The 2011 Formula 1 season has drawn to a close and it was the Red Bulls who dominated thanks to their ultra high downforce design.
Mercedes-Benz Aero Trailer concept
The 2011 Formula 1 season has drawn to a close and it was the Red Bulls who dominated thanks to their ultra high downforce design. In the Mercedes-Benz camp, even with ace drivers like Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg at the wheel the silver cars failed to impress on the race track. So what could be the reason behind this? It could be because most of their engineers were busy designing this new “Aero trailer”. So their race cars may not be the fastest around the Nurburgring but the trailer which transports the cars to the race track probably reaches their in record time.
Mercedes-Benz Aero Trailer concept
Not much has been done as far as aerodynamics on a tractor trailer are concerned. Today, even our mainstream hatchbacks are designed in a wind-tunnel yet, the heavy haulers have always been neglected. Mercedes-Benz engineers took up this challenge and started working on the “Aero trailer”. The trailer is designed such that it creates 18 percent less drag which reduces fuel consumption by nearly 5 percent. Airdams, trim panels and tapers further help reduce wind resistance and channel air along the sides of the trailer without causing much turbulence.
Mercedes-Benz Aero Trailer
• Aero trailer: 18 percent less wind resistance, nearly five percent less consumption
• Airdams, trim panels and tapers reduce wind resistance
• Aero trailer saves 2000 l of diesel and more than five tonnes of CO2 per annum
• Know-how from more than 25 years of research into aerodynamics
• Future integration of the trailer in telematics systems
• Trailer axles from the truck manufacturer, highest service quality
Mercedes-Benz Aero Trailer concept render
The Mercedes-Benz Actros recently won the award for the 2012 International truck of the Year. The new flagship tractor from Mercedes features a highly efficient diesel engine. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Actros is also the first truck that meets EURO VI emissions norms. For more on the Mercedes Actroshit the jump.