Body Shape Modifications:
* Reduce frontal area: A smaller front end drastically reduces drag. This might involve smaller headlights, a more sloped hood, and a narrower grille.
* Smooth surfaces: Eliminate sharp edges, gaps, and protrusions. This means smoothing out seams, flush-fitting door handles (or hidden ones), and eliminating or streamlining exterior mirrors.
* Teardrop shape: The classic aerodynamic shape is a teardrop. While impractical for a whole car, aspects of this shape can be incorporated. A long, sloping hood and a tapered rear end contribute to this.
* Underbody aerodynamics: The underbody is a significant source of drag. This can be improved with:
* Smooth undertray: A smooth, flat undertray minimizes airflow disruption.
* Diffusers: These help manage airflow at the rear, reducing turbulence and drag.
* Wheel arch fairings: These reduce drag around the wheels.
* Rear end design: A tapered and sloped rear end minimizes wake turbulence behind the car. A spoiler, if properly designed, can also manage this airflow and reduce lift.
* Streamlined wheels: Wheels and tires create a significant amount of drag. Using aerodynamic wheel covers or wheels with carefully designed spokes can help.
Other Considerations:
* Material selection: Lighter materials, such as carbon fiber, can reduce the overall weight of the car, indirectly improving its aerodynamic efficiency (less weight means less force needed to overcome air resistance).
* Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Modern car design extensively utilizes CFD simulations to optimize the shape for minimal drag. These simulations can identify areas for improvement that are not obvious visually.
* Wind tunnel testing: Physical testing in a wind tunnel provides validation of CFD simulations and helps fine-tune the design.
It's important to note that making a car more streamlined often involves trade-offs. For instance, a very streamlined design might compromise interior space or visibility. The optimal design is a balance between aerodynamics, practicality, and aesthetics.
