The Volkswagen ID.7 - From Computer to Wind Tunnel

The focus initially is on computer simulations. "In the first year of development, we work only virtually, with updates about every two weeks," says Lansmann. The design team provides CAD data (Computer-Aided Design = computer-aided design). Several thousand processors calculate the flow values from this, including for numerous details such as the flush-fitted door handles or the aerodynamically designed mirrors of the ID.7. In the wind tunnel, VW's team used full-size clay models of the ID.7. New findings were implemented with millimeter precision in the model using a milling machine – for example, in changes to the rear and the trailing edges. With the help of prototype parts from the 3D printer, Stephan Lansmann's team tested numerous variants – for example, with the aerodynamically shaped exterior mirrors. In the case of the ID.7, they ultimately fine-tuned the upper shell, lower shell, and base of the mirror to reduce aerodynamic drag with outstanding acoustic properties. The result of the detailed work is a drag coefficient of 0.23, making it the best drag coefficient in the entire Volkswagen ID. family.