Item Info

Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Automobile Reference Collection
Notes:

PROBE IV AERODYNAMIC INNOVATIONS – Ford Motor Company’s sleek aerodynamic concept car achieved its record-breaking .15 coefficient of drag with several important engineering innovations. (Top left) The turbocharged 1.0-liter CVH engine is tilted at a 70-degree angle so that it will fit under the low sloping hood.  (Top right) To eliminate the air drag of front air apertures, the radiator and air conditioning condenser are housed in the rear of the car with air intake vents located aft of the rear well openings. Power fans draw air into the vents and exhaust it out the rear, which also helps reduce negative air turbulence in that area of the vehicle. (Bottom left) To eliminate a turbulence in the front fender wells and still allow the wheels to turn for steering, a flexible front fender skirt was developed by Goodyear. A stationary skirt or cap mounted over the wheels keeps the rotating wheels from contacting the flexible membranes. (Bottom right) At high speeds a front air dam automatically deploys reducing front road clearance to three inches to control air flow under the vehicle. The air dam has a manual override to raise it for operating on rough roads or for faster driving.

Creator Name: Ford Technical and Regulatory Public Affairs, Dearborn, Mich - Photographer