Although I have a heavy box-shaped car, I was thinking about the Mercedes G63 specifically. That is a powerful engine on a non-aerodynamic car, what happens if you take it over 100mph and get hit by a gust of 60mph wind? My car gets literally pushed around lanes during heavy winds at highway speeds, has anyone ever even gotten a G63 past 150mph?
In: Physics
A lot of wrong answers or partial answers here.
Aerodynamic lift is what is happening. Nearly all vehicles develop some amount of lift at highway speeds, and certainly at 100+ MPH. Essentially this lift is making the vehicle appear lighter than it is, and makes it easier to push the car around with a similar force. Sometimes this lift can be several hundred pounds at each axle causing a significant change in vehicle dynamics. Combine the lighter wait with a large boxy shape that acts as a sail on a boat and you can get not-so-confidence-inspiring handling at high speeds.
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