Quote:
Originally posted by tj2001cobra
What part of the spoiler on THIS car is not for looks? Is a spoiler on the back of the car somehow going to produce more downforce on your front wheel giving your more traction? I've never understood the aerodynamics of wings on a front-wheel drive car.
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Well here's a lil' lesson fer ya:
As you're driving, air is moving all around the car (obviously). The air going over the car has further to travel, and loses speed in the process. At the same time, the air underneath the car maintains a higher pressure since it has less distance to travel. This is the same aerodynamic principle behind making airplanes fly. On top of this, the air unserneath the car begins to create upwards pressure as it exits at the rear (venturi (sp?) effect), thus pushing the car up even more, and making the rear tires lose grip. When you add a spoiler, it somewhat counters the rear lift and helps keep the rear tires glued to the road.
In short, you need grip at the rear wheels to keep the car stuck to the road. This isn't about drive-wheel grip for launching at a red light.