The problem is the best Aero packages either are impractical or can get to be ugly for the average consumer. Just look a the Impact as it was anything but good looking and or practical.
@scott3 The 2015 Soul has an EV version.
I think the Chevy Volt (in red) looks the best. Totally pimp
Good looks and good aero do not mix. See any current F1 car.
The Elio Motors 3 wheeled car can be sold in mass to the public and is practical for people without families or as a to/from work vehicle.
The Lit Motors C-1 is an interesting vehicle as well.