Aerodynamics

The drag coefficient is a common measure in automotive design as it pertains to aerodynamics. Drag is a force that acts parallel to and in the same direction as the airflow. The drag coefficient of an automobile measures the way the automobile passes through the surrounding air.

When automobile companies design a new vehicle they take into consideration the automobile drag coefficient in addition to the other performance characteristics.
Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed; therefore it becomes critically important at higher speeds.
Reducing the drag coefficient in an automobile improves the performance of the vehicle as it pertains to speed and fuel efficiency.

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Source: Wikipedia · Image: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain