AUDI
BRAND MODEL HAS INNOVATIVE AERODYNAMICS
The better the aerodynamics of an electric car, the more it travels: with a drag coefficient of 0.28, the Audi e-tron prototype achieves an excellent result in the segment of SUVs. This value is a decisive factor in the autonomy of more than 400 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. Virtual external mirrors are a highlight of the fully electric model's aerodynamics concept.
The scenario: wind tunnel resistance tests
In front of the low-noise rotor measuring about five feet in diameter, the e-tron prototype faces the eye of the hurricane. On the aeroacoustic test platform of the Wind Tunnel Center in Ingolstadt, the world's quietest wind tunnel, Audi engineers have optimized trawling and noise in extreme conditions. Both are crucial to the efficiency and comfort of a car. With a power of 2.6 megawatts, the fan produces speeds of up to 300 km / h. The vehicle underwent more than 1,000 hours of on-site testing.The result: a drag coefficient of 0.28. Customers will benefit directly from this low value, as the drag contributes decisively to the wide range of more than 400 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. One-hundredth of the drag coefficient represents a range of about five kilometers driving under normal conditions.
Drag: essential for long trips
On long journeys, trailing is the main drag - much more important than rolling resistance and inertia. The energy the car needs to overcome this resistance is lost, which is why good aerodynamics is so important. In urban traffic, however, other factors come into play. Here an electric car can recover a large part of the energy used during braking, thus reducing the importance of its mass.To achieve the drag coefficient of 0.28, Audi engineers developed a wide range of aerodynamic measurements in all areas of the body. Some of these technical solutions are obvious at first glance, while others meet their purpose discreetly. Thanks to these solutions, the drag coefficient of the e-tron is almost 0.07 smaller than that of a conventional vehicle of the same size. This setting increases the range by about 35 kilometers per battery charge in the WLTP cycle.
On long journeys, trailing is the main drag - much more important than rolling resistance and inertia. The energy the car needs to overcome this resistance is lost, which is why good aerodynamics is so important. In urban traffic, however, other factors come into play. Here an electric car can recover a large part of the energy used during braking, thus reducing the importance of its mass.To achieve the drag coefficient of 0.28, Audi engineers developed a wide range of aerodynamic measurements in all areas of the body. Some of these technical solutions are obvious at first glance, while others meet their purpose discreetly. Thanks to these solutions, the drag coefficient of the e-tron is almost 0.07 smaller than that of a conventional vehicle of the same size. This setting increases the range by about 35 kilometers per battery charge in the WLTP cycle.
Intelligent solutions: virtual external mirrors and undulations in the lower part of the body
The optional virtual rear-view mirrors will make their world debut in the production version of the Audi e-tron. They are much narrower than the standard mirrors and reduce the width of the vehicle by 15 centimeters. Thanks to their shape, they not only reduce drag but also considerably reduce wind noise. Each of its flat media integrates a small camera. Captured images appear on OLED displays at the transition between the instrument panel and the door. Virtual rear-view mirrors can be adapted to various driving situations, potentially improving safety. Three views are available on the MMI system - for driving on roads, maneuvers and parking.Another important factor is the adaptive standard air suspension - a pneumatic suspension with adjustable damping. At speeds above 120 km / h, it lowers the body by up to 26 millimeters, thus reducing drag. The underside of the electric SUV is fully enclosed; the front and back areas are fully lined. Under the cabin, an aluminum plate protects the high voltage battery against damage from underneath, such as stones or holes. Its tightening points come with bowl-shaped cutouts, similar to dimples in a golf ball. They leave the airflow much better than on a totally flat surface.
The front air intake features two electrically controlled blades, which also helps reduce drag. When closed, the air in this area flows practically without deviations. Once the power train components need cooling or the air-conditioning condenser needs ventilation, the top cover opens first and then the two blades. When the hydraulic brakes are subjected to high loads, the air intake opens and releases two ducts that channel the cooling air to the front wheel arches, cooling the brakes.The side air intakes incorporate additional ducts, which are clearly visible from the outside, to the wheel arches. They channel the airstream so it passes through the outer side of the 19-inch, standardized aerodynamic wheels. Its design is flatter than that of conventional wheels. 255/55 size tires stand out for their ultra-low rolling resistance. Even the sidewalls of the tires contribute to the aerodynamic design - the inscriptions are negative rather than embossed.
Autonews
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