In this video, at 0:50 -1:30, it is stated that the sharp crease at the
side/rear bodywork transition on the 2010 Gen III Prius is an aerodynamic
feature.
This "sharp edgedness" is also feature on current Cadillacs and Volvos,
presumably for the same reason
As the Gen III has one of the lowest Cds for mass marketed cars, there is
reason to believe that its designers and engineers paid particularly close
attention to even "minor details" with respect to drag reduction.
Good aerodynamics is the result of a number of interacting elements. It may
be that any benefit from the crease in the bodywork is dependent on the
"slab-sided" doors etc, upstream. That said,
Would adding this small detail make a diference on other vehicles with
rounded rear quarter/rear transitions? (Maybe even the 2004-'09 Gen II
Prius?)
Or is all this a bunch of hooey?
It wouldn't seem to be that difficult to make:
* Tape some plastic film to the bodywork where the addition will go.
* Form the crease from Bondo, epoxy filled w/lightweight micro-ballons), etc.
* Remove for final shaping and finish.
* Reapply with double sided tape.