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Old 03-17-2014, 04:09 PM   #14 (permalink)
some_other_dave
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Quote:
Originally Posted by botsapper View Post
Active spoilers. Still like Aeromotions computer-programmed active-assistance split rear wing.
In the 60s, Porsche used a similar system on a couple of their race cars. In particular, the early 917 and one of the iterations of the 908. They had a split wing that had linkages to the rear suspension. When the suspension was unloaded and went into droop, the corresponding half of the wing tilted up into the air to push that side of the car back down. Under braking, the tail of the car tends to pitch upward, and both flaps went up, which produced more drag.

It was good for several seconds per (very long) lap at Le Mans, I believe.

"Active aerodynamics" was banned after some earlier wrecks, and Porsche agreed to fix the wings in place on the 908 but was able to get a one-year exemption for the 917.

This is a long way of saying: You don't have to control it with a computer, and it's already been done.

-soD
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