I continue to be interested in how designers improve aerodynamics of vehicle bodies over the decades, from windshield and rear window rake to flush glass to the roundness of the transition from front bumper to quarter-panels. Composite/organic headlamps, that integrate with the body, replaced the round sealed beams of the 60s and square sealed beams of the 70s.
Has any reasearch been done on the aerodynamic drag of different exterior-door handle designs
I definitely prefer what I call the "refrigerator" handle design which has appeared on most makes of car and truck since m/y 2000. The second and third examples in the above link(on Acuras) exemplify this design. Disappearing is the "flush" or recessed handle(scroll down, several Audi, Caddy, and Chevy examples of this design) which I always thought was more aerodynamic, but less ergonomic.
Just thought I'd breach a topic taken largely for granted by car users, and muse it's contribution or reduction to aerodynamics of the vehicle.
-ChrisCoaster