Hyundai Motor and Kia have unveiled a technology that reduces aerodynamic resistance generated during high-speed driving.

The Active Air Skirt (AAS) technology controls airflow entering through the lower bumper and reduces turbulence around the vehicle wheels by operating variably depending on vehicle speed during high-speed driving. 

AAS is installed between the front bumper and the front wheels and is hidden during normal operation, but it operates at speeds over 80 km/h when aerodynamic resistance exceeds rolling resistance, and is stored again at 70 km/h. The reason for the difference in deployment and storage speeds is to prevent frequent operation in specific speed ranges. 

Hyundai/Kia tested the AAS technology in a Genesis GV60 and were able to reduce the drag coefficient (Cd) by 0.008, an improvement of 2.8%. 

AAS can also operate at speeds over 200 km/h, as the application of rubber material on the lower part reduces the risk of damage from external objects, ensuring durability. The companies are applying various technologies, such as rear spoilers, active air flaps, wheel air curtains, wheel gap reducers and separation traps, to secure competitive drag coefficients.

“This technology is expected to have a greater effect on models such as SUVs where it is difficult to improve aerodynamic performance,” said Sun Hyung Cho, VP at Hyundai Motor Group.

Source: Hyundai