Which mass produced car is closest to a teardrop shape ?

[KamperBob]

Rokeby, the first two are hard to tell without side view. But the last one

looks promising in front. Imagine it with Prius rear...

Cheers
KB

[endurance]

You can't tell whether that Mitsu is coming or going without a doubletake.

This thread has really got me thinking; maybe we're doing it wrong. Rather than trying to add kammbacks and boat tails, perhaps we should be starting with a reasonably aerodynamic minivan and chopping the back so it can be sloped back. Of course, most vans start with engines that are way too large because they want power for cargo, but design-wise, it might be the place to start. Or maybe a Scion Xb?


Imagine cutting from behind the front door and tapering it back to a boattail.


Starting with a smaller, reasonably good mileage vehicle and chopping it off behind the front door.

I don't do photoshop, but use your imagination.

[winkosmosis]

But a van has a LOT more frontal area than a car

[d0sitmatr]

wouldnt that support the "teardrop" shape better though ?

[endurance]

Originally Posted by d0sitmatr

wouldnt that support the "teardrop" shape better though ?

That's what I thought, especially if you lowered it and chopped the top. The problem is obviously structurally altering a unibody chassis, thus losing all strength. While adding boattails do little to reduce strength and may actually increase crumple zones, chopping the top off your minivan and removing everything down to the floor toward the back is going to make you extremely vulnerable in a rear impact.

Also, to get good mileage, you need a smaller engine; ideally a 1.5L or so and most minivans are sporting a 2.2-2.8L.

[Rokeby]

Is there a reason why in discussions of adding a boat tail to achieve
a more nearly teardrop shape the VW Bug in never mentioned?



The front end appears to have the roughly "cab-over" design that helps
get the high point well forward. The rear however needs lots of help...

I would think a boat tail candidate for sure.