ENGINEERING THE INVISIBLE: CFD-OPTIMISED AIRFLOW DESIGN FOR HYBRID RACING VEHICLES

Abstract

The advancement of hybrid racing cars has introduced new challenges and opportunities in the field of aerodynamics. Efficient airflow management directly influences vehicle stability, drag reduction, cooling performance, and energy efficiency, making Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) a vital tool in design and optimisation. This study investigates the role of CFD in analysing and improving airflow distribution across a hybrid race car. By creating a virtual wind tunnel environment, the aerodynamics of different body geometries, diffuser configurations, and air intake placements were evaluated. The analysis emphasises the importance of drag– downforce balance, thermal management, and energy recovery in hybrid powertrains. Results indicate that targeted aerodynamic modifications can enhance downforce by 12% while reducing drag by 8%, leading to improved handling and reduced energy losses. The findings provide insight into how CFD-driven methodologies can accelerate the design process, reduce prototyping costs, and improve hybrid racing vehicle performance.