Quote:
Originally Posted by winkosmosis
I wonder if they made the roof like that for aerodynamic reasons.
I do remember reading that more and more cars are getting arched roofs for aerodynamics, but I guess the question is whether you reduce total drag by adding an arch to an already flat roof and increasing frontal area
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Many of these "aero" designs being implemented are just to give the consensus that they are more aerodynamic to the general public when in fact they are less so. Case in point, the Hybrid versions of the full size GM SUVs actually use sharper angled components than the regular models to promote sharp separation of flow. Another example the late model year F-bodies, although much more swoopy than the model they replaced are actually far less aerodynamic that the chiseled model of the late 80s.
Those rounded roofs may actually be causing more lift, hence more drag...but they look aerodynamic so the buyer thinks it is...and is more eager to get rid of his flat roofed SUV/wagon for a new one.