Suggestion: Improve SL-C Aerodynamics

[Les]

So, how about the next step in the Superlight SL-C's development? Let's make it in aerodynamics.

Present State of SL-C Aerodynamics

Right now, we put a large wing on the back of the SL-C.

Photo c and courtesy of RCR/Superlight

That gives us downforce, but it also adds a lot of drag. It also adds weight to the car.

Suggested Improvement

How to add downforce without a commensurate permanent load of drag? I suggest that a good example to follow would be the new Pagani Huayra.

2011 Pagani Huayra c and courtesy of Pagani.com

Pagani's press release Pagani unveils the Huayra - Car Body Design states this about the Huayra's aerodynamics:

The Huayra adopts the concept of a wing, whose properties can be modified by varying the front ride height, which can be adjusted dynamically, and by adjusting the 4 control flaps on each of the four corners of the car.

Front flaps retracted into nose. Photograph c and courtesy of Pagani.com

Rear flaps retracted into rear bodywork Photograph c and courtesy of Pagani.com

The behavior of the flaps is managed by a dedicated control unit that is fed information from the ABS and ECU, which pass information about the car’s speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, steering angle and throttle position.

Forward flaps deployed. Photograph c and courtesy of Pagani.com

Rear flaps deployed. Photograph c and courtesy of Pagani.com

In addition to this, the air flows – both outside and inside the car – were optimized to guarantee the optimal downforce and stability under all conditions. . . . The rear bumper integrates the diffuser . . .

We put the flaps on the SL-C, optimize the rest of the car to be a wing, slap on a control system and--voila! a Pagani Huayra at 1/10 the price.

Conclusion

Fran is only

• running a full-time race team
• making new cars for us insatiable customers
• fielding foolish posts on a number of fora, and
• creating new products

He's got plenty of time to do this! :laugh: :thumbsup:

Seriously, what do you think about this new approach to the SL-C's aerodynamics? It could improve the car.

Bassanio et Portia