Have just an update on the ElioYear1.
I'm finding the new 'red' images a bit challenging. That is to say, I was expecting to just modify the P4 model.
But what I'm finding is interesting. There are several subtle changes once I try and map it to the P4. The changes would all be beneficial to the aerodynamics of the P4. I would guess, they were tinkering very carefully, then testing each change in a simulator. Doing as Paul has said many times, tinkering to get the mileage up.
This all leads me to believe that EM would not make any changes that are not beneficial to MPG. So I'd say there is little likelihood they will go back to the bulbous popped out headlight style that the P3 uses, since that would have a mild effect on the aerodynamics.
I also noted a very slight rise to the undercarriage, indicating a little trimming to the ride height and angle. Typically 1 inch higher at back. The hood is very-very slightly higher at the wipers, and there is rounding going all the way down the sides, except for the sculpted and indented side panels. There is an under-pan indicated under the engine. And of course, as is obvious, the front is longer and lower at the nose with a smaller 'mouth' at the radiator.
All of these curves continue to fit the original chassis and engine placement with the exception of 1/2 inch or so more head height near the windshield. The 'sweetspot' for the headlights seems to be exactly the same, indicating very little change, if any, for the engine and related accessories.
The 'red' images have the sides fully enclosed, which is typical for initial aerodynamic simulator testing. I suspect they will not want to open that up very much in order to retain as low a Coefficient of Drag number as they can.
Having said that, I think all the changes are so subtle that modifying the P4 is still suitable for use in our 3d model print of the EY1. So I'm staying to plan on this version.
To actually be 100% accurate, I'd have to start from scratch, and I don't have a good reason to do that, for now.
I'm finding the new 'red' images a bit challenging. That is to say, I was expecting to just modify the P4 model.
But what I'm finding is interesting. There are several subtle changes once I try and map it to the P4. The changes would all be beneficial to the aerodynamics of the P4. I would guess, they were tinkering very carefully, then testing each change in a simulator. Doing as Paul has said many times, tinkering to get the mileage up.
This all leads me to believe that EM would not make any changes that are not beneficial to MPG. So I'd say there is little likelihood they will go back to the bulbous popped out headlight style that the P3 uses, since that would have a mild effect on the aerodynamics.
I also noted a very slight rise to the undercarriage, indicating a little trimming to the ride height and angle. Typically 1 inch higher at back. The hood is very-very slightly higher at the wipers, and there is rounding going all the way down the sides, except for the sculpted and indented side panels. There is an under-pan indicated under the engine. And of course, as is obvious, the front is longer and lower at the nose with a smaller 'mouth' at the radiator.
All of these curves continue to fit the original chassis and engine placement with the exception of 1/2 inch or so more head height near the windshield. The 'sweetspot' for the headlights seems to be exactly the same, indicating very little change, if any, for the engine and related accessories.
The 'red' images have the sides fully enclosed, which is typical for initial aerodynamic simulator testing. I suspect they will not want to open that up very much in order to retain as low a Coefficient of Drag number as they can.
Having said that, I think all the changes are so subtle that modifying the P4 is still suitable for use in our 3d model print of the EY1. So I'm staying to plan on this version.
To actually be 100% accurate, I'd have to start from scratch, and I don't have a good reason to do that, for now.
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