INDUSTRY AERODYNAMICS

The new Audi A8 in the

aeroacoustic wind tunnel

THE AERODYNAMICS AND AEROACOUSTICS

OF THE NEW AUDI A8
With a drag coefficient of cD = 0.26 the new Audi A8 4.2 FSI is ahead of its rivals. Low lift coefficients at
the front and rear axles provide a dynamic driving experience and ensure supreme dynamic stability at high
motorway speeds. The standard of wind noise represents a new milestone in the luxury saloon car class and
emphasises the harmonious overall impression made by the new Audi A8 in this segment. Aerodynamics
and aeroacoustics therefore make a significant contribution to efficient, dynamic and comfortable travel in
the new Audi A8.

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 AUTHORS AERODYNAMICS – In order to achieve the ambitious aerody-
EFFICIENT, DYNAMIC TRAVEL namic objectives, development activity con-
centrated throughout the product creation
Aerodynamic development work for the process, that is to say from the concept and
new Audi A8 had to pursue an ambitious design phase to series-production devel-
goal, since the previous model was opment, on the following theme areas,
already at the top of the competition. The which will be discussed below in detail:
CHRISTOPH ZÖRNER biggest challenge was to keep the product : development of basic shape and detail
has A8 Model Line Responsibility of cD and A, with its relevance to drag, optimisation of car’s outer skin
in Aerodynamic/Aeroacoustic
Development at Audi AG
down to the level reached by the previous : underfloor design
in Ingolstadt (Germany). model – in other words to compensate for : efficient airflow through engine com-
an increase in frontal area A by reducing partment and its interaction with air-
the drag coefficient cD. flow round the car
Although the frontal area had to be : wheels and tyres
increased from 2.33 m² to 2.41 m² to sat- : lowering the ride height with the air
isfy the demand for a larger interior, a suspension.
wider track and new statutory provisions The art of tuning the car’s geometry in terms
DR. MONI ISLAM regarding the size of exterior mirrors, tar- of aerodynamics is to shape the contours
is Head of the Department
geted development work succeeded in in such a way that drag and lift are reduced.
Aerodynamic/Aeroacoustic
Development at Audi AG lowering the drag coefficient cD from 0.27 The aerodynamicist, however, does not de-
in Ingolstadt (Germany). to 0.26 and thus compensating for the termine the shape of the car alone. Close
increase, . As on the previous model, cooperation was needed between the depart-
low lift coefficients at the front and rear ments responsible for aerodynamics, de-
axles permit tuning of the suspension for sign, dimensional concept and component
agility in the lower speed range, but pro- design so that the aerodynamic potential
vide the necessary dynamic stability at in the various theme areas could be inter-
high speeds. preted successfully on the series product.
NORBERT LINDENER
is Head of the Department
Aerodynamic/Aeroacoustic
Development and the Wind
Tunnel Centre at Audi AG CAR cD A cD x A c av c ah
in Ingolstadt (Germany).
Audi A8 4.2 l FSI (previous model) 0.27 2.33 0.63 0.10 0.04
Audi A8 4.2 l FSI (new model) 0.26 2.41 0.63 0.10 0.04

 Chart of aerodynamic coefficients for the new Audi A8 compared with the previous model and competitors’
cD x A values

06I2010 Volume 112 23