BMW M3 and 335i Wind Tunnel Testing Results

Sport Auto Magazine shows the results of the wind tunnel testing of the BMW M3 and 335i. If we look at the results, th e M3’s aerodynamic improvements are quite impressive:

Front Lift @ 124 mph:
335: 42 kg (93 lb)
M3: 10 kg (22 lb)

Rear Lift @ 124 mph:
335: 28 kg (62 lb)
M3: 23 kg (51 lb)

Note: these cars do not have the aerodynamic devices to actually create down force.

The M3’s lower body work and front bumper contributes to lowering the front lift by 71 lbs. The rear bumper also produces such effect.

As compared to the results of the Porsche 911 S and GT3 RS which needs wings, splitters, diffusers, and a whole lot more down force, the BMW is very much ahead.

But BMW is cautious in giving their cars more down force because the lower it is, the more fuel efficiency is affected. If you are using your car for racing, then the fuel efficiency will not be an issue. But if you are like most BMW owners who use their cars for street driving, fuel efficiency means so much.

Source: Bimmerpost