Bentley Aerodynamics

[c955]

If anyone watched Top Gear last night, can they tell me whether all the snow that accumulated on the back of the Bentley was a clear demonstration of its poor aerodynamic design or is it the other way round i.e. the airflow around the back is smooth and doesn't disrupt things there?

The Ferrari by comparison was completely clear all the way through.

Any well informed opinions please?

 

[Dieselman]

It was definitely a result of turbulence at the rear.

 

[Bellow]

Or the snow being flung from the rear wheels followed different (momentum based) trajectories?
Proper wind tunnel required to answer your question - not a romp in the snow!

 

[Mactech]

It's actually quite simple. Particles of snow or dirt are attracted (or 'sucked') to low pressure areas. It's why the back of trucks and the rear window of your Golf get so dirty.
It tells us that the area is low pressure and with the boundry layer close to the skin of any vehicle it is unlikey to get blown away again. It tells us little about whether the aero is good or bad.
I did a little work on the older Conti GT for a record attempt and found a large drag reduction by adding a boot spoiler and increasing the volume of the top of the boot lid...but the 'felt tip fairies' wouldn't have it for the production road car!
'Good' aero for a road car means low cd and 'balanced' lift.
'Good' aero for a race car means a big lift to drag ratio....that's negative lift..

 

[Aswall]

I think if I was travelling sideways at 100, on snow, in a 2 ton car, I would be experiencing a fair amount of "turbulence from the rear" too

 

[janner]

Could be that Ferrari sent dozens of people to keep it clean and Bentley simply gave them the car and keys?
The whole thing was slightly pointless anyway. With that level of grip the most important factor is tyres, not how low the engine sits.

 

[MUGGY]

Could be that Ferrari sent dozens of people to keep it clean and Bentley simply gave them the car and keys?
The whole thing was slightly pointless anyway. With that level of grip the most important factor is tyres, not how low the engine sits.

Agreed.

Clarkson did mention that the Bentley had superior studded tyres which made the whole thing completely pointless

 

[coupe deville]

Clarkson did mention that the Bentley had superior studded tyres which made the whole thing completely pointless

50% of the show is completely pointless, but I like all 3 presenters, I have to record and whiz thru the rubbish at 4 x speed