Aerodynamics SKODA FABIA | Current Skoda news

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Aerodynamics SKODA FABIA | Current Skoda news-news

SKODA FABIA: the best aerodynamics in its class. At the front of the vehicle, the airflow is channeled close to the sides of the body and wheels through recesses in the front bumper, so-called air curtains, which are aerodynamically particularly favorable.

  • Fourth generation of SKODA’s successful model with the best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.28
  • Numerous detailed measures support the reduction of consumption and emissions
  • Aerodynamic development was done mostly with CFD simulations

Mlada Boleslav – The fourth generation of the Skoda Fabia is aerodynamically as sophisticated as never before and no other model of its vehicle class. With its emotionally and dynamically drawn shape, the new FABIA achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.28 and is thus well below the value of its predecessor (cd 0.32). The excellent aerodynamic efficiency is achieved through a variety of detailed measures such as a clever radiator blind with active fins and contributes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. When developing the aerodynamics of the FABIA, SKODA used more than 3.000 so-called CFD simulations, the results of which were checked and refined during test drives.

Vít HubaCek, responsible for the aerodynamic development of the SKODA FABIA, says: “Although the new FABIA is larger than its predecessor – its frontal area has grown by around three percent – we have reduced its drag coefficient by almost ten percent. This alone reduces CO2 emissions by nearly three grams per kilometer in the WLTP test cycle. We have more than 3.000 aerodynamic tests carried out, around 80 percent of them virtually using CFD simulations on a supercomputer. A normal PC would need more than 2.take 000 years."

The result of the aerodynamic development in the new SKODA FABIA is a drag coefficient of cd 0.28. The fourth generation thus clearly undercuts its direct predecessor (Cd = 0.32) and at the same time sets a new record in the small car segment. The outstanding aerodynamics of the new FABIA make a significant contribution to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Experts from several departments – such as designers, aeroacousticians and engineers for the body, underbody and engines – worked together to develop the aerodynamics. In addition, Skoda has combined virtual tests with computer simulations and real testing rides. The main purpose of the test drives was to check and confirm the results of the simulations.

Tens of thousands of computing hours from supercomputers
The aerodynamics department at SKODA AUTO worked largely virtually when developing the new FABIA. Since the optimization of vehicle aerodynamics is very complex and every small change can have numerous effects in other areas, the engineers used high-performance computers to run through as many variants as possible virtually using CFD simulations (Computational Fluid Dynamics: numerical flow simulation). Within around three and a half years, they calculated more than 3.000 of these flow simulations, which required tens of thousands of hours of computing time. The importance of aerodynamics has increased significantly in the automotive industry in recent years and through stricter emissions values this area becomes more and more important. SKODA AUTO has therefore significantly expanded its staff and expertise in this area. While twenty years ago three aerodynamics specialists worked at SKODA AUTO, today there are three just for the FABIA.

Radiator blinds reduce consumption at 120 km/h by up to 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers
Numerous details in the new SKODA FABIA contribute to the best aerodynamics in its class. An important measure is the innovative radiator blind in the lower air intake of the front bumper, which is being used for the first time in this vehicle class with the FABIA. When there is little need for cooling, the active fins close, thus improving the aerodynamics. At a constant speed of 120 km/h, this enables fuel savings of up to 0.2 l/100 km. The FABIA emits up to five grams less CO2 per kilometer driven. With high cooling requirements or short stops, the system opens the slats, so that the maximum amount of air can flow in. In addition, numerous components ensure optimal air resistance. At the front of the vehicle, the airflow is channeled close to the sides of the body and wheels through recesses in the front bumper, so-called air curtains, which are aerodynamically particularly favorable. Under the vehicle, an underbody now clad with twelve instead of three covers optimizes the air flow. In combination with the long roof spoiler and side finlets, this reduces the air turbulence behind the vehicle, the so-called rear caster. The shape of the exterior mirrors directs the air to the spoiler lip on the rear lights. Since the wheels alone generate around 25 percent of the air resistance, SKODA is using special plastic inserts on the FABIA for the first time to optimize the aerodynamics of the light-alloy wheels.

SKODA AUTO

  • Controls with the Next Level – Skoda Strategy 2030 successfully through the new decade.
  • is striving to be one of the five top-selling brands in Europe by 2030 with attractive offers in the entry-level segments and other e-models.
  • develops into the leading European brand in India, Russia and North Africa.
  • currently offers its customers ten car model series: FABIA, RAPID, SCALA, OCTAVIA and SUPERB as well as KAMIQ, KAROQ, KODIAQ, ENYAQ iV and KUSHAQ.
  • delivered over one million vehicles to customers worldwide in 2020.
  • has been part of the Volkswagen Group, one of the world’s most successful automobile manufacturers, for 30 years.
  • manufactures and develops vehicles as well as components such as engines and transmissions independently within the group.
  • maintains three locations in the Czech Republic; manufactures in China, Russia, Slovakia and India primarily through group partnerships and in the Ukraine with a local partner.
  • employs more than 43.000 employees worldwide and is represented in more than 100 markets.

SKODA AUTO Deutschland GmbH

  • entered the German market in September 1991.
  • represented in connection with around 1.100 sales and service partners the SKODA brand in Germany.
  • is part of the success story of the traditional Czech brand: in 2020, over 181.000 new SKODA vehicles were registered as passenger cars, which corresponds to a market share of 6.2 percent. SKODA was not only the number one import brand in Germany for the twelfth year in a row, but also further consolidated its position among the well-known volume brands.

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