This might be a really broad question, but are there any wind tunnel comparisons of the Corvette relating to other sports cars? When you look at the bullet like design you would think the Corvette must be pretty close to being the most aerodynamic sports car for it's price range?
In my C6 Launch Book, it tells that GM spent more time in the wind tunnel with the C6 than any previous car they've ever designed. Customers were upset that the C5 looked too much like a Pontiac's front end, so they wanted to go with a front breather, exposing the radiator causes a tremendous airflow disadvantage.
I believe they did accomplish the numbers they were looking for, I could get off my fat butt and go look it up, but I'm too lazy.
I do know that the C6 Z06 has a smaller opening than the regular model to aid in airflow, and get closer to the 200MPH top speed.
I've heard that with the headlights closed, that the C5 is more aerodynamic, but I've never read any proof of it. It would make sense that it is though, from what I've read in the C6 launch Book.
While it doesn't directly answer the original poster's question, you can at least use these numbers in your search for comparison data with other cars. I'm sure the information on drag is out there in one form or another for many of them.
The C6 coupe aero signature was shaped with more than 400 hours in the wind tunnel. They acheived a drag coefficient of .28. Pretty impressive number considering the larger front opening and the smaller dimensions of the C6 which both serve to hurt the aero signature. The C6 Z06 has a drag coefficient of .31.
The C5 coupe in contrast has a drag coefficient of .29. The C5 convertible has a drag coefficient of .32 and the fixed roof coupe design which became the C5 Z06 has a drag coefficient of .31.
I don't have the numbers for the C6 convertible but I've asked the question and hopefully can get an answer back.
Okay, here's a short list;
Lambo Murcielago: 0.33
Ferrari Testarossa: 0.36
Ferrari California: 0.32
Mc Laren F1: 0.32
BMW Z4 M Coupe: 0.35
Mazda Miata: 0.38
Porsche 997 GT2: 0.32
Porsche Boxster: 0.29
Viper GTS: 0.35
Toyota Prius: 0.25!
Okay, here's a short list;
Lambo Murcielago: 0.33
Ferrari Testarossa: 0.36
Ferrari California: 0.32
Mc Laren F1: 0.32
BMW Z4 M Coupe: 0.35
Mazda Miata: 0.38
Porsche 997 GT2: 0.32
Porsche Boxster: 0.29
Viper GTS: 0.35 Toyota Prius: 0.25!
not technical but had my c6 out in that insane wind 112 miles one way to dover de and that car didn't move once , got in my sis-in-laws saturn and we were all over the road . The most aerodynamic car I've ever had the pleasure of owning ! :thumbsup3::happy0045:
This was such a good thread. Powerlabs when you consider the size of all the other car noses that were listed minus the Toyota Prius, most of these have just about the same size nose as the Vette wouldn't they? So the Vette should still be at or near top of food chain? :banana:
Now just to make sure that the Prius doesn't have the top listing in my prior post, the General Motors EV1 comes in at 0.195 beating the Prius' 0.25
Take that Toyota!!!
Outstanding! I'm just on my way out the door to catch a boat but I'll try and do some calculations with that later on today
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