Topics:
Aerodynamics:
Every car is produced to be as aerodynamic as possible. This means that there is as little air resistance as possible. While driving, the air must flow as smoothly as possible along the sides, over the top and underneath the car, with as little resistance as possible. The higher the car, or the flatter the front is, the less aerodynamic the car will be. During production, various scale models of the car are made and tested for aerodynamics in a wind tunnel. They are adjusted where necessary, for example with sleeker lines or a different shape of the exterior mirrors. Air mixed with smoke is blown over the car. This makes it easy to see whether the car is aerodynamic or whether adjustments are needed.
Aerodynamics are also considered at the underside of the car. There is often a lot of plastic underbody shielding underneath the car, which often means the engine block and gearbox are no longer even visible. The underside is then almost one visible whole, along which the air can easily flow. The air then experiences no resistance from, for example, openings, protruding parts, etc.
A sporty car is usually low and has sleek lines. This way the air encounters as little resistance as possible (see the image below).
