[aerohead]

When you see the term aero - "optimization" used in conjunction with an article about a specific vehicle,it can convey the sense that this is as far a the state- of -the -art has gone in aerodynamics.Actually "optimization" means that aerodynamacists have done all they can without altering the "appearance" of a given model."Optimization " can convey the same linguistic gravity as "Idealization",however,idealization allows for aerodynamic efficiency as the paramount goal in design.So,while the VW Vanagon,certainly no visionary masterpiece,does demonstrate "Optimization" in a light van,Count Ricotti's Alfa "tromfe le vent, bullet van,or R.Buckminster's Dymaxion Car,demonstrate serious aerodynamic efforts,which score high marks even by today's standards,95 and 75 years later,respectively.