Q: An observation that I made during a long trip was that the aerodynamic shape of the car is not so good at high speed. I understood that, when I was in a very big downhill road and I had 120km/h and 4000 rpms , I decided to put the engine in the lowest rpms and to put off the gear from the gearbox. The downhill slope was very steep. Even then the speed of the car was decreased, because of the aerodynamic resistance. Do you know any way to have some improvement to that problem?

A: Aerodynamics is a complex matter and you need specialists to advise you. However, up to about 100 Km/h speed the car shape has little to do with it because most of the resistance is provided by the tyres (size, inflation, type, general condition, etc) and the mechanical friction of the drivetrain. Above 100 Km/h the car shape comes into play and usually the Fulvia coupe is not bad considering its age (the Sport Zagato is much better). Some people have fitted a spoiler to the rear boot lid but to me it looks ugly. There is not a lot you can do to change drastically the aerodynamic characteristics of your car.
- Andrea -