THE new Audi A6 Sportback e-tron has set a brand new aerodynamic document for the model, turning into probably the most slippery manufacturing mannequin but with an astonishing coefficient of drag (Cd) variety of simply 0.21.
The determine means the A6 Sportback e-tron leads the whole Volkswagen Group by way of aerodynamic effectivity, the A6 Avant e-tron additionally performing exceptionally nicely with a Cd worth of 0.24 – inserting it on the prime of its physique section.
In response to Audi aerodynamicists Andreas Lauterback and Mattero Ghelfi, and wheel designer Andreas Valencia Pollex, “meticulous consideration to element” helped to carry in regards to the outcome. Numerous hours within the wind tunnel and a few 2800 simulations helped advantageous tune the A6 Sportback e-tron towards its spectacular quantity.
“From the very begin of the mission, we positioned a excessive worth on effectivity and vary and pursued very bold targets, relating to the A6 e-tron,” defined Mr Lauterback.
“To be trustworthy, to start with, we weren’t certain if we’d be capable to obtain the values we had been aiming for. Attending to that final thousandth of a Cd worth is the toughest half, however in the long run, we exceeded our targets.”
Properly-designed proportions, a slim greenhouse and sloping roofline contributed to the general rating, the collaboration between designers and aerodynamicists including components akin to flush-fitting air curtains on the entrance of the automobile, a clean underfloor, rear diffuser, and distinctive aero bezels on the rear wheel arches.
The automobile’s wheels – a significant contributor to aerodynamic turbulence, and due to this fact drag – additionally acquired specific consideration, with all three designs (one 19-inch and two 20-inch choices) turning into what designer Andreas Valencia Pollex describes as “clever aero wheels”.
“Previously, wheels mainly solely needed to meet stability necessities,” he stated.
“Right now, we develop and design clever aero wheels which can be as environment friendly as potential as a result of the wheels, and even the tyres, have a significant influence on the vary of an electrical automotive.
“To realize good aerodynamics, the edges needed to be considerably flat in order that the air that hits the entrance of the automotive is directed sideways across the physique with out a lot turbulence. We would like the wind to circulation alongside a wall relatively than a group of geometric shapes.”
Audi – or extra precisely Auto Union – has a protracted and fabled historical past in aerodynamics.
In 1938, Auto Union driver Bernd Rosemeyer set a public highway class pace document of 432km/h in a streamlined mannequin developed to cheat air resistance. The 1967 NSU Ro 80 had an aerodynamic, wedge-shaped physique with a Cd worth of 0.35, whereas the third technology Audi 100 (C3) inbuilt 1982 had a Cd worth of simply 0.30.
Proper on its heels, the third-generation Audi 80 (B3) continued this success story with a drag worth of 0.29.
