Bulge

[#246]

The bulge we're discussing here (on the lower right) is obviously present for a practical reason (namely the exhaust goes there).
But I see a bit of a bulge on the lower left as well. I can't think of any practical reason for that one.

Probably just styling and aesthetics and cool-factor and such... which is fine, but not particularly practical. But it seems to me that the left-side bulge would detract from aerodynamics, weight, and cost, compared to just smoothing it over. Does anyone else see a practical reason for the lower left bulge being there? Perhaps something about how the pillars are attached that requires the lower frame to extend out further than the pillars?

 

[Gizmo]

Just Elio Muskles?

 

[AriLea]

The bulge we're discussing here (on the lower right) is obviously present for a practical reason (namely the exhaust goes there).
But I see a bit of a bulge on the lower left as well. I can't think of any practical reason for that one.

Probably just styling and aesthetics and cool-factor and such... which is fine, but not particularly practical. But it seems to me that the left-side bulge would detract from aerodynamics, weight, and cost, compared to just smoothing it over. Does anyone else see a practical reason for the lower left bulge being there? Perhaps something about how the pillars are attached that requires the lower frame to extend out further than the pillars?

Ok, so what you are posing is reverse engineering the entire argument for the bulge.
The best guesses so far are,
1) They have the requirement to exhuast at or near the rear end.
2) They couldn't fit the entire exhaust assembly under the car.
3) Just running a pipe outside the body along the side has two issues
a) exposed exhust pipe can burn people's skin.
b) the pipe outside the body will interact airflow, easilly creating turbulent flow in odd and intermeittent ways. A smooth surface will be much more predictible.
4) a tight tunnel would confine the heat to a small area, This will create hotspots, that could damage plastics.
5) The area behind the suspension is a bit turbulent anyway, what ever additional drag the bulge places there is minimal, probably less that putting the feature under the car, given what Em would have to do to implement it underneath.

That's the best guess based on observation and everyone's critique of the design.

 

[ElioDigger]

From the LA Auto Show:

Having said that they did try it out the back and funny enough the P5 currently has both exhausts installed with the rear exhaust being the functional exhaust. The side exhaust muffler arrived one day after the vehicle left for L.A. Pics to come later on.

So, there will be an option?

 

[John-b-gone]

Cool dual exhausts I wonder how they split that middle cylinder?

 

[goofyone]

The multiple installed exhausts are simply evidence that is not merely a show car but an engineering development vehicle as well. I was told that the P5 would not go on tour right away but instead it is going right back to Technosports so the engineers can work out more details before they begin building more vehicles. The team actually refers to this vehicle as the P5/E1 and we can expect further refinement to the details as the rest of the E-series vehicles are built and tested.

 

[Jim H]

goofyone, boy is it good to have your input and insight again. THANKS

 

[BlioKart]

[Broken External Image]

 

[goofyone]

Like so many things Elio you really must see the exhaust buldge in person to understand it is truly not a big deal. From over 10-15 feet away the bulge just blends in with the body lines and is not even noticeable and up close it is obvious that it is a side exhaust which actually adds to the sporty overall look of the P5.

 

[outsydthebox]

Like so many things Elio you really must see the exhaust buldge in person to understand it is truly not a big deal. From over 10-15 feet away the bulge just blends in with the body lines and is not even noticeable and up close it is obvious that it is a side exhaust which actually adds to the sporty overall look of the P5.

Something like this would be "sporty"
[Broken External Image]