DESIGNING FOR DOWNFORCE

Airflow is paramount for performance vehicles, which require aerodynamic enhancements to promote high-speed stability and greater cornering capability.

Aerodynamics currently is a hot topic for the transportation sector, from passenger vehicles all the way to Class 8 trucks. Along with advanced powertrain technologies and lightweight materials, aerodynamics is an area receiving considerable engineering attention due to its potential for improving vehicle fuel efficiency-a major goal as stricter regulations loom for cars and light-duty trucks as well as medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

But for cars that easily surpass the 100-mph (161-km/h) mark and feel as at home on the racetrack as on the road, airflow takes on added significance. Their speed potential must be complemented with the appropriate aerodynamic solutions to keep such cars safely and firmly planted to the driving surface at high speeds.