In the video posted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ5sU2r-xxw&t=1100s #NathanArmstrong stated that the #APTERA original design was based upon a shark. Because the shark cannot access the bottom it actually arc its body to force it down to get access to the bottom of the ocean floor.
My logic tells me the faster the #APTERA goes the more it will hug the road. That is why they do not have any concerns that the light weight of #APTERA will lift off once maximum speeds are reached on the road :) Without the use of spoilers or fins like in F1 racing cars to push the vehicle down that would increase drag etc. Brilliant #APTERA!
There are many hidden features or technology hidden in the earo-dynamic design of the #APTERA that is not obviously noticeable or known.
Sharks have been around 450 million years....Aptera started about ~2006 So can’t wait to see its evolution!
Barry's logic is correct, that "lift" (up OR down, or even sideways) increases with airspeed. However it also induces drag, & is referred to as such in aerodynamics.
F1 racetracks have many corners, so lap time is reduced more by faster cornering than it would be by faster straightaways, so the extra drag induced by downforce (for better traction & higher cornering speeds) is a net benefit for them.
The absolute lowest drag car would have zero lift or downforce. Aptera specs an impressively neutral 25Lb downforce at 65mph on the rear. It's actually more important to have zero or less front lift, so it's a bit concerning that they haven't disclosed that.
Jason Hill mentioned in the last design Zoom meeting that the vehicle is “basically a Morelli body”. Did some digging and found that Alberto Morelli first described the ideal some several decades ago. Lots of folks have taken stabs at using variations of the idea since, mostly for hypermiling competitions. Part of why it looks comfortingly familiar. (I grew up reading Popular Science so...) The idea is both accommodating the vehicle occupants and the peculiarities of aerodynamic efficiency in close proximity to the ground. Jason continues to say about as much.