At 04:42 AM 9/27/2008, Kim Brennan wrote...
>On Sep 27, 2008, at 12:49 AM, Mike S wrote:
>
>>At 10:04 PM 9/26/2008, Chris S wrote...
>>>The front luggage rack creates a LOT of turbulence and drag.  Yes,
>>>frontal area is the same but with the rack the drag is much higher.
>>>
>>><http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/misterpolak/Misc%20VW%20nuttiness/windtests.jpg>>
>>>
>>That shows 5 different configurations, none of which is the oddball
>>in
>>question. What makes you think #3 is significantly different than
>>that
>>one?
>
>The 3rd one down is a traditional US Westy. Notice that the how the
>extra height of the luggage rack really blows the smoke and destroys
>the laminar flow.
>
>The 4th one down is closest to the Atlantic poptop. Due to the low
>area of the top right above the windshield, the laminar flow is able
>to be preserved further down the body of the vehicle.

No, not even close, I'm surprised you would even suggest that.  #3, the
"traditional Westy," is by FAR the closest. Everything from the B
pillar back is identical. #4 is VERY different than either, higher and
rounded.

If you want to make "similarity" comparisons, #4 and a traditional
Westy both start the slope from the top of the windshield to their
maximum height. The Atlantic has a discontinuity, where that transition
is moved back toward the B pillar. The transition is also much steeper.
This is the best picture I could find:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pseudonomad/1405892055/

I'm not claiming which might be better, just that those pictures are
meaningless with respect to the Atlantic aerodynamics.