OpenAI's Codex Helps in Aerodynamic Engineering for Mazda

OpenAI’s forward-deployed engineers are working with Mazda's aerodynamics and crash-safety engineers to explore how its AI models can help develop and evaluate vehicle designs. 

The research collaboration will use airflow and structural behaviour simulations to assess vehicle performance while accounting for styling and manufacturing costs.

OpenAI is working with the Japanese car maker on aerodynamic design. 

GPT-6 Astra, used through Codex, helps Mazda engineers explore different vehicle nose shapes, simulate airflow and identify designs that could reduce aerodynamic drag.

Akihiro Nakata, Principal Engineer at Mazda, said the models allow engineers to test dozens of design variations and understand how individual features affect airflow.

“‘Does it have to look like that?’ Our designers often ask us when we find a shape that improves airflow,” Nakata said. 

“By exploring and simulating dozens of variations, Astra in Codex helps us understand which features matter for aerodynamics and where designers have room to explore.”

OpenAI is also expanding its collaboration with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) to apply its models to engineering and prototyping.

Working with CGR's R&D team, OpenAI is testing workflows that convert 3D scans of existing components into editable CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings. This is particularly useful when original design files are unavailable.

CGR engineers review the generated models and drawings for accuracy and manufacturability. Matthew Ortman, R&D Engineer at Chip Ganassi Racing, said Codex lets engineers work directly in CAD software, apply feedback to generated models, and make manual adjustments.

OpenAI said the collaborations are part of its broader effort to test AI capabilities in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and manufacturing. 

The company is working with industry partners to identify tasks where models can reduce manual work, while retaining engineering review for accuracy and practical application.

These announcements come as OpenAI reports a 23-fold increase in AI model usage across its hardware and infrastructure teams since February 2026, measured in tokens.

OpenAI said a newer internal model scored 0.875 on BenchCAD 2.0, compared with 0.594 for GPT-6 Astra at its highest reasoning setting. The benchmark evaluates 3D part reconstruction, assemblies and circuit-board connections.

However, OpenAI acknowledged that its models still struggle to consistently account for manufacturing constraints, tolerances and assembly requirements, indicating that human engineering review remains necessary.