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Originally Posted by Vman455
... Is that what you're asking?
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Yes, in part. And thanks, Vman455. That helps. Why do you think pressure readings are higher on this fastback’s roof than on the notchback roof? Why is the pressure higher or about the same on the rear of the fastback body?
Figure 4 in this same article shows the fastback with slightly higher Cd than the notchback, too. But if fastbacks are inferior for drag too, then why are so many low drag vehicles kinda in the fastback shape? The Tesla Model S, the Prius, and the Gen 1 Insight are the most obvious examples. Why aren't those cars notchbacks? One can optimize a fastback to bring down lift (e.g. a well-tuned undertray & diffuser), but why start with a higher lift and higher drag shape in the first place if ALL of them are supposedly so inferior? What's the advantage of a fastback? Cargo area?!