Small modifications to a Honda Civic improved aerodynamics considerably.
He used ABS plastic molded to form bits of fairings. He had various considerations including Aesthetic considerations play a role, notably in the S.W.M.B.O. test. (She Who Must Be Obeyed cannot object *too* strenuously to the aesthetics of the modifications).
It consisted of covers (skirts) over the wheels, a "air dam" improving front aerodynamics, moving the side mirrors inside the vehicle, modifying the hubcaps to be smooth, etc.
Basjoos' real name is Mike Turner and he's a 52-year-old electronics technician from North Carolina. He built on his own a modified Honda Civic CX which gets 90 miles per gallon. He built the modifications without any background in vehicle or aeronautical design, just by eyeballing ideas. The cost has been very low.
The technique was to use cloroplast to prototype additions to the body which improves aerodynamic flow of different parts of the vehicle. Then as each part was proved he replaced it with an aluminum equivalent.
