Yes it is, but the "conventional" vehicles it is being compared with took many years to get "conventional" as well. Design without experience is dangerous. There still may be some packaging advantages that will allow some improvement in cd. As you know the faster you go the more important that becomes with limited traction. The CFD drag predictions will be interesting. Hopefully reduced surface area (skin drag) and shape will show some improvement. If the front skirts are effective at creating some down force the drag will be higher than the skirtless design but final weight distribution and rear drive only may make the shirts unnecessary.
Regards, Don