Rear Spoiler - functional or aesthetic?

[silverelan]

Does anybody know if the rear spoiler is there just for aesthetics or is actually functional to reduce aerodynamic drag?

Sponsored

 

[ChasingCoral]

If it's anything like the spoiler they used to have on Subaru Outbacks, it will likely reduce the amount of rain and snow landing on the rear window when moving.

 

[hybrid2bev]

A spoiler like on the Mach-E is a pretty common feature on most Ford SUV's. Like my wife's Explorer, it has one too.

I have to believe that every inch of this vehicle has been scrutinized in the wind tunnel to reduce drag as well as maintain the looks. But I would think of the spoiler as more functional than aesthetic.

 

[silverelan]

Can't help but to notice that the Teslas have skipped the rear spoilers which is what got me wondering.

*Looks like small spoiler for the X

 

[jeffdawgfan]

Functional as in....what. I seriously doubt it will improve traction or anything like that. It does make the car a little more..."slippery" in the wind tunnel and keeps the rain off the rear window to some extent. My wifes 2019 Leaf Plus has one....IMO it sucks the road mist up under and onto the window when it is raining. I can't believe how dirty the rear hatch and window get.

 

[zhackwyatt]

These are on almost all SUV/crossover for aerodynamics to increase efficiency. The Ecosport, Escape, Edge, Explorer, and Expedition all have them. All the SUVs for Chevrolet have them too. And Toyota, and....

 

[EVer]

Does anybody know if the rear spoiler is there just for aesthetics or is actually functional to reduce aerodynamic drag?

It will clearly affect the flow pattern. From the looks of it, they wanted more headroom in the rear, so they pushed the roof up, and used the spoiler to prevent a big turbulent wake from forming behind where the shape breaks downwards.

 

[EVer]

You’re confusing a spoiler with a wing. Wings turn flow and create downforce (in cars). Spoilers MIGHT create downforce if improperly designed, but that isn't their intended function. They might also prevent lift, which can be an intended function, but that is distinct from creating downforce.

Air doesn't "like" to change direction. The rear roofline spoiler on the Mach E provides a better streamline as the hatch breaks downward, reducing the wake and thus reducing form drag. Not a chance it is providing downforce (aside from its own weight).



[My education was aerospace engineering, not automotive, but fluid mechanics don't care. ]

 

[EVer]

“Would the roof line without the spoiler create more or less drag?”

More.


Bottom line, you’re incorrect.

 

[EVer]

Easily measurable with a sting balance, something college freshman operate.

I’ll stop this exchange now.

Sponsored