Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics
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Sophisticated aerodynamics not only ensure lower energy consumption and greater driving comfort. Thanks to ingenious aeroacoustics, customers also benefit from less wind noise in the car.
Note: The technologies described here reflect the state of development at Audi, either as it currently stands or as it has been in the past. Not all systems mentioned are available in the current model range.
Air curtains
Air curtains are aerodynamic air intakes that improve the airflow around the front wheels in the front apron. They are positioned to the left and right of the Singleframe grille in the front bumper. The air curtains channel the airflow around the front wheels and side of the vehicle as smoothly as possible.
Controllable cool-air intake
The controllable cool-air intake is made up of four vent panels that are operated by an actuator: the two inner panels control the cooling air for thermal management, while the two smaller outer panels control the air for brake cooling. These louvers are normally closed and only open when the thermal management system reports a demand for cooling air under high loads. At speeds of 160 km/h and higher, the intake opens completely to optimize the balance of lift on the front and rear axles and thus improve driving comfort. Even when demand on the mechanical brakes is high, the intake opens and channels cooling air into the front wheel arches via air control elements to the brake. To fully exploit the potential of this technology, Audi developed a self-sealing system consisting of a rubber lip and a plastic element. When the louvers are closed, the air pressure pushes the seal onto the body parts around the louvers, thereby preventing gaps and leakage that would increase drag.
Aerodynamic panels
Aerodynamic panels are lateral spoiler lips at the rear that create a clearly defined stall.
Roof edge spoiler
The roof edge spoiler improves aerodynamics because the airflow separated by the spoiler edge produces less turbulence or vortices, which in turn creates a small “dead water area.”
3D bumpers
The 3D bumpers are located in front of the front wheels. They guide the airflow around the front wheels and thus improve the airflow there. They are specifically optimized for both the Sportback and the Avant.
Diffuser
A diffuser is an aerodynamic component that is usually located at the rear of a car. Its main function is to optimize the airflow under the vehicle.
Wheel spoilers
Wheel spoilers are aerodynamic components that are attached to the underbody. They help guide the airflow past the wheels, thereby optimizing the airflow around them. This can improve the efficiency of the vehicle.
Acoustic glazing
The acoustic glazing consists of two thin panes of glass with an acoustically effective, flexible film sandwiched between them. This decouples the panes acoustically, which reduces sound transmission and thus noticeably improves acoustic comfort in the vehicle.