Any aerodynamic benefit between the two 20" wheel styles?

[snomad]

I haven't seen this discussed yet, but is there any argument to be made for one of the 20" wheel designs being more efficient than the other, either via weight or aerodynamics? It seems like the 20" brights may be slightly more aerodynamic just because there is more surface area on the face of the wheel which in theory should afford it less wind resistance? Curious to hear everyone's thoughts.

Sponsored

 

[NashvilleR1S]

Good question.
I also asked CS what the weight difference between the two wheels was, since that can also affect efficiency, they had no clue hah!
It'd be nice to know the efficiency hits of all the accessories, but I doubt that will happen.

 

[Rivian_Hugh_III]

I presume someone will develop aerodynamic inserts for the floating staple wheels that will mitigate the air churn. Surely it’s possible and even inevitable. With that in mind I’d choose the wheel design you most prefer aesthetically.

 

[crashmtb]

The AT tires likely render any aero advantage between the two wheels moot.

The original prototype shown in 2018 had aero inserts on the 20” wheels(which made the design language consistent with the road wheels)

 

[OverZealous]

The AT tires likely render any aero advantage between the two wheels moot.

The original prototype shown in 2018 had aero inserts on the 20” wheels(which made the design language consistent with the road wheels)

Honestly those look pretty sharp with the inserts. If it even gained back 2% of the range on the highway, I'd be interested in adding those back in. I'm guessing it just didn't add up in practice.

 

[ironpig]

Honestly those look pretty sharp with the inserts. If it even gained back 2% of the range on the highway, I'd be interested in adding those back in. I'm guessing it just didn't add up in practice.

We could try to fab and 3D print some inserts and see if they do anything (or look nice).

 

[OverZealous]

We could try to fab and 3D print some inserts and see if they do anything (or look nice).

Yeah, I was wondering about 3D printing some inserts. Could even 3D print the rough shape then use that as a mold to cast higher quality ones.

I was thinking the same sort of thing for adding caps back to the 21" wheels for local driving. (The difference there is those wheels seem rather ugly with the inserts. These appear to look just as nice with the inserts.)

 

[ironpig]

Yeah, I was wondering about 3D printing some inserts. Could even 3D print the rough shape then use that as a mold to cast higher quality ones.

I was thinking the same sort of thing for adding caps back to the 21" wheels for local driving. (The difference there is those wheels seem rather ugly with the inserts. These appear to look just as nice with the inserts.)

I'm not 3D printing expert, but I have a 1975 Toyota FJ55 and a lot of parts are no longer available. So we (in another forum) have 3D printed a rear window gear and a few other items in metal using shapeways. It's such a great resource now.

 

[AltaTruck]

Yeah, I was wondering about 3D printing some inserts. Could even 3D print the rough shape then use that as a mold to cast higher quality ones.

My thought exactly. I used to build kayaks so it isn't a problem.

 

[Scoiatael]

I've been debating switching from 21" to 20" and was wondering this exact thing. The 20" bright wheels to me looks like they would have more of a aero advantage. 20" regular ones probably will get your delivery faster though.

Sponsored