[elhigh]

Hi, lilutosh.

I know you specify a low starting Cd, but allow me to make a suggestion: start with a crappy Cd. Find some effective little econobox with a thrifty drivetrain but lousy aero. You'll already be well on the way with lower curb (Brit spelling: kerb) weight, sufficient power and probably reduced accessory content. But if it's like a lot of small cars, certain compromises must be made in the vehicle's aerodynamics to maximize its interior volume within the constraints of a minimized package.

Someone suggested the Up! and that's a good choice. Any A- or B- class hatch is, I think, a good place to begin. A Focus hatch, Ka, Fiat 500: any of these provides economical mobility but does so by making the car as tiny and light as possible. How much better can you do on one of those platforms, especially one that isn't new? As the global economy continues to rebuild from the banking crisis meltdown lots of people still are reluctant to pick up the note on a new car, but might be more willing to pick up a good used car if they had some assurance they could do something to meaningfully improve the vehicle's fuel economy.

Just my two cents' worth. Sounds like an interesting paper and I hope, when you're done with it, you'll make your findings available to us.