ca993twin

I have noticed that Bonneville cars often use a solid disk to cover the wheels... presumably as an aid for reduced aero losses. Of course, they have no concern for brake cooling. My inquisitive mind got to wondering if the "deep dish" wheels are less areodynamic then the "flat" wheels, such as the Ruf wheels, turbo-twists, or others.

Has anybody ever seen any data that would support or refute this idea? Your thoughts?

Thaddeus

I suppose there would have to be some loss, at least at speeds over, say, 75 mph. I bet that air could profitably be channelled away somehow to increase downforce or somehow put it to good use in some way, instead of just creating weird pressure zones in/around the wheel wells...

brucec59

I've had the same thought about the Ruf wheels. I have not seen any data, but just looking at them, and knowing Ruf's penchant for reducing wind resistance, I'm sure the flat wheels help at very high speeds.