cvalue13
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the practical or credibility challenges you enumerate are all good points and understood. No shortage of eg aftermarket truck aerodynamic product manufacturers out there with their self-serving models.We can share CFD results; but sharing is somewhat minimal value, beyond marketing sizzle. It's visually pleasing, but the data is only as good as the model quality and inputs we set - true for any CFD shared by any company. As for 3rd party claims, please understand no one is doing this without getting paid...so while we could do this, understand that independent person is getting paid to do an independent test. Honestly, the CFD provides us directionally insightful data during development - but it's far from 'gospel'.
We have other proprietary testing & design development tools that are arguably superior. Working on that right now, will post details when i can!
I suppose, where OEMs are considered, we at least know they’re aligned in achieving a vehicle with competitive/impressive range. the modeling, afterall, is merely an indicating proxy for ultimate range effects. Folks would care less what the Cd is if the ultimate outcome is better/worse range effects.
so, while model data is finicky, might it be possible to standardize a compelling range test regiment? Eg oval track, 5 reps (at 5 different speed bands) of OEM config, 5 reps without OEM config, then 5 reps of your product config.
ultimately, accessories - whether OEM or aftermarket - are going to become subjected to more informed customer scrutiny than they are today. Companies best positioned will be those that post not just range effect stats, but that stake out a reliable methodology by which they arrive at those stats.
few accessories will be as scrutinized as wheel and wheel-related accessories
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