New Atlas

Science Audio available

Shark's bristling scales make it faster, and may help make planes faster too

Ben Coxworth March 4, 2019

Capable of swimming at speeds of up to 74 km/h (46 mph), the shortfin mako is the world's fastest species of shark. Scientists now have a new understanding of how it's able to reach such speeds, and they believe that their findings could be applied to improving human technology.

A shortfin mako shark in the North Atlantic, near the Azores

Motorcycles

Aprilia tests the idea of active motorcycle aerodynamics with Concept RS660

Loz Blain November 7, 2018

Powered by the front half of a Tuono 1100 V4, the Aprilia Concept RS660 unveiled at EICMA is a lightweight parallel twin supersport bike with comfy ergonomics for the road and a frontal aerodynamic profile that changes angle to adjust the balance between drag and downforce.

The Aprilia Concept RS660 unveiled at EICMA is quite a looker

Bicycles

Neil "Soupy" Campbell hits 149 mph on a bicycle to set new European record

Loz Blain September 19, 2018

If you need any further convincing on the impact of wind drag on vehicle efficiency, try this for size: a British fellow just hopped on a pushbike and went 149 mph while slipstreaming a Porsche. Neil "Soupy" Campbell now holds the European bicycle speed record, but not the world one – yet.

At just a hair under 150 mph, Soupy Campbell is now the fastest man in Europe ...

Bicycles

Radical tri bike reimagines the fork

Ben Coxworth July 9, 2018

Although aerodynamics play a part in the design of all road bikes, triathlon bikes tend to be particularly aero-focused. Ceepo's 2019 Shadow-R really takes things to an extreme, by doing away with the traditional wind-catching vertical front fork.

The Ceepo Shadow-R is currently on display at Eurobike

Bicycles

CdA-measuring AeroPod makes cycling less of a drag

Ben Coxworth April 20, 2018

Remember back when cyclists had to travel to a wind tunnel or velodrome if they wanted to get their aerodynamic drag measured? Actually, that time is now. It might not be for much longer, however, if the handlebar-mounted AeroPod reaches production.

The AeroPod, with its included handlebar mount

Motorcycles

In photos: Rapid aerodynamic evolution evident in MotoGP testing

Mike Hanlon February 20, 2018

The shape of future sports motorcycles evolved considerably over the last few days as the world's leading sportsbike manufacturers and MotoGP contenders evaluated new aerodynamic fairings at the second last test of the MotoGP pre-season at the Chang International Circuit at Buriram, Thailand.

The advent of a new scientific frontier in racing motorcycle aerodynamics adds yet another variable to ...

Automotive

TruckWings spread at speed to reduce drag, save fuel

Mike Murphy November 14, 2017

With fuel accounting for a significant proportion of truck running costs these days, the quest for fuel efficiency has been attracting increasing attention. XStream Trucking's approach is to literally close the gap between the cab and the trailer at highway speeds.

TruckWings incorporates folding panels attached to the rear sides and roof of the cab that automatically ...

Aircraft

Experimental X-56A's thin, bendy wings herald a revolution in airliner design

Loz Blain November 13, 2017

The future of commercial aircraft will probably include long, thin, flexible wings that reduce weight and drag for extra efficiency and ride comfort. NASA and Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division have been flight testing an experimental X-56A airframe with active flutter vibration suppression.

The X-56A is scheduled for November flights to further investigate how highly-flexible, lightweight wings function

Automotive

Ferrari's ludicrous FXX-K Evo: An aerodynamics lab on wheels

Loz Blain October 31, 2017

No matter how large the pile of money you're sitting on, Ferrari is always willing to relieve you of it, with a series of road cars for the casual user that extends upwards to ultra-exclusives like this. The FXX-K Evo is a "laboratory on wheels" that took a whole year in the wind tunnel to tune up.

2018 Ferrari FXX-K Evo: it's all about the downforce, baby

Automotive

Yes, it's street legal – a closer look at the Aston Martin Valkyrie

Scott Collie July 11, 2017

The bespoke Valkyrie became one of the most talked about cars in the world when it was announced in Melbourne last year, and the hype hasn't faded. Now, we've been given a detailed look at the car, complete with unbelievably intricate underbody aerodynamics and a stunning, pared-back interior.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie could be headed to a public road near you