Will aerodynamics dominate automotive design in future?
By Karl Smith2023-08-08T10:19:00
Car Design News investigates whether aerodynamics will be the prevailing trend moving forward as EVs seek extra range
The Mercedes EQS. The Lucid Air. The Tesla Model S. The Hyundai Ioniq 6. The NIO ET7.
They are the most aerodynamic cars on the road today, each boasting a Cd hovering around 0.20. They are all luxury cars (the Hyundai and NIO at more approachable prices), with electric power, advanced electronics, and a similar body profile that might just be the car design of the future.
Called “the one-bow” design by Mercedes-Benz, it is a profile with a single curving arch or vault that leaps over the passenger compartment and drops steeply at either ends. Both front and rear decks tend to be short and the front and rear fascia aerodynamically tuned, as are the roof pillars and windscreen angles.