A look into Lexus’ Aerodynamics lab is like visiting Superman’s fortress of solitude

By Alexander Kalogianni February 19, 2015

Wind tunnel testing on cars is nothing new, being a large part in developing the aerodynamics of cars for decades and, though we talk about a car’s slipperiness all the time, we rarely stop to ask just what it takes to test these things out. On its official blog, Lexus takes us on a tour of its aerodynamics laboratory at the research and development headquarters in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, that is as amazing as it is bizarre.

The facility is fairly new, opening up just two years ago. In it’s 22-meter wide, 260 meter long looping test tunnel is a wind turbine capable of generating hurricane-level wind speeds of up to 155 mph. At one section of a tunnel, the air is redirected to a testing room by a set of precisely angled metal slats.

Lexus Aerodynamics Lab — Image used with permission by copyright holder

“We had the structural details fine-tuned, so the layout of the walls, the selection of materials, and location of vents and nozzles, all help make this lab one of the most reliable research facilities in the world,” said Toshiyuki Murayama, group manager of thermal management and aerodynamics at Lexus.

Lexus Aerodynamics Lab — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Air is directed through the slats to a testing room, where engineers evaluate the flow of air around a vehicle, visualizing it clearly with streams of smoke. The car is set on a turntable weighing scale, as the engineers monitor how the flow of air effects the weight distribution. The turnable also functions as a rolling road so they can simulate how air flows around the wheels while they’re at speed instead of just sitting statically.

Lexus Aerodynamics Lab — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Noise reduction tests are also being conducted as the Lexus engineers monitor the car from a safe observation chamber. If certain adjustments need to be made, they can tweak certain aspects on site or even temporarily affix stabilizer fins made quickly with a 3D printer.

“Every part of the car is designed within the margin of a millimetre,” explains Lexus RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi. “We go through every possible layout of the ducts or the sizing of aerodynamic parts. All the details and conditions must be taken into consideration. It is no easy job.”

No, but it sure looks like a fascinating one.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Alexander Kalogianni

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Alex K is an automotive writer based in New York. When not at his keyboard or behind the wheel of a car, Alex spends a lot of…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.