[jzwinck]

Go on, tell us what sorts of shapes you'd rather see. One thing to note: the hood is not just a place to store the engine, but a place to absorb kinetic energy in a crash, so it serves a vital function even if full of luggage.

[Gravityloss]

True, but with modern materials and design you don't need such big zones. This is somewhat related, a big old car vs a new small one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBDyeWofcLY