The Secret is Out! Hyundai Reveals The Key To The 2024 Ioniq 6’s Aerodynamic Capability
The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is indisputably the most aerodynamic vehicle the Korean car manufacturer has ever produced, ushering in an exceptionally low 0.21 drag coefficient.
The car’s slippery form plays an integral role in the high efficiency of the Ioniq 6, ultimately allowing it to spread 614 kilometers (381 miles) of range on a full battery charge, according to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure). Besides heightening range, aerodynamic efficiency also considerably influences performance, driving stability, and wind noise.
This midsize Hyundai EV scores exceptional aerodynamic efficiency through the 1930s type of aerodynamic design and several technological upgrades made in the wind tunnel. Beginning with the design, Simon Loasby, Hyundai’s head of styling, cited the 1947 Stout Scarab, Phantom Corsair and Saab Ursaab as core influences on the car’s sleek design.
“The true beginning of aerodynamic design and engineering started in the 1930s and we felt that taking inspiration from that era – and indeed from nature – was the perfect way to create uniqueness and sustainable performance in the EV segment.” said Loasby
The Supermarine Spitfire World War II British fighter plane served as another important influence, as designers of the Korean automaker applied Spitfire-derived to the side of the Ioniq’s rear spoiler to absorb the airflow from the roof and lessened the drag by shrinking vortices at the tip of the spoiler. On top of this, the winglet is proficient at reducing the eddy current produced from the side of the car, helping to diminish drag.
The Ioniq car has a streamlined body resembling the wing of an airplane, with the difference in pressure among the top and bottom of the Ioniq 6 producing lift aerodynamically at high speed. Even during fast-paced driving, the downforce created by the rear spoiler lessens the lift to assert stability. Designers of Hyundai even got a bit of its creative influence from nature, particularly regarding the shape as it emulates when a peregrine falcon lunges after prey.
The Ioniq 6 received comprehensive testing in the wind tunnel, where it braved winds of up to 200 km/h (124 mph) produced by a 3400-HP fan in the journey of gaining an extra 10 percent of efficiency by using the company’s aerodynamic engineers.
This feat was accomplished by using various tricks, one of them being the morphing technique (a shape transformation technology) used on the rear spoiler and several other progressive aerodynamic solutions, along with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis using a supercomputer.
This made way for Hyundai designers to choose the prime spoiler shape from nearly 70 different options and enabled the implementation of active air flaps, wheel air curtains, wheel gap reducers, separation traps, and wheel deflectors to troubled areas.
Not only are these technological progressions functional, but they are pleasing to the eye. Take a look at these aerodynamic tricks down below.
Southern Team Hyundai
When the time comes to purchase the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6, be sure to do it at Southern Team Hyundai. We sell various vehicles from the brand that range in several shapes and sizes.
Those interested in any of our vehicles can simply view our online new car inventory and chat with a representative for further information and assistance.