2023-06-19 22:00:04
The ID.7 is Volkswagen’s first electric model for the upper-middle-class segment. With a range of up to 700 kilometers, according to WLTP, the Volkswagen saloon stands out for its efficiency. In addition to a new generation of powertrains, sophisticated aerodynamics contribute to the ID.7’s long range. The shape aerodynamically favorablethe low resistance coefficient of 0.23 and the frontal area of 2.46 m2 are the result of close collaboration between the Design and Development departments.
In sedans like the ID.7, the shape of the body has a 50% influence on the value of the drag coefficient. The wheels and tires influence 30%, the underbody 10% and the functional openings through which the air circulates towards the radiators at the front of the vehicle, for example, also 10%. The fact that the new ID.7 is the ID. most aerodynamic to date can be seen at first glance when looking at the silhouette of the vehicle, which It is almost five meters long.
The Volkswagen designer, Daniel Scharfschwerdt, states that “in designing the ID.7 more attention was paid to aerodynamics than in virtually any other model. This can be seen in the lower front end, the smooth transition to the bonnet and the windshield. The coupé-like roof shape and tapered rear end are also designed to offer ideal aerodynamic performance.”
Volkswagen ID.7
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Even in the early stages of product development, intensive work was done on the exterior design, as well as on the underbody, wheels and other small details. The prerequisite for optimal results is close collaboration between developers and designers. So, Stephan Lansmann, project engineer responsible for the aerodynamics of the ID.7, details that “they look for ideal solutions in an iterative process, which includes periodic consultations between the Development and Design departments. There are many small steps that in the end pay off. Numerous computer simulations for flow calculation are complemented by wind tunnel tests as part of this process.”
Volkswagen ID.7
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Likewise, the ID.7 has almost completely closed basses. This is complemented by newly developed spoilers on the front wheels. These guide air along the wheels under the vehicle with a minimum of turbulence. Air curtains on the sides of the front bumper direct air around the front of the vehicle with minimal loss. Widened side skirts prevent air from flowing into the underbody area and protect the rear tires from air flowing into them. In addition, small spoilers and trim panels guide the airflow over the underbody.
“In electric vehicles, the wheels contribute the most to good aerodynamics, so we put a special focus on them,” says Lansmann. “When designing the rims, we mainly focused on aerodynamics, which we also had to adapt to the cooling requirements of the brakes,” explains the expert. “The resulting rims are more closed and therefore have particularly good aerodynamic properties.” Flow simulations were also used when designing the contours of the tires. This allowed variants with less favorable aerodynamic conditions to be optimized during the design phase.
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