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The term drag area derives from aerodynamics, where it is the product of some reference area (such as cross-sectional area, total surface area, or similar) and the drag coefficient. In 2003, Car and Driver magazine adopted this metric as a more intuitive way to compare the aerodynamic efficiency of various automobiles.
Drag coefficients in fluids with Reynolds number approximately 10 4 [1] [2] Shapes are depicted with the same projected frontal area. In fluid dynamics, the drag coefficient (commonly denoted as: , or ) is a dimensionless quantity that is used to quantify the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment, such as air or water.
Frontal area in m² (square feet) Light light-duty truck 2,722 (6,000) or under ... Cars are divided into six classes based on interior volume, as shown in the table ...
Side mirrors both increase the frontal area of the vehicle and increase the coefficient of drag since they protrude from the side of the vehicle. [6] [7] In order to decrease the impact that side mirrors have on the drag of the vehicle the side mirrors can be replaced with smaller mirrors or mirrors with a different shape.
The XL1 has a curb weight of 795 kg (1,753 lb), and a drag coefficient of Cd=0.186 (a similar drag coefficient to the General Motors EV1 electric car). Frontal area is 1.5 m 2 giving a drag area of CdA=0.28 m 2. [17] Just 23.2% of the car (184 kg (406 lb)) is made out of either steel or iron; the drivetrain
The reference area A is often the orthographic projection of the object, or the frontal area, on a plane perpendicular to the direction of motion. For objects with a simple shape, such as a sphere, this is the cross sectional area. Sometimes a body is a composite of different parts, each with a different reference area (drag coefficient ...
However, it is impossible to design an aerodynamic small car with a vertical A-pillar because the more vertical the A-pillar is, the less space the door opening has, and the greater frontal area and coefficient of drag the vehicle will have. Examples of cars with an almost vertical A-pillar: Honda Step Bus Concept; Saab 900; School bus
While the car's frontal area is small, the Lotus Seven has a drag coefficient among the highest of any known production car - ranging from 0.65 to 0.75, depending on the bodywork. [citation needed] Additionally, the clamshell front wings develop lift. This is accentuated by the slight natural lift caused by rotating wheels.