1968 Corvette Astro-Vette

Below is the advance top information from the Chevrolet Public Relations Department that details some of the engineering that went into the construction of the 1968 Astro-Vette Corvette concept car. The text missing below was intentionally left blank as this document was produced prior to Chevrolet setting up a public unveiling for the car.

---

The Astro-Vette, a special experimental Chevrolet Corvette designed as an aerodynamic study car, will be a feature display at the

Latest wind tunnel experiments inspired the configureation of the Astro-Vette with its extremely clean lines and surfaces.

The low sloping nose is intended to enhance aerodynamic lift characteristics in the front of the vehicle. Its long smooth flowing rear deck and flush, protuberance-free shape are designed to reduce form drag, the resistance created when the airstream separates from the body surface.

The low windshield has been fitted to the Astro-Vette to minimize its frontal area, which is a major factor in the creation of aerodynamic drag. Narrow section tires have been selected for the same reason, as well as their reduction of rolling resistance.

Internal air flow required for engine cooling has been considered by the design of minimum resistance radiator and engine air intakes. In order to prevent pressure build-up and flow stagnation in the engine compartment, pressure actuated air exhaust louvers have been adopted. These are behind the wheel openings on both front fenders.

The underside of the automobile has been fitted with partial belly-pans, front and rear, to reduce the air disturbances which normally occur between the underside of an automobile and the road.

A roll bar is an essential protective element in any experimental automobile and for the Astro-Vette, this device has been given an inverted air foil shape to minimize the aerodynamice drag it might induce and to exert some downward force. The aerodynamic features of the Astro-Vette are completed by the installation of flush aluminum wheel discs and skirts over the rear wheel openings. Increases in fuel economy, yaw stability and a reduction of aerodynamic lift are anticipated benefits to be achieved through this exercise in body design.

This clean-contoured, experimental Corvette is a study vehicle, which will provide useful information in yet another area of automotive design investigation.