uk car Aerodynamic Aids

Aerodynamic Aids

Wings (rear spoiler)

In the early 60s, engineers discovered that by adding an air foil or wing to the rear end, lift can be dramatically reduced and/or even generate a net down force.

1965 Not a single Aerodynamic aid in sight
1968 wings taken to their logical conclusion
1971 by now High wings were banned

At the same time, drag is only slightly increased. This wing in theory is the reverse of an aircraft wing in shape and operation

The wing has the effect of directing the majority of air flow to leave the roof straight without going along the back of the car, this reduces lift.

If the wing angle is increased, a downforce may even be generated. There is still some of the air flow that follows the back and leaves the tail under the wing. This avoids the turbulence that appears in non-fastback car, and helps the car remain drag-efficient.

Since only a little air follows this route, any contribution to the lift factor is easily cancelled by the wing.

Its still a percentages game mind, trading off lift against drag, in most cars where its not just a "beauty treatment"? it will be set just high enough to try and cancel lift without giving a positive downforce.

Porsche did much to popularise wings with its 911 range, the RS 2.7 of 1972's, tail was claimed to reduce lift by 75% at high speed.

A year later, 911 RS 3.0 used a "Whale tail" wing It became the trademark for the later 911s

Porsche's late 911 Carrera uses an adjustable rear wing

	Front lift (at 157mph)	Rear lift (at 157mph)
Wing down	64 kg	136 kg
Wing up	5 kg	14 kg

Other Cars like the Dodge Stealth AKA Mitsubishi 3000GT also try to perform the same trick.