Improved airflow around the body was one of the main motives at the premiere of the fourth-generation Škoda Fabia. The production car has an air resistance of only cx 0.28 compared to its predecessor with cx 0.32.
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The reason is simple, the fabia does not have electrified versions and standardized consumption, and closely monitored emissions can now be well compressed by more efficient aerodynamics. Especially at the time of measuring emissions in real conditions.
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The racing version should benefit significantly from this approach. “The aerodynamic elements used on the production car proved to be excellent in the competition environment and were an excellent basis for the aerodynamic solution of the competition car,” explains Lukáš Vojík from technical development and adds that car. “
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The standard fabia is equipped with holes on both edges of the front bumper, these are the so-called air curtains. These direct the flow of air around the side panels of the body and front wheels. The engineers of the racing department chose a similar solution for the front bumper of the new generation of the Rally2 competition special.
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In a rally car, the air curtains work in conjunction with a front splitter located across the entire width of the bow, which effectively improves the overall aerodynamic properties of the front.
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Following the regulations of the Rally2 group, the engineers had to find new ways to improve the balance between air pressure and air resistance in the future rally car. For example, active aerodynamic elements are prohibited. Therefore, the race car must do without electrically adjustable blinds located in the lower intake opening at the front, which reduce air resistance as standard.
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The two key points of aerodynamics are the brand new rear wing and the smooth airflow over the roof. “In accordance with the regulations of the Rally2 group, the rear wing of the new generation of the rally car is much larger than the small spoiler of a road car. The new generation of the race car achieves twice as much pressure as the current rally car, ”says Vojík.
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The development team verified the simulations performed by measuring the wind tunnel models, followed by extensive real-world tests. Most recently, various test drivers sat on the wheel of a development car on gravel and asphalt roads in Spain.
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