[Big Dave]

Good find, basjoos.

We see so far because we stand on the shoulders of giants as the old saw goes and with aerodynamics this is as true as in any other field of endeavor.

The thing that has to drive the aerodynamicist crazy is the requirement that a car comfortably carry people and their stuff around. People are not over aerodynamic and this is especially true in cars.

One reason people (especially old geezers like me) like pickups and SUVs is their bolt-upright seating position. I can get in my truck, pull the seat belts tight and drive until my bladder gives out. Unfortunately you can’t say that for many cars. I used to have a Camaro which featured a “La-Z-Boy” reclined seating position and I was so glad when it ran out of gas (200 miles) because my (then twentysomething) back had given out.

Automakers have found this truth out over a century of trial and error.