Edison2 Very Light Car

[Sheepdog 44]

This is the front suspension. Entirely in wheel

The rear suspension on the first xprize models is different and im not sure if its changed. I can only provide a link to it. What you don't see are the wheels which would be placed behind the axel. The spring suspension provides torque to the bar twisting it, the wheel being behind the bar then can move the wheel up and down. Maybe im explaining it backwards.
http://www.edison2.com/photos/early-...ginalSize=true
You can see how it works in the early videos without the shell on. Around 1:30 they wheel it backwards and you can see how it's all in wheel.
http://vimeo.com/6887214

[NeilBlanchard]

Right, and the rear suspension works differently -- the wheels are on trailing arm casing that has a chain reduction in it, and the whole tube pivots with it. There are two large bearings supporting the tubes on each side. The drive shafts are inside the tubes.

http://www.edison2.com/picture/rear%...reId=40 66690

Another thing that is very different on the new quarter scale model is that the rear wheel struts seem to be much higher up, above the centerline of the wheel? Compare the X-Prize picture with the model.

[palmer_md]

Design by 11's latest showing for the VLC 4.0

http://designby11.blogspot.com/2012/04/vlc-40.html

[Sheepdog 44]

WOW, thank you thats amazing! I love how the back looks. Better conventional doors, lowered rear window for better viewing. I just hope they don't go an inch conventional and sacrifice an iota to aerodynamic drag. What worries me is A, not seeing concrete evidence of completely faired in front wheels, B, The engine inlets (can't remember their proper names) are they the ideal form? and C, could the rear be lower than is exactly optimal?

I know though that these are just versions of the upcoming 4.0, and Oliver has stated that it will have a lower CD even with bumpers etc.

I see they are up in the air on how to get the best placement on the windows.

[smilingcat]

air inlet looks like its taking some idea from NACA inlet/duct. The sharp side edge helps with the boundary layer on the "bottom" of the inlet and allow for higher inlet pressure if I remember right. The outer edges of the inlet is far from NACA but I think they are trying for the same aerodynamic effect.

NACA inlet is far better than a scoop which juts out from the body and upsetting the laminar flow behind it. Scoop generates far more drag.

The designed inlet meshes far better with the overall design than a "standard" NACA inlet. just my 2 cents.

[SEGsby]

Awww, what a tease! Wanna see the front headlights in a 3/4 view.

Is that wheel cover a spinner style cover that stays relatively fixed by weighting? Or will this weird graphic rotate and strobe, hypnotizing everyone who looks at it?

Weird graphic is also on the roof...

[c0mp13x]

Hmmm... this version of the VLC is certainly more developed, but I don't find some of the shapes as pleasing as these earlier versions:

Originally Posted by c0mp13x

I understand that the design is more refined for actual production, and it's really not fair to assess the entire design without a good shot of the front end.

As for the scoop, I think it's a great design. It provides function with the least amount laminar air flow interruption. Because it is formed by the rear door panel; it is easy to delete and smooth over for a drivetrain (electric, etc.) that may not need rear air intake.

While I don't mind the rear window line dipping down below the side window line to provide better rear visibility, I don't care for the high top arch of the front window. I guess it bring more light into the cabin... I just don't like how it forms points at the top of the 'A' pillars. I think the shape the front roof line conflicts with the 'forward thrust" of aerodynamic design of this vehicle.

The exposed front wheels are fine with me, even with the aerodynamic compromise. It simplifies the front end, saves weight and cost by not having the wheel faring turn with the wheel.

Ohhh... and I REALLY don't mind the split side windows for tolls and burgers. Saves weight, complexity and cost. We've all seen how a full, roll down window can drag a whole project down... ohhhh boy

Did you guys notice the new wiper cavity between the hood and the windshield? It looks like the hood line has risen quite a bit and I wonder how the low sight lines will be for shorter drivers...

Hey Edison2 & Jason - great job, keep up the good work!

[c0mp13x]

Congrats E2... United States Patent 8152184 - Vehicle Suspension System

[Sheepdog 44]

Originally Posted by c0mp13x

Hmmm... this version of the VLC is certainly more developed, but I don't find some of the shapes as pleasing as these earlier versions:

As for the scoop, I think it's a great design. It provides function with the least amount laminar air flow interruption. Because it is formed by the rear door panel; it is easy to delete and smooth over for a drivetrain (electric, etc.) that may not need rear air intake.

While I don't mind the rear window line dipping down below the side window line to provide better rear visibility, I don't care for the high top arch of the front window. I guess it bring more light into the cabin... I just don't like how it forms points at the top of the 'A' pillars. I think the shape the front roof line conflicts with the 'forward thrust" of aerodynamic design of this vehicle.

Ohhh... and I REALLY don't mind the split side windows for tolls and burgers. Saves weight, complexity and cost. We've all seen how a full, roll down window can drag a whole project down... ohhhh boy

Did you guys notice the new wiper cavity between the hood and the windshield? It looks like the hood line has risen quite a bit and I wonder how the low sight lines will be for shorter drivers...

Hey Edison2 & Jason - great job, keep up the good work!

I like the Naca ducts and split roll down windows. I didn't catch those until you mentioned it, those are nifty. I hope they do suicide rear doors for clearance with the rear wheel fairing but if not fine, just icing on the cake!

[c0mp13x]

Turned the lights on for you guys...