2010 Prius with Sunroof open...aero?

[Matt Herring]

What do you think of the sun roof wind deflector on the new 2010 Gen 3 Prius? Pretty steep angle on the wind deflector on the front of the sun roof...seems odd looking to me. Any comments on it?

[winkosmosis]

Life isn't just about aerodynamics. Sometimes you want the sun shining down on the top of your head

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by winkosmosis

Life isn't just about aerodynamics. Sometimes you want the sun shining down on the top of your head

I thought the only reason I'm alive was to get max mpg...hmmm?

[Junimrox]

you can see in the picture, only used while stopped.

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by Junimrox

you can see in the picture, only used while stopped.

What's only used when stopped...the wind deflector? How's that work?

[Geebee]

It certainly wont lower the drag
I wouldnt mind betting they had to go steep to stop the airflow diving in behind due to the good flow over the front.

[lunarhighway]

the opel calibra had a similar sunroof, the problem with sunroofs is that they take up headroom, especially when you want a roofline that starts slopeing down behind the driver, but still allows for rear passenger headroom (also like the calibra coupe wich was a full 4 seater not a 2+2) so you can eigher raise the roof and increase drag all the time even on vehicles without the sunroof (wich i assume is not standard as on most cars) . or you have the sunroof opening externally wich increases drag when open, but allows for a much lower roofline when closed... since its probably more comfortable anyway to run the airco and close the roof at highway speeds, the overall impact on aero of this setup will be far less than a permanent raised roof on all models. so if you want an opening sunroof, considdering aero this is the best option.

[Daox]

It definitely will hurt aero. Use it tootin around town at 25 mph if you want to. Once you get up to any semi-fast speed, I'd close it up for sure.

[Junimrox]

Originally Posted by Matt Herring

What's only used when stopped...the wind deflector? How's that work?

just kiddin'!
but always drive with it closed, we don't want to hurt our dear mpg's

[MetroMPG]

Yeah, that style of sunroof is an aero disaster. Flow separation at the highest point of the roof! Mr Kamm, your back is wasted here with that open.

But a sunroof is nice. My dad won't actually buy a car that doesn't have one.