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Corvette aerodynamics question

5K views 20 replies 14 participants last post by  Urslow 
#1 ·
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?
 
#2 ·
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.
 
#4 ·
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.
 
#6 ·
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!
I guess if it didn't have good drag numbers it wouldn't move at all. :rofl:
 
#15 ·
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:
 
#16 ·
The C6 is very slippery but it lacks downforce

I'm on the track a lot. Back when my Z was stock it would get very nervous in high speed braking

Since then I've added a cf splitter, cf vented hood, C6R wing, and a Breathless rear diffuser.

So now my Z sticks like glue at even 170 +
 
#17 ·
Okay gentlemen,
If it's frontal area you want, you've got it!
This is a list of cars showing their frontal area in square feet, the lower the better.

1996 GM EV-1: 3.95
2002 Acura NSX: 5.74
1986 Toyota MR2: 5.80
1994 Porsche 911 Speedster: 5.92
1990 Mazda RX7: 5.95
2008 Nissan GTR: 6.08
1995 Lambo Diablo: 6.17
2004 Toyota Prius: 6.24
1986 Porsche 911 Carrera: 6.27
1992 Corvette: 6.27
1999 Lotus Elise: 6.35
1985 Corvette: 6.57
2007 BMW 335i Coupe: 6.80
1988 Porsche 944S: 6.96
1993 Camaro Z28: 7.48
2005 Bugatti Veyron: 8.02!

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!!!
 
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