ZAGREB: Over the last two years, Croatian hypercar maker Rimac has been exposing three different generations of C_Two prototypes to a series of wind tunnel tests.
The objective? To ensure that its flagship’s aerodynamics perform at the optimum level in terms of performance, range, and efficiency when it comes to handling the impact of the wind.
Its engineering team ran thousands of CFD simulations for C_Two. Each simulation model consists of over 120 million elements with up to 180 million for the detailed heat transfer models. With real-time testing, it is critical to validate expected results. The real-time tests are conducted in a controlled wind tunnel testing environment and on track.
During the tests, the engineers are looking to assess the car against three key aspects: car efficiency, cooling performance, and active aerodynamic systems.
All of which are even more important for an electric car than a traditional internal combustion-engined one. For example, on long-distance trips, the demands for cooling will naturally be lower than when C_Two is being driven on the track. At the same time, ensuring optimum range from its batteries and the car’s overall ability to fully harness its immense power and torque is also key.
The car’s aerodynamics play a key role in this regard. The C_Two has been designed and engineered with this element in mind. It has four active aerodynamic parts such as the active front splitter, intelligent underbody air flaps and adaptable air brake wing.
Rimac said the tests have all gone "extremely well in terms of correlation with our simulations".
It said aerodynamic efficiency had been improved by 34% from the initial C_Two concept to the validation prototype.
