With an exceptional Cd value of 0.21, the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron1 has become the most aerodynamic Audi ever, setting the standard across the Volkswagen Group in its segment.
The A6 Avant e-tron2 also boasts an impressive Cd of 0.24, ranking it at the top of its body style.
Achieving these groundbreaking values required meticulous teamwork between aerodynamics developers Andreas Lauterbach and Matteo Ghelfi, and wheel designer Andreas Valencia Pollex, who collaborated closely with designers to optimize every detail.
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Aerodynamics has been integral to Audi’s success, dating back to the 1967 NSU Ro 80’s wedge-shaped body and a Cd of 0.35, which revolutionized automotive design.
Audi continued this trajectory with the third-generation Audi 100 (C3) in 1982, achieving a Cd of 0.30, and the Audi 80 (B3), with a Cd of 0.29. Now, the A6 e-tron12 continues this legacy, blending form and function for a new era of electric vehicles.
The developers ran approximately 2,800 simulations and spent countless hours in wind tunnels to fine-tune the A6 e-tron12. Lauterbach noted that even the smallest adjustments, like optimizing air curtains or narrowing the rear track, contributed significantly.
For instance, the larger aero bezels on the A6 Avant e-tron2 improved range by eight kilometers, a notable gain from a single design tweak.
One of the key innovations is the switchblade cool-air intake under the Singleframe, which improved the Cd by 0.012.
The underfloor design also plays a crucial role, with optimized stiffening ribs and breakaway edges enhancing airflow and pressure recovery. The rear diffuser, adapted to the vehicle’s smooth underfloor, further contributed to the record-breaking Cd.
The development of aerodynamically optimized wheels was another essential aspect. Valencia Pollex explained that the A6 e-tron12 features specially designed 19” and 20” aero wheels, which direct airflow smoothly around the car.
Even minor adjustments in wheel design, such as making rims flatter, significantly reduce turbulence and improve efficiency. Remarkably, the aerodynamic difference between the best and worst wheels in the A6 e-tron12 lineup is only 0.015 Cd, demonstrating that nearly every wheel design was meticulously engineered for maximum aerodynamic performance.
Through careful attention to detail, collaboration, and innovation, Audi has set a new benchmark for aerodynamics with the A6 e-tron12, blending cutting-edge design with engineering excellence to enhance efficiency and range.
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