Reducing drag on old-shape sedans (notchbacks)

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by M_a_t_t

I think the "old" sedan looks the sharpest. I think my Fiat is one of my favorites in the looks department.

I am exactly the opposite--to me, the old shape looks clunky. Give me a quasi-fastback, modern sedan any day. Something like the new Sonata; not the best from the front, but just stunning from the rear:



I thought it interesting that Scibor-Rylski argues that aerodynamics and styling follow a natural progression toward forms that are both more aerodynamically sound and more aesthetically pleasing.

I agree on the throttle-stop testing for the spoiler change.

[M_a_t_t]

Originally Posted by Vman455

I am exactly the opposite--to me, the old shape looks clunky. Give me a quasi-fastback, modern sedan any day. Something like the new Sonata; not the best from the front, but just stunning from the rear:

I agree on the throttle-stop testing for the spoiler change.

Some people just have poor taste I guess.




I was thinking of testing for a wing with the pitot tube I think. The riser's shape shouldn't matter since it should be in separated flow correct? Maybe the end pieces would be more important since they are closer to the separation point on the side of the car?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Due to the popularity of its Soviet copy, which had been available even in my country, I would never actually expect an American to drive a Fiat 124 sedan.

Originally Posted by Vman455

Give me a quasi-fastback, modern sedan any day.

Sedans with a fastback-ish design look quite pointless to me. A full-sized hatch would increase its practicality and eventually compensate a little the decreasing availability of station-wagons.

Or eventually render it easier to convert them into some sort of station-wagon

[M_a_t_t]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Due to the popularity of its Soviet copy, which had been available even in my country, I would never actually expect an American to drive a Fiat 124 sedan.

Do you mean an actual Fiat opposed to the copy, or just the car in general? What would be so odd? They weren't sold in high numbers here anyway and that makes them kind of rare in the U.S.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by M_a_t_t

Do you mean an actual Fiat opposed to the copy, or just the car in general? What would be so odd?

I am more used to the Soviet copy, so even the original seems quite surprising to see it driven by an American. Not to mention Fiat never having been so popular among Americans in general. But anyway, it's not really a bad car for its age.