[kach22i]

Porsche 917

They also had slightly different bodies, both equally ugly and blunt. These were developed in the wind tunnel, not with the accent on low drag, but rather on reasonable downthrust without spoilers, compact dimensions and lightness, as this latest open car has been developed mainly for the Targa Florio and other winding circuits requiring exceptional manoeuvrability and agility........................

But the whole car has been considerably lightened and now probably weighs around 500Kg. (11001b.) or even less. To keep the front wheels on the ground better, a new five-speed gearbox is now located in front of the final drive, pushing the engine to a more forward position, while the driver sits with his feet only a few inches from the forward edge of the blunt nose.

http://www.tonyfoale.com/Articles/Aerodynamics/AERO.htm


http://www.centurion-magazine.com/nc/sections/post/taking-a-drive-through-history.html


http://www.howstuffworks.com/1979-1980-1981-ford-mustang2.htm

Once approved, '79 styling was refined in the wind tunnel to trim air drag and thus enhance fuel economy.