Engineering speed.
Mastering flow.

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Nissan Wind Tunnel Methodology

Four-year collaboration with Nissan Technical Center. Yoshi Suzuka and Andrew Brilliant developed the SST (Super Small Tunnel) — a compact prototype that matched the accuracy and repeatability of Nissan's full-scale NVH facility at a fraction of the cost.

The project evolved into a multi-scale methodology: begin testing at small, inexpensive scales during early design phases, then increase model scale as the design matures and justifies the investment. This approach optimizes budget allocation across the development cycle.

Scope included design and production of custom sting apparatus, precision control and measurement systems programmed in LabVIEW (still in use at Nissan today), and CFD simulation that both aided the tunnel design and validated against experimental measurements — proving the quality of design, construction, and simulation together.

CFD validation used differential mesh convergence — comparing solver behavior across varying discretizations to distinguish physical signal from numerical artifact.

Additional complexity: development on Hokkaido's 50Hz grid, deployed to Nissan's 60Hz facility. Custom DAQ solution using solenoid-triggered battery switching to eliminate electrical noise from tunnel motors.

Nissan adopted the methodology across their program. Compact tunnels based on this work are now installed at two Japanese universities and in-house at Nissan.

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Tanuki S13 Claims Victory at World Time Attack Challenge 2025

In a spectacular display of engineering excellence and driving precision, the Tanuki S13, equipped with AMB Aero®'s latest aerodynamic package, has secured the Pro Class championship at the 2025 World Time Attack Challenge at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Record-Breaking Performance

Championship Victory: Within 0.5 seconds of the outright lap record — December 15, 2025
The Tanuki S13 posted a blistering lap time that brought it within just 0.5 seconds of the outright lap record. This remarkable achievement represents a full 1-second improvement over the team's 2023 performance, demonstrating the continuous development and refinement of AMB Aero®'s aerodynamic philosophy.

2025 WTAC Pro Class Final Results

1. Tanuki S13 — CHAMPION (AMB Aero® aerodynamics)
2. Competition results pending official release

This victory marks AMB Aero®'s fourth WTAC championship win and solidifies their position as the most successful aerodynamic designer in the event's history.

Technical Excellence

The 2025 aerodynamic package represents a significant evolution in time attack aerodynamics:

• Advanced Dual-Element Rear Wing with active DRS system reducing drag by 15% on straights
• Redesigned Front Splitter with enhanced ground effect tunnels generating 20% more front downforce
• Optimized Side Skirts with vortex generators managing airflow along vehicle sides
• Integrated Cooling Ducts maintaining optimal temperatures without compromising aerodynamic efficiency
• Active Aero Elements adjusting in real-time based on speed, steering angle, and g-forces

Andrew Brilliant's Vision

"We have 0.5 seconds to go, and we improved 1 second this year. We have work to do, but I believe we will get it done. This victory isn't just about one weekend – it's the culmination of years of continuous development and the incredible dedication of everyone involved."

AMB Aero®'s Championship Legacy

• 2025: Tanuki S13 — Pro Class Champion
• 2019: MCA Hammerhead — Pro Class Champion
• 2018: MCA Hammerhead — Pro Class Champion
• 2011: NEMO Racing EVO — Pro Class Champion

Total: 4 Championships | 12 Podiums

AMB Aero® remains the only designer to achieve championship victories with multiple different teams, demonstrating the versatility and fundamental strength of their aerodynamic philosophy.

Development Process

• CFD Simulation: Over 10,000 CPU-hours of computation time
• Wind Tunnel Testing: 200+ hours at 50% scale in partnership with MIRA
• Track Testing: 1,500+ kilometers of real-world validation
• Data Analysis: Machine learning algorithms optimized setup for different track conditions

Looking Ahead to 2026

With the championship secured, the team has already begun development for 2026. The ambitious goal? Breaking the outright lap record that has stood for several years. Initial CFD simulations suggest that with further refinement and optimization, the target is within reach.

The data gathered from this year's campaign will be invaluable in pushing the boundaries even further. The team is confident that the 0.5-second gap to the outright record can be closed with continued development of the active aerodynamic systems and further weight reduction.

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Gobstopper3: Brands Hatch Lap Record & 2024 Pro Extreme Dominance

Roger Clark Motorsport's Gobstopper3, featuring Applied Dynamics Research aerodynamics, dominated the 2024 UK Time Attack Pro Extreme championship and set a new lap record at Brands Hatch Indy—the spiritual home of UK Time Attack.

Competition Results

Brands Hatch Lap Record: 41.455 seconds — September 8, 2024
Driver Olly Clark obliterated the Brands Hatch Indy Pro Extreme lap record with a stunning 41.455-second lap at Round 7 of the UK Time Attack Championship. This shattered the previous record of 45.043 seconds (Gareth Lloyd, Mitsubishi Evo VI, 2015) by an astonishing 3.588 seconds. The lap represents Gobstopper3 resetting its own record after setting a new benchmark earlier in the season on the car's debut Time Attack outing in June.

2024 Championship Dominance
Gobstopper3 won Pro Extreme class at every round entered:

• Round 4: Brands Hatch (lap record)
• Round 5: Oulton Park
• Round 6: Donington Park
• Round 7: Brands Hatch
• Round 8: Snetterton

The car demonstrated a performance advantage of over 20mph compared to Pro Extreme competitors, attributed to the integrated aerodynamic package and 950PS turbocharged powertrain.

Vehicle Specifications

Powertrain: Mid-mounted turbocharged Subaru EJ20 2.0L producing 950PS (940hp) and 894 Nm (659 lb-ft)
Chassis: Group C tubular chassis with Subaru BRZ body silhouette
Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive
Weight: Ultra-lightweight construction

Applied Dynamics Research Aerodynamic Package

Applied Dynamics Research developed a comprehensive CFD-optimized aerodynamic solution for Gobstopper3:

• Custom front splitter with dive planes for maximum front downforce
• Aggressive side skirts managing underbody flow
• High-efficiency rear diffuser
• Multi-element rear wing assembly ("park bench" configuration)
• Optimized cooling ducting and brake cooling

The development process included full-vehicle 3D scanning, CFD analysis at multiple ride heights and yaw angles, and iterative refinement to achieve optimal aerodynamic balance. The resulting package generates significant downforce while maintaining efficiency for the high-speed sections of UK circuits.

Heritage: Roger Clark Motorsport's Gobstopper series has collected 3× Time Attack Championships and 2× Goodwood Hill Climb titles since 2005. Gobstopper3 continues this winning tradition with cutting-edge aerodynamic development.

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Zeelie's MR2 Dominates Simola 2025: First RWD Victory Over 4WD GT-Rs

Pieter Zeelie secured his second King of the Hill title at the 2025 Simola Hillclimb with a devastating performance that shattered the Modified Saloon Car record and defeated the dominant four-wheel-drive Nissan GT-Rs that had long ruled South Africa's premier hillclimb event.

Record-Breaking Performance

New Record: 37.090 seconds — May 3, 2025
Zeelie obliterated Franco Scribante's 2022 record of 38.129 seconds, improving by an astonishing 1.039 seconds in his rear-wheel-drive Toyota MR2 Super GT. The performance marked a watershed moment: the first time a two-wheel-drive vehicle decisively beat the all-wheel-drive Nissan R35 GT-Rs in outright competition.

2025 Modified Saloon Car Final Results

1. Pieter Zeelie — 37.090s (Toyota MR2 Super GT, RWD, Applied Dynamics Research aerodynamics)
2. Reghard Roets — 38.370s (+1.280s) (Nissan R35 GT-R, AWD)
3. Johan Kristoffersson — 39.001s (Volkswagen Polo RX1e)
4. Franco Scribante — 39.631s (Nissan R35 GT-R, AWD)
5. Silvio Scribante — 40.409s (Audi RS3)

Zeelie's margin of victory—1.280 seconds over the second-place GT-R—represented not just a win, but complete domination. "A 36-second time is definitely possible after today," Zeelie noted, suggesting his ADR-equipped MR2 has even greater untapped potential.

Applied Dynamics Research Aerodynamic Development

The MR2's transformation from competitive hillclimber to record-holder came through ADR's comprehensive aerodynamic development program:

• Full-vehicle 3D scanning and CFD analysis
• Custom front splitter and dive planes optimized for hillclimb conditions
• Rear diffuser and side skirts managing underbody flow
• High-downforce rear wing configuration
• Aerodynamic balance tuned specifically for Simola's 2.3km course

The Applied Dynamics Research package reportedly doubled the vehicle's downforce while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency, allowing identical top speeds despite dramatically increased grip. This efficiency proved decisive against the GT-Rs' mechanical grip advantage from all-wheel drive.

