Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG
One thing I'd be curious to learn, is why the EV1 digressed so far from the "ideal" teardrop profile which we've been discussing on EcoModder so much. And yet still had a fantastic Cd.
EG if you look at the examples in this image, the EV1's rear glass angle is furthest from the expected shape:
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What about looking at an ideal tear drop from more than one dimension? The air can also flow in from the sides if they have sufficient angles to help w/ pressure drag in the rear. Look at the gen 4(?) Lexus LS 430 w/ a Cd of .26 and the recent Mercedes S class sedan at .26. Both have designs that diverge even more from the POV of a side profile, and look normal'ish, but they have Prius-like drag coefficients. Toss in no engine bay drag for an extra ~.02-.04 points off and there's the EV1's .19 Cd. IMO at least. Treb probably knows what's
really going on, whereas I'm just talking outa my ass.
