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16+ Prius Cd and frontal area?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by hayden55, Jan 29, 2017.

  1. hayden55

    hayden55 Member

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    Anybody know the calculated frontal area and drag coefficient of the new prius? Looked but I couldn't seem to find a number.
     
    #1 hayden55, Jan 29, 2017
  2. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    I think the CD is 0.24. Thanks to the sleek bodywork and reasonably flat underbody. I believe it's one of the lowest drag coefficient cars around, including the super sportscars.
     
    #2 RCO, Jan 29, 2017
  3. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Here is a video I found comparing the aerodynamics of the different Prius generations.
     
    #3 Prodigyplace, Jan 29, 2017
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's just crying out for a nosecone, isn't it?
     
    #4 bisco, Jan 29, 2017
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  5. hayden55

    hayden55 Member

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    So i guess there isn't published numbers for frontal area on the 16s?
     
    #5 hayden55, Feb 1, 2017
  6. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I doubt it since that information does not affect the buying decision of most consumers.
     
    #6 Prodigyplace, Feb 1, 2017
  7. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    The frontal area isn't particularly relevant between comparable (ie similar sized) cars. The frontal area of my old VOLVO 940 is virtually identical to the Gen3 PRIUS - but the VOLVO's CD is 74% worse. However it is relevant if you want to compare a PRIUS with a HUMMER.
     
    #7 alanclarkeau, Feb 1, 2017
  8. hayden55

    hayden55 Member

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    Comparing my third gen to the new gen so that's why
     
    #8 hayden55, Feb 1, 2017
  9. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    sorry, I've never seen that, but I'd be surprised if it's very different - overall dimensions are similar.

    I did put this together a while back:
    Prius Gen II vs III drag with II ant circ.jpg
     
    #9 alanclarkeau, Feb 1, 2017
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  10. robsnyder20

    robsnyder20 Active Member

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    It is .24 as the other poster said. One thing that I find funny is the headlight design. Its nice but not as aerodynamic as a flatter and sleeker front would be.
     
    #10 robsnyder20, Feb 2, 2017
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  11. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    IIRC the 2016 headlamp shape has something to do with lessening wind noise around the door mirrors.
     
    #11 kithmo, Feb 2, 2017
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