I don't see a sci.engr.aerospace newsgroup so I'll try here...
We have these popular aluminum wheels with as few as five column-sized spokes and often there are six spokes or more. And sometimes the spokes are smaller but paired together so count the pair as one...
And consider vehicles that have separate frames and fiberglass bodywork. A steel frame is more elastic and less prone to cracking than aluminum. But aluminum frames are sometimes used with large sections. But an aluminum wheel is no problem since wheels are easily replaced. So the wheel is a good place to save weight.
Now unsprung weight is also important and so aluminum wheels result in less unsprung weight.
But here's the question. Are these aluminum wheels with column-sized spokes...are they aerodynamic ? I mean obviously they are not but is there more involved ? Like do these wheels create some kind of vortex that smooths out the air flow down the side of the car ? Or are these wheels simply not very aerodynamic in any manner ?
Well google for aerodynamic wheels and disk wheels are found for bicycles...