Nina Tortosa is an aerodynamics engineer working to make sure vehicles move through the air with the least amount of resistance possible. That improves fuel economy and lessens emissions. To do her job, she works inside the GM wind tunnel and determines the best shapes to save gas.
She takes us inside the wind tunnel and shows us how they create the wind to simulate the conditions a car encounters while driving down the road.
Nina Tortosa wields a smoke wand in the wind tunnel to see how a car moves through the air.
Nina enjoys the outdoors and is glad her job involves her in developing cars that are fun to drive and help keep the environment healthy.
Very nice !
Aerodynamics looks very interesting.
I know that rear spoilers are important in NASCAR to increase downforce at the rear of a car for traction while cornering at high speeds. For regular production cars on the street do small rear spoilers impact handling, reduce wind drag or just make the vehicle look like it’s high performance? At what speed do they become signifiant?
Great explanation of the wind tunnel! Nina, I remember working with you on the first Soltstice that was built, in the wind tunnel in I think 2002. Great to see that your expertise still resides there!
Great piece Nina. I have had the opportunity to see the wind tunnel and was very impressed with it and the work that you do.
MK