Quote:
Originally Posted by Vman455
In what world is this a fastback:
...and this a notchback?
The Leaf's low lift is probably due to the fact that it is quite clearly a squareback, and squarebacks--as Hucho and many, many other authors note--typically develop less lift than fastbacks or notchbacks. |
We may have to invent conventions for identification.
* Aerodynamically, a fastback is an uninterrupted contour which is streamlined, and leads to low drag. Such is that on the LEAF. The LEAF roofline, however, has been cut short, losing additional pressure regain, losing additional drag reduction potential from the roof truncation, and opportunity for even lower rear lift.
If the LEAF roof wasn't cut short, it would be a 'Kammback.' And a 'Kammback' is simply a truncated long-tail ( lang-heck ).
In spite of the roof chop on the 'Drag Queens' LEAF, it had lower rear lift than the Tesla Model S.
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* As to the Tesla Model S, I would describe it as a fastback-type form, perhaps compromised for rear visibility, with a spoiler incorporated into the contour to create the short deck, allowing for flow reattachment, and perhaps an alcove, from which an active rear pop-up spoiler might emerge. As on the original Model X.