02-24-2009, 09:03 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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2009+ Honda Fit - ideal rear design for Kammback
I saw a 2009 Honda Fit in the metal for the first time a little while ago (yes, I live a sheltered life) and the very first thing I noticed was how the rear lines have really pronounced plan & profile taper:
The converging arcs suggest the beginning of a proper teardrop/airfoil shape.
Which of course led me to think: it would be an ideal starting point for a very organic Kammback extension to improve aero.
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02-24-2009, 09:18 AM
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#2 (permalink)
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aero guerrilla
Join Date: Oct 2008
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That seems to be the trend in new cars, an "incorporated" Kammback. Check out the 3-door Citroen C4.
Here's another example, from a different weight class. The Renault Trafic and Opel Vivaro van has rear light columns which aren't flush with the sides or the back, but allow the sides to curve inward, sort of like the sides of a short Kammback.
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e·co·mod·ding: the art of turning vehicles into what they should be
What matters is where you're going, not how fast.
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[Old] Piwoslaw's Peugeot 307sw modding thread
Last edited by Piwoslaw; 02-24-2009 at 09:33 AM..
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02-24-2009, 10:03 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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Hypermiler
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Look at the Fit Sport - it has a lip spoiler at the top, built just right for aero. 
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11-mile commute: 100 mpg - - - Tank: 90.2 mpg / 1191 miles
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02-24-2009, 10:09 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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Administrator
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I gotta say I love the Fit, and a boat tail on it would be soooooooooo sweet. Just give it a lower 5th gear and you would really be cranking out some awesome mileage!
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02-24-2009, 02:00 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Hi,
I think you can get it with 15" steel wheels -- so you can put smooth wheel covers on it! A grill block for the upper grill would also be an easy thing to do...
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02-24-2009, 03:35 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian
Look at the Fit Sport - it has a lip spoiler at the top, built just right for aero. |
I had to go looking for a good pic of the car without that spoiler, because I don't think it's an ideal design for MPG - appears to me to angle upward slightly from the angle at the end of the roof, rather than continuing the downward sweep of the roofline. |
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02-24-2009, 04:20 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Hypermiler
Join Date: Dec 2007
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A coworker has one, and it follows the same line as the last bit of the roof. I think the bumps for the hinges play some optical tricks.
You're right, though, that it could curve down a bit more for the best aerodynamics.
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11-mile commute: 100 mpg - - - Tank: 90.2 mpg / 1191 miles
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02-25-2009, 01:34 AM
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#8 (permalink)
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Depends on the Day
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I dream of opening the door my garage and finding a Citroén C4 Diesel in my space. Once Honda rivals the utility, efficiency, and emissions of European counterparts, I'll be the first to sign up.
If the Fit is indeed as efficient as most Euro-spec 3- or 5-door hatchbacks, I applaud them. If not, I patiently await...
RH77
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“If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research” ― Albert Einstein
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02-25-2009, 01:48 AM
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#9 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Just having some fun with Gimp (free photoshop knock-off). It would need some glass to work.
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Adjusted for my driving habits. 80%city/20%Highway.
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02-25-2009, 02:15 AM
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#10 (permalink)
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Pokémoderator
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FastPlastis -
That is sooooooooo cool! That (probably accidental?) rear window detail from the stretch is totally mannerist. If I were doing a teaser-ad, I would only show that window :
CarloSW2
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