Stability in Crosswinds
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
The aerodynamic force on an object is a function of the frontal area and the drag coefficient (Cd). Lexus proudly announced that the drag of the 04 LS430 was much lower than previous models and other vehicles. But, be aware that one of the design techniques used to reduce the forward drag was careful attention to the drag caused by the underbelly of the car. The structure was redisigned to allow the airflow to "slip" beneath the car instead of being disrupted by varying blunt edges, etc. Also, the UL actually reduces the highth of the vehicle by an inch at highway speed, further reducing the drag.
Now, when you think of crosswind forces you must consider the frontal (side) area and the Cd of the airflow. I would suspect that the forces due to a crosswind on an 04-06 UL as compared to 01-13 models might very well be noticable.
I certainly have never noticed any appreciable cross wind effect on my 04 UL.
Now, when you think of crosswind forces you must consider the frontal (side) area and the Cd of the airflow. I would suspect that the forces due to a crosswind on an 04-06 UL as compared to 01-13 models might very well be noticable.
I certainly have never noticed any appreciable cross wind effect on my 04 UL.
Last edited by jayclapp; Apr 1, 2010 at 07:01 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 665
Likes: 2
From: Md
I put mine in sport mode every time i get on the highway. I noticed the difference last summer driving to pittsburg. Putting it in sport mode firms the ride just enough to keep it from swaying all over the road, besides that the air ride has a floating feel as it is. Sport mode and 10 & 2.
Exactly. Air going over the top is what you want, in which case will reduce the wobbly feeling. The lower center of gravity (by lowering your car slightly), the higher the grip. Hence why the LS lowers itself automatically at highway speeds (air suspension models).
Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Alberta, Canada
With all these crosswinds conversations, are we talking about the Lexus LS or THIS LS...
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Fligh...-LS/1619466/L/
My belief on these "crosswinds" sensations/phenomonons are similar to the surfr's thoughts-----> because of the side profile of the car. I also believe how "aerodynamic" the car is and the car's low drag coefficient pertain and relate strictly when the vehicle is driving forward, and are completely irrelevant in this conversation.
Ask a truck driver what he'd fear more.....driving his tractor trailer (rig only) on a windy bridge, or his tractor trailer with a traditional box-type trailer on a windy bridge? (in both scenarios, the vehicle's drag coefficient is HORRIBLE...but it's the huge side profile that makes the vehicle unstable w/crosswinds.)
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Fligh...-LS/1619466/L/
My belief on these "crosswinds" sensations/phenomonons are similar to the surfr's thoughts-----> because of the side profile of the car. I also believe how "aerodynamic" the car is and the car's low drag coefficient pertain and relate strictly when the vehicle is driving forward, and are completely irrelevant in this conversation.
Ask a truck driver what he'd fear more.....driving his tractor trailer (rig only) on a windy bridge, or his tractor trailer with a traditional box-type trailer on a windy bridge? (in both scenarios, the vehicle's drag coefficient is HORRIBLE...but it's the huge side profile that makes the vehicle unstable w/crosswinds.)
The winds here are pretty strong and my LS still feels pretty solid. I do have an UL and it is lowered a little so I guess that helps.
Our winds can get up to 70 MPH sometimes. My little Saturn always felt like it was going to fly off the highway. My GX470 felt like it might flip over.
Our winds can get up to 70 MPH sometimes. My little Saturn always felt like it was going to fly off the highway. My GX470 felt like it might flip over.
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Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 235
Likes: 10
From: FL
I remembered this advert from Porsche when I was younger and into all things Porsche...Hope the link will work and you can read about aerodynamic pressure and center of gravity according to marketing interpretation of engineering and design.
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2...g-porsche-ads/
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2...g-porsche-ads/
For those with the standard suspension or UL models, may I add that replacing the rear sway bar with the sports version including the sport bushing does help and should have been standard in my opinion. No ride quality changes and swaying motions are greatly reduced under strong crosswinds.
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