Finally, I've reached what I can call a first prototype.
- GGKelpie.png (482.07 KiB) Viewed 65611 times
The eventual evolution of GG's first "reasonable" hypercar, Salamander, this pint-sized concept aims to express what high performance of the future should be. Contained within the simple pleasure of a small two seater sports car is the absolute pinnacle of aerodynamic science. The bodywork has been carefully shaped to redirect flow over and within the car's monocoque tubular structure. To manage internal flow are a splitter with active air dam, flexible wings and vortex generating canards on the front (but engineered to mitigate pedestrian impact). The bottom is fully shear but air escaping to the sides are promptly sucked into the NACA style vents on the flared arches. Air turbulence from the rear wheels is redirected through well hidden rear canards. The largely open space around the engine bay allows free flow through the bay, and over an F1-style two-tier rear diffuser with aerodynamic inserts. But most interestingly, Kelpie takes a leaf out of the 918's book and has the exhaust outlet facing rearwards, on the boot lid (this one was particularly tricky to get ratified by Vehicle Standards: ADR). This reduces drag by disrupting the attached layer of planar air flow over the top bodywork with a high velocity airstream directed directly at the rear wing. Furthermore, independent active flaps on the rear body can further direct air to the wing.
Magnesium block manufacture being made a practical reality in Australia through ongoing environmental technical research, the lightweight 2.2L bi-turbo V6 produces 470hp, propelling Kelpie's ultra-light weight of just 890kg through the 0-100 in less than 3 seconds on sports tyres, through the quarter mile in under 10 seconds, and around Green Hell in under 7 minutes. Yet with the help of a cruising overdrive gear, it can attain greater than 40mpg. All this, without resorting to heavy electric engines or the additional manufacturing complications and integration of hybrid systems. And with a total emissions rating of just 12, this car makes a strong case for the viability of the green hypercar.
EDIT: stupid lower canard vanished! I'll have to put it back on...