Quote:
Originally Posted by woodstock74
Was looking over the car and spotted this aero device at the trailing edge of the rear fender:
Any ideas what it does? Separates the flow so it reattaches and energises before the outboard sharp edge quarter panel/bumper trailing edge? |
I first noticed these at an auto show a couple years ago and was curious about their function. Turns out it isn't an aerodynamic device at all, but is required to meet a FMVSS requirement that rear tires remain inboard of bodywork to 50 degrees past vertical. Some manufacturers use a small plastic add-on:
2018 Mazda Miata
But at this year's Chicago show I noticed some of these are being molded into bumper covers now rather than added as a separate piece:
2019 Jaguar F-Pace
2019 Lexus NX
Quote:
Originally Posted by woodstock74
Close up of the trailing edge underfloor panel:
Has two interesting aero shapes of unknown function. Anyone enlightened/familiar with what they might do? |
Toyota includes those fins for stability on all their cars. Generally, airflow under a car spreads outward and these help straighten the flow at the back (unlike the faux "diffuser" vanes seen on a lot of rear bumper covers these days).
2018 Toyota Camry
2018 Toyota Sienna
2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid