Close Menu
Automotive.FYI
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Buying Guide
  • Best Vehicles
  • Luxury Cars
  • Super Cars
  • Electric Vehicles

Subscribe to Updates

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated with the latest news and exclusive offers.

What's Hot

Comparing Tesla Model 3 and Suzuki GSXR: Electric Car vs. Sportbike

May 16, 2025

Tesla Launches Exclusive Promotion for Competitors’ Ride-Hailing Drivers

May 16, 2025

This $5.5 Million Bugatti Transforms Monaco into a Luxury Car Showcase

May 16, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Subscribe
Automotive.FYI
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
  • News

    Comparing Tesla Model 3 and Suzuki GSXR: Electric Car vs. Sportbike

    May 16, 2025

    Discover Toyota’s Stunning New TRD Pro Colors: Light Blue Amazes

    May 16, 2025

    EV Showdown: Dodge Charger Daytona Faces Off Against Tesla Model 3

    May 15, 2025

    Mets Players’ Daily Rides: Discover Their Everyday Cars

    May 14, 2025

    2026 Porsche GT2 RS Spotted During Performance Testing Session

    May 14, 2025
  • Reviews

    Exploring the Can-Am Ryker Rally: Versatile Tripod for On-Road and Off-Road Adventures

    September 12, 2024

    Top 11 Insights on the 2024 Porsche Panamera 4’s Features

    September 11, 2024

    8 Insights into the Powerful Land Rover Defender V8 Experience

    September 11, 2024

    Showdown Between Honda Civic Type R and Acura Integra Type S

    September 10, 2024

    5 Key Insights on the 2024 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X

    September 6, 2024
  • Buying Guide

    Maximize Your Trade-In Value: Tips for Getting Top Dollar

    September 9, 2024

    Stunning German Art Masterpiece Leads Record Sales at Sotheby’s Munich

    September 8, 2024

    Top-Rated Brands for Reliable Used Cars According to Consumer Reports

    September 8, 2024

    Top 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a New Car

    September 6, 2024

    2025 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Unveils New Trim Options, Sees $3,000 Price Hike

    September 4, 2024
  • Best Vehicles

    Top Cars Under $30K for 2024: Affordable Excellence

    July 8, 2024

    Top Expert-Reviewed Midsize SUVs for 2024: Best Picks for Performance and Value

    July 8, 2024

    Top Mid-Size Truck Picks for 2024 and 2025: Expert Reviews and Recommendations

    June 17, 2024

    Top Affordable Cars to Buy in 2024: The Best Picks Under $30K

    May 9, 2024

    Top Compact Trucks to Watch in 2024

    April 15, 2024
  • Luxury Cars

    Art Meets Automotive: Mercedes-AMG and MSCHF Transform Car Parts

    May 14, 2025

    Exclusive 1995 Ferrari F50 in Giallo Modena Color Set for Auction

    May 12, 2025

    Discover How the Volonaut Airbike Achieves Flight with Modern Technology

    May 10, 2025

    Land Rover Returns to 2026 Rally Racing with Defender D7X-R in Dakar

    May 8, 2025

    Timeless Elegance and Investment Potential: Enhance Your Style Today

    May 5, 2025
  • Super Cars

    This $5.5 Million Bugatti Transforms Monaco into a Luxury Car Showcase

    May 16, 2025

    Mechanic Acquires 16 Motorbikes at Bargain Price, Facing Major Hurdle

    May 15, 2025

    Tesla Cybertruck’s Wing Mirrors Removed by New Delete Kit in Select States

    May 13, 2025

    Affordable Iconic Muscle Car Auctioned Due to Corrupt Indiana Officer

    May 12, 2025

    JoJo Siwa Personalizes Lamborghini Urus with Unique Face Wrap Design

    May 11, 2025
  • Electric Vehicles

    Tesla Launches Exclusive Promotion for Competitors’ Ride-Hailing Drivers

    May 16, 2025

    U.S. Battery Innovations Propel China’s Electric Vehicle Revolution

    May 16, 2025

    The Boring Company’s Role in Shaping Tesla’s Robotaxi Future

    May 16, 2025

    2026 GMC Hummer EV Introduces Even More Bold Innovations

    May 15, 2025

    Tesla Restarts Shipping Cybercab and Semi Parts from China

    May 15, 2025
Automotive.FYI
Home»News»Adam Savage Reveals Favorite Mythbusters Experiment: Transforming a Ford Taurus into a Giant Golf Ball
News

Adam Savage Reveals Favorite Mythbusters Experiment: Transforming a Ford Taurus into a Giant Golf Ball

Donald B. SmithBy Donald B. SmithJuly 10, 2024Updated:April 21, 2025No Comments3 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp Email
Adam Savage Reveals Favorite Mythbusters Experiment: Transforming A Ford Taurus
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

The Impact of Dimples: MythBusters’ Iconic 2009 Golf Ball Car Experiment

In the realm of scientific experiments on television, MythBusters has carved its niche by debunking myths using scientific methods. Among the multitude of episodes aired over its 14-year span, one stands out for co-host Adam Savage: the 2009 Golf Ball Car experiment.

The Experiment: Applying Golf Ball Aerodynamics to a Car

In this fascinating episode, the MythBusters team explored whether the principles that allow a golf ball to travel further due to its dimples could be applied to a car to improve fuel efficiency. They selected a 4th generation Ford Taurus as their test vehicle and meticulously covered it with a few hundred pounds of clay, sculpted to form dimples similar to those on a golf ball.

Why Golf Ball Dimples?

The rationale behind this myth stems from the physics of golf balls. As a golf ball soars through the air, its dimples generate turbulence around its surface, effectively creating a slipstream that enhances its flight distance. The MythBusters’ hypothesis was to see if a similar aerodynamic advantage could be applied to a car, improving its fuel efficiency by reducing drag.

Scientific Collaboration and Rigorous Testing

Teaming up with automotive experts from the Academy of Art University’s automotive department, the MythBusters approached the experiment with rigorous scientific methodology. Using NASA technology, they crafted prototypes and conducted a series of precise tests to determine the car’s fuel efficiency with and without the dimples.

Results: A Significant Improvement

The team’s comprehensive tests revealed remarkable results. The dimple-covered Taurus exhibited a fuel economy improvement of about 14% over the unmodified version. To put this into perspective:

  • A vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon could potentially reach 28.5 miles per gallon with the dimple modification.
  • A car achieving 30 miles per gallon could see an improvement to 34.2 miles per gallon.

Such enhancements in fuel efficiency could have profound implications for fuel consumption and emissions reduction.

Industry Attention and Controversy

The striking results caught the attention of major automakers, sparking interest and further experimentation. Despite this, some automakers reported differing results when they tried to replicate the experiment using their clay models. Regardless of these discrepancies, the experiment was a pivotal moment in the show’s history.

Adam Savage particularly cherishes this myth-busting achievement for its blend of scientific inquiry and practical application. The experiment not only entertained but also added a layer of scientific validation that influenced both professional scientists and the automotive industry.

Legacy of the Golf Ball Car

The Golf Ball Car experiment exemplifies the core values of MythBusters – curiosity, scientific inquiry, and the joy of discovery. It stands as a testament to how a simple, inquisitive idea can lead to significant real-world applications and influence scientific thought and automotive design.

For more insightful articles and updates on automotive innovations, follow us on automotive.fyi.

Adam Ball Experiment Favorite Ford Giant Golf Mythbusters Reveals Savage Taurus Transforming
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticlePolestar CEO Critiques Early Reception of the New Ford Capri
Next Article Kia’s Affordable EV3 Aims to Revolutionize the European Market
D
Donald B. Smith

Donald Smith, Automotive Reporter at automotive.fyi, holds a degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. With a keen interest in the automotive industry, Donald is dedicated to uncovering the latest breaking news and delivering it to our audience. His commitment to thorough research and engaging storytelling ensures you stay informed about the most important developments in the automotive world.

Related Posts

Comparing Tesla Model 3 and Suzuki GSXR: Electric Car vs. Sportbike

May 16, 2025

Discover Toyota’s Stunning New TRD Pro Colors: Light Blue Amazes

May 16, 2025

EV Showdown: Dodge Charger Daytona Faces Off Against Tesla Model 3

May 15, 2025

Mets Players’ Daily Rides: Discover Their Everyday Cars

May 14, 2025

2026 Porsche GT2 RS Spotted During Performance Testing Session

May 14, 2025

Cadillac Rejects Development of New XLR Modeled on C8 Corvette

May 13, 2025
Add A Comment

Comments are closed.

Don't Miss

Comparing Tesla Model 3 and Suzuki GSXR: Electric Car vs. Sportbike

May 16, 2025

Tesla Launches Exclusive Promotion for Competitors’ Ride-Hailing Drivers

May 16, 2025

This $5.5 Million Bugatti Transforms Monaco into a Luxury Car Showcase

May 16, 2025

U.S. Battery Innovations Propel China’s Electric Vehicle Revolution

May 16, 2025
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Vimeo
Popular
News

Do You Recall the Legendary Supra Driven by Jun Akira?

By Donald B. SmithMarch 8, 2025

FYI: The legendary Jun Akira Supra, a powerhouse in the Japanese tuning scene, set remarkable…

Kei Car Showstoppers Unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 Event

January 17, 2025

Top 10 Iconic Porsche Design Watches of All Time

September 13, 2024

Xiaomi SU7 Dominates 2024 EV Sales, Surpassing Ford and GM

March 21, 2025

Subscribe to Updates

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated with the latest news and exclusive offers.

About Us
About Us

At Automotive.fyi, we're a team of passionate car enthusiasts dedicated to delivering the latest news and information about the ever-evolving automotive industry. Our mission is to be your one-stop shop for all things cars, providing you with reliable, informative, and engaging content.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Don't Miss

Comparing Tesla Model 3 and Suzuki GSXR: Electric Car vs. Sportbike

May 16, 2025

Tesla Launches Exclusive Promotion for Competitors’ Ride-Hailing Drivers

May 16, 2025

This $5.5 Million Bugatti Transforms Monaco into a Luxury Car Showcase

May 16, 2025
New Comments
  • Scott Georgia on Tesla Faces Increased Competition for FSD in the Chinese Market
  • Towen on Tesla Faces Increased Competition for FSD in the Chinese Market
  • Bhill on Tesla Faces Increased Competition for FSD in the Chinese Market
  • Hollie22 on Tesla Faces Increased Competition for FSD in the Chinese Market
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Newsletter
© 2025 Automotive. All Rights Reserved

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.