2024 Simola: Applied Dynamics Research 1-2 Finish

The 2025 victory followed ADR's remarkable 1-2 finish at Simola 2024:

1. Dawie Joubert — 38.405s (Lotus Exige, Ferrari V8, AMB Aero® package)
2. Pieter Zeelie — 38.505s (Toyota MR2, Applied Dynamics Research aerodynamics)

Separated by just 0.1 seconds, both vehicles featured ADR/AMB aerodynamic development. Zeelie's second-place finish came despite a turbocharger boost pipe coming loose during the final—underscoring the potential that would be fully realized in 2025.

All-Time Simola Records

With Zeelie's 2025 performance and Joubert's 2024 run, Applied Dynamics Research clients now hold the top three Modified Saloon Car times in Simola Hillclimb history:

1. 37.090s — Pieter Zeelie (2025, ADR)
2. 38.129s — Franco Scribante (2022)
3. 38.405s — Dawie Joubert (2024, AMB Aero®)

Technical Achievement

The victory demonstrated that properly developed aerodynamics can overcome the inherent traction advantages of all-wheel drive. While the GT-Rs deploy power through all four wheels, the MR2's Applied Dynamics Research aero package generated sufficient downforce to match—and exceed—their mechanical grip through Simola's demanding corners.

Vehicle Specifications:
Toyota MR2 Super GT (ZZW30)
Turbocharged 2GR-FE 3.5L V6: 800+ horsepower
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Aerodynamics: Applied Dynamics Research custom CFD-designed package

"Increasing downforce without adding drag is the ultimate goal. The vehicle achieved identical top speeds despite enhanced downforce." — Andrew Brilliant, Applied Dynamics Research

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Paul's Automotive Engineering: 2025 Championship Dominance

Cincinnati-based Paul's Automotive Engineering achieved a historic 2025 season with three national championships and 11 track records by partnering with Applied Dynamics Research for a comprehensive aerodynamic package on their Ford Mustang race car.

Key Achievements

SCCA/UTCC National Championship:
Overall championship victory for driver Brian Faessler. The team demolished the Pittsburgh International Race Complex track record by 7 seconds—among the largest improvement margins in time attack history. The aerodynamic package proved so effective that mid-competition adjustments were necessary due to lack of competitive opposition.

NASA National Championships:
Three national titles: American Iron Extreme, Super Unlimited GT, and Time Trial GT. Three national championship track records across all three classes. Seven regional first-place finishes and eight regional track records.

Technical Solution

Applied Dynamics Research engineered an integrated aerodynamic package featuring:

• Custom CFD-designed splitter for maximum front downforce
• Rear diffuser and side skirts for underbody aerodynamics
• High-efficiency rear wing for balanced downforce
• Front fender canards providing additional aerodynamic balance

The front canards generated sufficient downforce to wear through mounting components during competition.

Competition Response

At NASA Championships, competitors filed protests totaling 24 items across three days. All inspection sessions confirmed the vehicle's complete legality. Despite this scrutiny, Brian set a track record by over one second on his second warm-up lap.

"Thank you very much for the help in improving the car to this point. The canards working so well they're dragging the splitter – now THAT is the kind of problem we love to have!" — Brian Faessler

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Peter Zeelie's Toyota MR2: Fastest RWD Result at Wet Simola Hillclimb 2023

Peter Zeelie achieved his long-standing goal of winning the King of the Hill title at the Knysna Simola Hillclimb in 2021 with a time of 40.402 seconds in a self-built Toyota MR2 (MR-S ZZW30). His 2023 campaign focused on enhancing the vehicle's performance through advanced aerodynamic development with ADR.

Vehicle Specifications

Zeelie's MR2 features a turbocharged Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 engine producing over 800 horsepower, significantly different from the original 1ZZ-FE engine. The drivetrain remains rear-wheel-drive, placing it at a disadvantage against the four-wheel-drive vehicles dominating the modified saloon car category.

Aerodynamic Development Partnership

Recognizing limitations in their aerodynamic approach, Zeelie's team engaged Andrew Brilliant from Applied Dynamics Research for specialized assistance. Brilliant conducted a complete three-dimensional scan of the vehicle and performed CFD analysis. The collaboration produced custom parts drawings and CAD files delivered within two months.

The resulting aerodynamic package reportedly doubled previous downforce levels while maintaining efficiency. According to Brilliant, "Increasing downforce without adding drag is the ultimate goal," noting the vehicle achieved identical top speeds despite enhanced downforce.

Technical Modifications

The new aerodynamic configuration necessitated significant suspension revisions. The team modified control arm mounting points and transitioned from an intercooler to a charge cooler setup to accommodate increased downforce forces pushing the vehicle into the pavement.

