From a previous post
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeysolstice
I've known the frontal area and CdA since my original post. The frontal area is 21.1 ft^2. That's almost the same as the much bigger Corvette. The Solstice's CdA is 9.5. For comparison purposes, here are some CdA's followed by the pounds of force exerted on the car @ 70 and 150 MPH (assuming each car could hit 150):
Nissan 350Z: 5.8 CdA, 77 pounds @ 70 MPH, 353 pounds @ 150 MPH
C6 Corvette: 6.16 CdA, 82 pounds @ 70 MPH, 375 pounds @ 150 MPH
Porsche 911: 6.8 CdA, 90 pounds @ 70 MPH, 413 pounds @ 150 MPH
Dodge Viper: 7.7 CdA, 102 pounds @ 70 MPH, 468 pounds @ 150 MPH
Scion xB: 7.7 CdA, 102 pounds @ 70 MPH, 468 pounds @ 150 MPH
Miata: 8.01 CdA, 106 pounds @ 70 MPH, 487 pounds @ 150 MPH
Honda S2000: 9.08 CdA, 120 pounds @ 70 MPH, 552 pounds @ 150 MPH
Solstice: 9.5 CdA, 126 pounds @ 70 MPH, 578 pounds @ 150 MPH
New Beetle: 9.6 CdA, 127pounds @ 70 MPH, 584 pounds @ 150 MPH
Chrysler T&C Minivan: 10.9 CdA, 144 pounds @ 70 MPH, 663 pounds @ 150 MPH
Cadillac Escalade: 12.89 CdA, 171 pounds @ 70 MPH, 784 pounds @ 150 MPH
The Solstice is running about 5050 RPM in fifth gear at its top speed of 142 MPH. At that speed, there is 518 pounds of force pushing back against the car due to wind resistance. Factoring in the drivetrain loss, gear ratio, axle ratio, and tire size, that's about how much force the engine can deliver to the ground at that speed, so that explains the top speed on the car. If the car had a drag coefficient of .35 (which is still kinda poor by today's standards) instead of .45, I calculate it could hit about 160.
Mike