Windstar dynamics

[tylstruck]

I follow up much of the trucking news. A lot of the new automotive tecnology is developed ferom trials on big rigs.

I've read that a trial on developmental wings around the sides and roof at the rear of a trailer can reduce drag therefore improve fuel consumption by 5%

My parents have a normal 2001 Windstar van. I noticed they have a sport model that has a spoiler at the back. I wonder if this sport model gets better fuel mileage because of this spoiler?

Tyl

 

[Skandocious]

Moved this to general automotive. You had it posted in the F-Series section

 

[blacksnapon]

I saw a step-by-step modification process on a tractor trailer, trying to improve aerodynamics. They tried wings, air foils, even moving the high pressure air from the front to the rear, where there is low pressure wit an elaborate air vent. The most success was when they removed the door mirrors.

 

[TheRoadVirus]

Which I'm pretty sure they couldn't live without.. 'least I hope I'm not the one that gets rammed into when they're backing up.

 

[tylstruck]

I suppose, they do stick out like a sore thumb.

TYhe european truck mirrors are appealing. They are possitioned where you just have to glance up at them. Here we have to rotate our heads.

Tyl