Active aerodynamics
What if our cars changed shape to breathe and move faster.
Active aerodynamics uses moving surfaces or parts to change the aerodynamic behaviour of a vehicle. The BMW Gina concept car takes this to the extreme. Certain road cars apply it in more subtle ways, i.e. retractable spoilers and air flaps to the engine that open or close depending on how much cooling air is needed.
The following guide explains the visions, aims and principles of the various behaviour changes and propulsion technologies currently being developed to reduce our dependance on fossil fuels, cut congestion and reduce emissions in the hope of a better quality of life.
Submitted by Peugeot UK on 23 July, 2011 - 02:03
The elegant Peugeot 508 is aimed at corporate and fleet customers who need a stylish, spacious and comfortable saloon with good performance and fuel efficiency. The Active e-HDi diesel engine includes the latest generation micro hybrid Stop & Start System, meaning emissions are zero when the car is standing still in traffic and just 109g/km CO2 overall. The air intakes open and close in relation to speed and cooling requirements, this 'active aerodyamic' technology makes the car super-streamlined without looking like a supercar.
Submitted by MikeWhelan on 7 October, 2010 - 11:13
ECO2 Transport's film-crew used an award-winning BMW Streetcar to take part in the 2010 Eco-Rally. If you missed this opportunity to see the best green transport solutions in action, then click here for your FREE ticket to the forthcoming #ECO 2 #TRANSPORT show at Earl's Court this November (16th, 17th & 18th).
Submitted by Streetcar on 16 July, 2010 - 21:44
Most city-folk can go for weeks without needing a car, but when we do, we like to treat ourselves. Streetcar is currently the UK's biggest car club and one of their strengths is their attractive, low-emission vehicle range. In 2007 they teamed up with VW to launch the 2007 Polo BlueMotion in the UK. Now all their VW cars and vans carry the Bluemotion badge, plus they now stock BMWs with Efficient Dynamics, including the 118d - 2008 World Green Car of the Year.
Submitted by Alex Hartley on 23 June, 2010 - 14:07
Leading geophysicists predict that peak-oil is either currently occurring, or will have occurred by 2015. Meanwhile, demand for oil continues to increase at an extraordinary rate, with increasingly negative social and ecological consequences. Are you ready to switch?
Biofuels
7% (30 votes)
Electric
40% (167 votes)
Hydrogen
41% (173 votes)
Petrol
3% (14 votes)
Diesel
6% (24 votes)
Other
3% (14 votes)
Total votes: 422
Motorsport is actually the catalyst for many of today’s cleantech products including aerodynamics, kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS or regenerative-braking), carbon-fibre wind-turbine blades and low rolling-resistance tyres.
Submitted by BMW on 10 July, 2009 - 16:57
The BMW 118d was named World Green Car of the Year 2008 and the 116d shown at the Eco-Rally finish line is even more frugal. For the fourth year in succession, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) has ranked the BMW Group as the most sustainable car company in the world. The company offers the most efficient cars in the premium segment courtesy of EfficientDynamics technologies.
Submitted by Volkswagen on 6 May, 2009 - 02:05
The 2009 Brighton to London Eco-Rally was a breeze for the Polo Bluemotion - it could've started in Geneva without needing to re-fuel. What Car? associate editor Roger Stansfield put the new car to the test and it passed with flying colours, beating its official combined fuel economy figure.
MikeWhelan | Mon 3 Jun 2013
MikeWhelan | Mon 3 Jun 2013
MikeWhelan | Wed 22 May 2013
Oliver Heath | Thu 28 Feb 2013
Zipcar | Wed 2 Jan 2013
