Better Aerodynamics Boost Fuel Economy

Automakers Start Thinking Outside the Box and Inside the Wind Tunnel

As gas prices continue to increase, so does the search for new ways to improve fuel economy. This need is prompting automakers to put aerodynamics toward the top of their priority lists and start thinking outside the box and inside the wind tunnel.

One of the best ways to improve a vehicle's fuel economy is to reduce the aerodynamic drag. The easier the car is to push through the air, the less gas you have to use. There are several design elements that can be altered to help the aerodynamic profile of a vehicle. Smoothing out the underbelly to create less turbulence is one. A cam back design, where the backend drops off steeply, is another design element being developed for vehicles like the electronically driven Chevrolet Volt.

There are also ways to improve your own car's aerodynamics. Keeping bike, ski or luggage racks off the roof when you're not using them can greatly increase your car's fuel efficiency. And secondly, keeping your car clean and waxed will make it slippery as you drive down the road.

Produced for General Motors