Quote:
Originally Posted by ME_Andy
Fill me in, is rear lift good or bad for mpg?
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1) for mpg, lift implies induced drag.
2) the roofline ought to generate flow deceleration and pressure recovery for its entire length from the roof apex, with slowest, highest-pressure flow at the rear separation line.
3) if the Prius had 50/50 weight distribution, at its EPA test weight, then we'd be looking at 1,890- pounds static load on the rear axle.
4) at 70- mph that would drop to 1,873-pounds. A 0.899% difference.
5) if you were willing to spend 400-hours fabricating an OEM-quality rear spoiler to cut 17-pounds of lift, well then, there you go.
6) and that presumes that, your very first design will 'solve' the lift issue.
7) or, anyone that we might buy one from.
8) @ $4,000 / hour of wind tunnel time to verify the performance.