Hyundai bares details behind Ioniq 6’s impressive aerodynamics

Hyundai has shared some of the details behind the impressive aerodynamic data offered by the Ioniq 6.

According to the South Korean automotive brand, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has achieved an impressively low 0.21 drag coefficient resulting in a high all-electric range (AER) of 614 kilometers (km) based on Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) standards.

Hyundai attributed the achievement to the vehicle's “streamliner” design.

Simon Loasby, Hyundai’s Head of Styling, cited the 1947 Stout Scarab, Phantom Corsair, and Saab Ursaab as major influences on the Ioniq 6’s sleek design. Those iconic “Streamliner” cars, he explained, epitomize the functionally efficient aesthetic on wheels.

“Ioniq 6 started with a single curve that defines its profile and architecture — the ultimate streamlined form — and ‘Electrified Streamliner’ became the pet name for the car. The true beginning of aerodynamic design and engineering started in the 1930s and we felt that taking inspiration from that era — and indeed from nature — was the perfect way to create uniqueness and sustainable performance in the EV segment,” Loasby said.

Another key influence on the design of the Ioniq 6 was the Supermarine Spitfire, a famous World War II British fighter plane. Designers applied a Spitfire-inspired winglet to the side of Ioniq 6’s rear spoiler to absorb the airflow from the roof and reduce drag by minimizing vortices at the spoiler’s tip. This technology also effectively reduces the eddy currents generated from the side of the vehicle, helping to reduce drag.

“The Spitfire wasn’t the only high flyer on the design team’s radar during Ioniq 6’s development. They also took notes from nature too, especially the shape that a peregrine falcon takes when it dives after prey at 390 kilometers per hour (kph),” stated Hyundai Motor Company Aerodynamic Development Team Head Jinhyuck Chang.

Finally, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 was placed in a wind tunnel to polish its aerodynamic properties. Here, Hyundai applied various aerodynamic solutions for the development of the Ioniq 6’s air flap, wheel air curtains, wheel gap reducers, separation traps, and wheel deflectors.

“In the EV era, air resistance is more important than any other performance. Through their collective efforts, Hyundai’s aerodynamic engineers and designers have achieved with Ioniq 6 a new benchmark for Hyundai and the Ioniq dedicated EV line-up brand,” commented Hyundai Motor Company Executive Vice President (EVP) and Vehicle Performance Development Director Min Byung-hoon.

Photos from Hyundai

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