[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Gunman

I vote "styling", wider rear fenders give the car hips, and a slim 'coke bottle' shape. Sex sells, even with car styling.

As for why not make the rear track wider, to make it "more flush", too much widening of the rear track would probably throw the handling off too much. (speculation on my part)

Originally Posted by venturaII

It's gotta be a styling thing, because increasing the taper to the rear will negatively impact aerodynamics. Maybe there's a functional benefit as will like rear passenger room or trunk space.

Originally Posted by Gunman

Depends, tapered rear should lower drag, but reduce side force.

Originally Posted by venturaII

Isn't that a good thing? Maybe I wasn't clear with the increased taper thing...I meant narrower rear, like an Insight.

I think when talking in general terms for normal production street cars the body designs are more for appeal with drag forces a distant second. Ya they want to make them efficient but they are not looking at F1 levels of drag and balance.