Aerodynamics of a convertible

[Nsquared97]

that and the rear trunk might be why the m3 is much lower.

That is exactly why.

[Holland]

why the hell does an ix have a higher drag CoD? the fender flares? really? or maybe the fact it has an i lip and not an is lip? any info there?

lowering the car is also good for a reduction in CoD. the lower the better, actually. that and the rear trunk might be why the m3 is much lower.

I'm guessing it's due to a taller ride height and a front diff and T-case.

[wholethingoff]

WTF

There is only one shap that provides the least drag. The tear drop. That is all. Look at modern supercars and ecocars. Look at shit that goes through bonnevile. Goddamn.

[andrewm]

WTF

There is only one shap that provides the least drag. The tear drop. That is all. Look at modern supercars and ecocars. Look at shit that goes through bonnevile. Goddamn.

Right. No one asked anything about that, and even at that - it does not apply here. An airfoil (tear drop) is the most aerodynamic shape. But the front of an E30 is not an airfoil, so the principle you brought up itself in flawed.

[bowtie2bimmer]

WTF

There is only one shap that provides the least drag. The tear drop. That is all. Look at modern supercars and ecocars. Look at shit that goes through bonnevile. Goddamn.

We were discussing the aerodynamics of a convertible and the topic of top up or down... not what shape is better...

To that point I disagree that the teardrop is the most efficient. The Kammtail foil creates the same minimal drag area but reduces drag at yaw...

But we aren't arguing that so WTF and Goddamn