Anyone notice the drag coefficient of the xfire is 0.370? The drag coefficient of a golf ball is 0.3O0. Slick, Huh?

Fore...........

 

The Crossfire is something of a brick where drag is concerned. The teardrop shape, with the wider area to the front (cab forward), has long been recognized as the optimal shape to reduce drag, although it generally makes for an ugly car.

I think the Crossfire's shape was more a factor of style and visual impact, with a nod to art deco, and the under side/defusers, as well as the spoiler, were actually designed to make the car driveable once it went from concept to production.

They've done it right, though. The end result, by all accounts, is a reasonable stable car at 150 mph.

 

If the 0.37 is right, it has to be one of the worst of any car on the road.

 

yeah, a 0.37 drag coefficient seems pretty horrible because i know the g35 coupe with the aero package has only a 0.28 drag coefficient.

 

The car goes 150 MPH, who cares what the drag is, were talking .033,.037,can you or anyone really tell the difference, please!! :P

 

Every time I fill up at the gas station. Probably the single biggest reason why it gets such bad/mediocre gas mileage given it's gearing, light weight, and engine.

 

Don't know about anyone else but I am getting at least 25 MPG and don't consider this to be bad/mediocre gas mileage. It is better than the G35 gets

 

Does anyone know if these numbers are with the spoiler up or down?

Jan Nielsen
Waiting Blacd/DSG/AUTO

 

350Z is listed as .30/.29 Track
Audi TT Coupe: I found a reviewed that put it (cd) at .34
Another spec. listing was .32

 

If every time you fill up at the gas station and your trying to blame the "Drag," because of poor milage, blame yourself for the way you drive the car, I get over 24 with everyday driving!!!! A . here or there will have little to no effect on your gas mileage. :shock:

 

I don't think 24/25 mpg, in a 3000 lb car, driven moderately, mostly on highways, with a tall 6th gear, is very good. I think it's mediocre comparatively speaking.

And to think that drag has little/no effect on fuel economy flies in the face of reality, and in the face of all automotive R & D of the last 40 years.

 

I think 24/25 mpg is great for a sports car especially a stick shift!! Would you rather give up the looks and power for 5 more mpg???????

 

Drag coefficient
A typical family car has a drag coefficient of 0.3 to 0.4. Strangely enough, a Formula 1 racing car has twice that. But Formula 1 cars have enough engine torque to push it as fast as physically possible on any track, and the extra drag is the result of designing for as much downward aerodynamic force possible to keep the car glued to the road during high-speed turns.

The drag coefficient is higher on the Crossfire when the wing is up for as much downward aerodynamic force possible to keep the car glued to the road.

 

We've been speaking of drag in terms of fuel economy....

Are you suggesting that Formula 1 cars, or any high performance racing car for that matter, are fuel efficient? I think you've got a tough case to make there. Certainly their fuel economy has to do with a lot of other factors, not to mention thirsty engines...but your own argument re their higher drag would support the contention that higher drag automobiles have to work harder to push their bulk through the air.

I really can't believe this is a bone of contention...the idea that a higher drag coefficient car has to work harder, and all other things will be less efficient in its use of fuel, has long been recognized by automotive designers and really isn't open to cogent debate.

Even so, I think you're mixing apples and oranges in comparing the aerodynamics of an ultra high performance racing car and those of a street car. The two operate in entirely different environments in terms of aerodynamics.

 

I buy a car for its looks, power,handling and price.Who cares what the drag is.They consider drag when they design a car but looks are what sell it.They would love to design a car that gets 40 mpg but looks come first.With all the suv's on the road nobody cares about fuel economy!

 

I agree with crossfiretech..... I'm a degreed aeonautical engineer and in a car for the street I couldn't care less about the drag coeffcient...... Now if we start talking high numbers in the coefficient of lift you will get my attention... My crossfire gets 23 mpg with around town and interstate driving and I just got back from a long road trip and got over 26 mpg with just interstate miles. I'm a very happy camper!!!