Which mass produced car is closest to a teardrop shape ?

[MetroMPG]

The MPG figures quoted on the Canadian site are most likely Imperial gallons (larger).

I'd like to see tuft testing of the rear of an MX-3, particularly the glass. It certainly looks like the right shape...

[trebuchet03]

Tatra T97, from the 30's... Flat bottom too



Tatra T 600 50's




And by the 70's The 613

[FunkSkunk]

Toyota Celica might be a possible choice also -->


Toyota Celica Press Kit

[MazdaMatt]

Those old tatras are pimped. A modern 4-banger dropped into there would make a sweet eco-ride you wouldn't be embarrassed to take someone to dinner in.

[Tango Charlie]

I didn't know the Celica's engine was a spy.
ba-dump bump.

I wish air would flow around our cars like depicted with such nice, orderly arrows.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by MazdaMatt

Those old tatras are pimped. A modern 4-banger dropped into there would make a sweet eco-ride you wouldn't be embarrassed to take someone to dinner in.

Don't forget the "a", though. Those Tatras look like pretty big cars, from the pictures. FTM, I seem to remember a bunch of old American cars with similar shapes. (Probably late '40s to early '50s, since I remember them sitting in back yards & fields when I was a kid.) Fairly slick fastback shapes*, but big in cross section.

*Especially when "ecomodded" a bit, as for instance here: Google Image Result for http://www.oldschoolpride.com/images/MVC-001S.JPG

[metromizer]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Don't forget the "a", though. Those Tatras look like pretty big cars, from the pictures. FTM, I seem to remember a bunch of old American cars with similar shapes. (Probably late '40s to early '50s, since I remember them sitting in back yards & fields when I was a kid.) Fairly slick fastback shapes*, but big in cross section.

I think that point is often missed, it's Cd * frontal area that should be compared. I've seen one once, but can't remember where... a graph that plotted car models with Cd on one axis and frontal area on the other.

[MazdaMatt]

They aren't that huge... certainly smaller than a Caravan... probably weighs twice as much as a caravan, though. Either way, its old-school aero and it's about as classy as it gets. Very cool car.

[solarguy]

Not exactly a production car, and only one or two in existence, but still miles ahead of what is currently available:

WNET: Bucky Fuller Dymaxion Car

and more pics here:

Pictures of the Dymaxion Car

Couldn't figure out how to post a pic directly if somebody could do that. It's very slick.

troy

[Peter7307]

My choice would be a Citroen GS 1220 or a DS (four headlight version)

Modern running gear , four seats and a decent luggage capacity when needed.

Pete.