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Design decision query

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Marine Ray, Oct 5, 2019.

  1. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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    OK Prime mates, a little fun here - why are these two ridges on the driver's and passenger's sides in front of the rear view mirrors? Why not one or three or none? Someone at Toyota had to make the design decision. My guess is this is what gives us more than the EPA 25 miles per charge. What say you? dsBuffer.bmp.png
     
  2. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

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    Toyota’s explanation for what they call the “aero stabilizing fins” is in New Car Features (more info), under Vehicle Exterior: Exterior Panels/Trim: Body Structure: Aerodynamics:
    1. After passing the aero stabilizing fin, the air speed will increase and vortex flow will be generated.
    2. This vortex increases the speed of surrounding air while at the same time pulling the airflow towards the vehicle body.
    3. The airflow with higher speed passes near both sides of the vehicle body and ends at the rear of the vehicle. This helps to hold the vehicle body, thus stabilizing the vehicle.
    They don’t say why there are two and not three, though. There is also one on the side of each rear combination light, by the way.
     
  3. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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    Awesome, thanks. Mind if I share your response on the Facebook Prius Prime Group?
     
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  4. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Ridges and bumps like that are often to smooth air flow for aerodynamics or sound reduction.
     
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  5. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

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    You’re welcome, and not at all.
     
  6. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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  7. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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  8. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    I'm starting to wonder if I should offer the car as parts?

    edit 1 how many parts could I sell before I'd have to take it off the road?

    edit 2 I hope none of my posts find there way onto the spacebook site

    edit 3 Oh yeah, any body remember the rear quaterpanel fin craze of the late 50's early 60's?
     
    #8 vvillovv, Oct 5, 2019
    Last edited: Oct 5, 2019
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  9. Washingtonian

    Washingtonian Senior Member

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    I say those are side view mirrors. The rear view mirror is the one inside the car. Of course, I was always known as a nit picker.
     
  10. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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    You're correct. My error.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.