Performance Mods: Wing Or No Wing? That Is The Question!

I don't think anyone has not driven past one of those cars with a big goofy wing on the back, and thought, "That looks stupid". Now, have you ever really stopped and thought about what that wing does, how it affects the cars performance, handling or safety? Are you thinking, "Hey, I have one of those wings!"? If so, this is for you.

So, you have no wing or maybe just a stock wing on the back of your car. You think to yourself,"Hey, I would like a bigger wing because it looks cool." Okay, I understand the thought of generally making your car look a little more aggressive, but what if I told you that most aftermarket wings will actually make your car slower, and use more gasoline. Kind of goes against what you were hoping for I’d bet.

Generally speaking, and without going into aerodynamics too deeply, the wing is essentially an airfoil, like an upside down airplane wing. It creates two forces, downforce and drag. The benefit that most people look to get out of a big wing, besides the race car look, is downforce. It creates an aerodynamic grip if you will, and if set up properly, is safer than no wing or a poorly designed wing. Downforce will essentially place downward pressure on the rear of the vehicle, which in turn, squishes the tires of the vehicle onto the road while at speed. The downforce is dependent on the speed of the vehicle based on the angle of attack on the wing, and wing design.

The other force that is created is drag, and this is where wing design really comes into play. In fluid dynamics, drag, sometimes called air resistance or fluid resistance, refers to forces that oppose the relative motion of an object through a fluid; in our instance, the air. Essentially, it is trying to slow you down and is a byproduct of an inefficient airfoil or too much angle of attack, in comparison to no wing or a factory wing depending on the automobile. This is also the part that causes you to use more gas. The faster you go the more drag is created. As the drag increases, your engine has to work harder, for your car to maintain its speed.

There are a few companies out there that have done diligent research to create a wing that has aerodynamic efficiency, reduce drag, and also give significant downforce. One of them is Aeromotions. Countless hours of refinement led to its signature high downforce, low drag design. It was created in a wind tunnel at MIT to ensure the best of both worlds. Also, as it turns out if you’re a track junkie Aeromotions wings can shave seconds off your lap times. Aeromotions also goes so far as to create an actuated wing, which offers an automated variable angle of attack. Borrowed from U.S.A.F. drones, they are the most advanced airfoil available today, and they don’t look half bad either.

So, before you go off half cocked about, "Those big stupid looking wings". Remember, there can be form and function to them and they can offer more stability to a vehicle. Stay planted everyone!

If you have any questions give me a call or send me a message by filling out the form located at the top right of this page!

Car Audio Spotlight: Clarion NX5012011 Audi A4

Tags: Aerodynamics, Air Resistance, Airfoil, Airplane Wing, Angle Of Attack, Automobile, Automobile Part, Benefit, Byproduct, Cars, Downforce, Downward Pressure, Fluid Dynamics, Fluid Resistance, Gasoline, Performance Mods, Race Car, Relative Motion, Stock, Tires, Upside Down, Wings

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