2023 Performance Results

During wet conditions at the 2023 event, Zeelie posted the fastest rear-wheel-drive lap time in the King of the Hill Modified Saloon Car Shootout: 41.722 seconds. His best overall qualifying time reached 40.104 seconds, improving upon his 2021 winning time despite adverse weather conditions.

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Mealing Racing Breaks Knox Mountain GTM Class Record

Nearly a decade ago, AMB Aero® by Applied Dynamics Research created an aerodynamic body kit for a Mitsubishi Eclipse. Only three versions were fully completed and raced competitively. The original AMB Aero Eclipse won consecutive US Super Lap Battle Championships, followed by John Freund's identical vehicle claiming victory at Ultimate Track Car Challenge.

Garrett Mealing of Mealing Racing subsequently piloted an Applied Dynamics Research-equipped Eclipse at Knox Mountain, Canada's premier hill climb competition. His performance proved exceptional: he obliterated the GTM class's existing benchmark by 3.3 seconds while simultaneously capturing second place in the overall standings. The previous record had stood for nine years.

Despite recovering from a vehicle fire that occurred during Saturday's preliminary activities, Mealing's team demonstrated resilience by refusing to accept defeat.

Technical Heritage

The Eclipse aerodynamic package represents ADR's commitment to integrated aerodynamic solutions specifically tailored for hill climb and time attack competitors. The body kit features:

• Custom widebody fenders for increased track width
• Aggressive front splitter and dive planes
• Integrated side skirts and diffuser
• High-downforce rear wing assembly

This proven platform continues to deliver championship-winning performance over a decade after its initial development, demonstrating the longevity of proper aerodynamic engineering.

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HKS TRB-03 and Infinity Wings

In 2017, AMB Aero® by Applied Dynamics Research announced a partnership with HKS to develop the TRB-03 Time Attack vehicle featuring our patented Infinity Wings aerodynamic technology.

Infinity Wings Technology

The Infinity Wings represent a significant aerodynamic innovation with these characteristics:

• Reduced drag compared to traditional front wings
• Enhanced vehicle dynamics during cornering
• Over 20% downforce increase during turns
• Maintains downforce during cornering (unlike conventional designs)
• Achieves near-infinite downforce-to-drag ratio

Vehicle Development

The HKS TRB-03 targeted lap records, specifically aiming for the Tsukuba circuit record currently held by another AMB Aero® client, Scorch Racing. Future competition was planned at Buttonwillow, California.

"HKS came to AMB Aero® part way through the design and testing stage...They decided to have AMB Aero® implement the new technology." — Andrew Brilliant

"The introduction of the Infinity Wings and partnership with HKS allows us to re-affirm our position as leaders in motorsport aerodynamics." — Andrew Brilliant

Global Impact

Applied Dynamics Research continues to specialize in end-to-end aerodynamic design services with championship history across multiple motorsport levels globally. The partnership with HKS demonstrated our ability to integrate advanced aerodynamic technologies into high-profile Japanese time attack programs.

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The Lyfe GT-R R35 — DSPORT Magazine

DSPORT Magazine featured Cole Powelson's customized Nissan GT-R R35, highlighting aerodynamic modifications designed by Andrew Brilliant of Applied Dynamics Research.

Featured Quote

"During the deconstruction and preparation of the R35 chassis, Powelson enlisted the help of aerodynamicist Andrew Brilliant to customize the GT-R's aerodynamics to optimize downforce" — DSPORT Magazine

Aerodynamic Modifications

The vehicle incorporates several significant upgrades:

Underbody Airflow System: A tunnel running from the transmission bell housing to the space between the taillights channels air beneath the chassis, reducing turbulence and increasing downforce.

Rear Wing Assembly: A tri-planed wing mounted via billet wing stays connects directly to the chassis for maximum stability and downforce generation.

Performance Impact

"These changes yield tremendous increases in downforce over the tires for improved traction, handling and contact with the pavement" — DSPORT Magazine

The Lyfe GT-R R35 demonstrates ADR's ability to create custom aerodynamic solutions for high-performance street and track vehicles, combining theoretical aerodynamic knowledge with practical fabrication considerations.

Publication Details:
Magazine: DSPORT Magazine
Featured Vehicle: 1,017 WHP Nissan R35 GT-R
Owner: Cole Powelson
Aerodynamic Design: Andrew Brilliant, Applied Dynamics Research

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