CT200h Drag Coefficient - Lexus could do better!

[evilknee]

When I saw that the Ct200h had a drag coefficient of 0.29, I thought that must be pretty good, given that the Prius was 0.26 and was known to be very aerodynamic.

But then I saw this list: Automobile drag coefficient - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Notice that along with the Prius at 0.26 are all recent BMW 3-series, Mercedes E-class, and some other Lexus models. And better than the CT200h are MB S-class, Camry hybrid, G35 coupe, etc.

Overall, I was surprised that our CTs are really not especially aerodynamic.

[Quentin]

The problem is the hatchback shape. The Prius has a much more aggressive downward slope over the rear cargo area and that improves the Cd dramatically. Sedans benefit from the same thing. It is harder for the air to go back together smoothly when leaving a flat roof off a vertical surface versus tapering from the roof down to the trunklid and then off the vertical surface.

[Joe166]

Sure they could, but then it would probably look like a Prius and I got rid of one because of the way it looked.

[dtrance]

I'll trade .26 for .29 any day relative to the aesthetics of the prius vs CT.