Ariel AeroP gets 'vacuum cleaner' for stationary downforce

The system is powered by two small high-speed fans that work like a hovercraft, but in reverse.

Ariel has previewed an experimental car, the AeroP, that uses a 'vacuum cleaner' system to create downforce independent of vehicle speed.

Taking inspiration from banned race cars of the past, including the '70s-era Chaparral 2J 'sucker' and the Brabham BT46B 'fan car,' the AeroP integrates active fans to create suction under the vehicles while stationary.

The system essentially works like a hovercraft, but with the fans blowing in reverse. Like the waterborne vehicle, the AeroP uses rubber skirts around the bottom tub to increase differential pressure.

The approach allows the car to benefit from increased traction right off the line or under braking, unlike traditional airfoils that do not provide any contribution until the vehicle is going fast. As an added bonus, the fans can be turned off while on straightaways to achieve faster top-end speeds.

"When the system is turned on the car visibly squats on the ground so you can see it working, which is pretty exciting," said Ariel director Simon Saunders. "We're already making about three times the downforce as aerofoils, but this really is just the first step and a very early stage in what is a large and complex project to bring to a production reality, so we have a lot more work to do."