Abstract
An overview is given on the status of the calculation of vehicle aerodynamics using EXA PowerFLOW at BMW. In a comprehensive validation study the computational results have been compared with wind tunnel experiments. In addition to drag and lift coefficients the surface pressure and flow field velocity have been verified. For the integration in the aerodynamic development process the turnaround time for the whole CFD simulation process is crucial. Efficient data preparation processes and analysis tools are required and have to be developed to reduce the turnaround time and overall costs. The results calculated with PowerFLOW are sufficiently accurate and reliable for the calculation of an aerodynamic status. The overall progress made on the CFD simulation process allows routinely application in the early phase of a vehicle project.