911 Aero Pack Development:
In this article we cover the development of an aerodynamic package for a Porsche 911.
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We perform a CAD scan and analysis of the baseline car.
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We identify areas of concern - the unbalanced lift distribution.
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Perform the development of an aeropack using CFD Simulations.
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Evaluate the improvement in performance.
The Porsche 911, an icon in the realm of motorsport, has long been revered for its timeless design and exhilarating performance. However, as automotive engineering progresses at a relentless pace, even the most revered classics must evolve to meet modern standards of performance and aerodynamic efficiency. The Porsche 911 (964 type), while still embodying the essence of driving pleasure, grapples with certain aerodynamic limitations compared to its contemporary counterparts.
In this project we aimed to mitigate some of these aerodynamic shortcomings by improving the high speed stability and improving the overall effciency of the car.
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To achieve this goal, a meticulous development process was undertaken, commencing with the precise scanning of the vehicle and its transformation into a surface suitable for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
With the CAD model prepared, a series of iterative improvements were made to the car's aerodynamics, guided by continuous feedback loops, until a notable enhancement in aerodynamic performance was achieved. The culmination of this process involved a redesign of the car's styling, striking a balance between aesthetic appeal and high-performance functionality.
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Car Scan
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BSL Evaluation
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Aero Development
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Styling Desing
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Final Desing
Car Scan & Cad Modeling
The car was scanned in colaboration with our partners at the Motor Sport Institute and the resulting surfaces were turned into a high quality CAD model.
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Capturing every detail while keeping it clean and simple is paramount in this phase, as this sets the foundation for precise and optimized CFD simulations.
Porsche 911 CAD top view
Porsche 911 CAD underfloor view
Porsche 911 CAD top view
Meshing
Our meshing process transforms CAD geometry into a finely tuned grid, establishing the bedrock for CFD simulations. Customizing mesh size to match project phases and specific requirements, we strike an optimal balance between detail and efficiency, ensuring tailored results that align with your needs.
Baseline Results
As expected the car shows high levels of drag with a Cd value of 0.351 and a Cl value of 0.161 (lift generation). It is evident that these metrics fall short compared to modern aerodynamic standards.
The aerodynamic balance is heavily biased towards the front. The centre pressure lies ahead of the front wheels. This leads to an oversteering car which can become unstable at high speed cornering. This instability highlights the critical role of aerodynamic refinement in addressing inherent handling challenges within the Porsche 911 964.
Development Loop
A number of iterations were done to improve the performance of the car. The work was limited to the front bumper, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. The development work was focused on moving the centre of pressure rearwards and improving overall downforce level.
Styling Design
With the final geometry, each contour and curve is meticulously crafted, integrating aerodynamic performance into aesthetics. Our exterior design process is led by insights gleaned from our CFD simulations, resulting in a harmonious fusion of style and performance.
Final Results
Let’s summarize now the results of our design process:​
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The tide turns in our favour: Now, the Porsche 911 964 generates overall downforce at max RH (Cl = -0.070), with a minor increase in drag (Cd = 0.361).
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The lift distribution picture undergoes a remarkable transformation: while not yet perfect, this distribution marks a significant step towards achieving aerodynamic balance, addressing the notorious challenge of high-speed oversteer inherent to the Porsche 911 964.
As showcased in the following plots, our aerodynamic development improved performance, leading to faster lap times and an improved on-track experience.
Exploring and enhancing the aerodynamic performance of the Porsche 911 964 has been a pleasure, and we are pleased to give this iconic car a modern touch at the same time.
Spoiler Deployment
Throughout history, some Porsche models have featured an active spoiler that deploys at high speeds to counteract the aerodynamic lift imbalance we have analyzed.
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We conducted a study to evaluate how the deployment of the spoiler affects performance and alters the flow field.
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Watch the video below to gain a better understanding of the spoiler's impact on the aerodynamics of the Porsche 911.
Contact Us Today​​​
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Partner with the team trusted by the FIA to deliver motorsport-grade performance and cost-efficient solutions to your project.
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Whether you're an motorsport team looking for aerodynamic development support, a hypercar manufacturer aiming to push the boundaries of performance or a technology-driven enterprise seeking cutting-edge expertise, VFluid Advanced Technologies is your gateway to elevate the aerodynamic performance of your project to the next level.​​​
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Contact us today to discover how we can bring our F1 and FIA-backed expertise to your project.
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