micro "mud" flaps spotted

[aerohead]

Short answer,I don't know.
If I had to guess,I'd be inclined to think that the fins trigger separation and create a vorticity which helps negate back-soiling of dirty rainwater from the fender well onto rear light lenses during inclement weather.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by moorecomp

Here is a screen grab of a Youtube video of a Fiesta. Looks like micro vg's on the top of the mirror. Interesting.

BMW did something similar years ago on some models, with small semi-circular bulges in the gap between the mirror and the side windows.

I don't recall the car types, but I've seen more of these on mirrors.
The mirrors on the Volvo V50/S40 have a small boattail

So apparently, some manufacturers are taking measures to cut down the drag from the mirrors.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by euromodder

BMW did something similar years ago on some models, with small semi-circular bulges in the gap between the mirror and the side windows.

I don't recall the car types, but I've seen more of these on mirrors.
The mirrors on the Volvo V50/S40 have a small boattail

So apparently, some manufacturers are taking measures to cut down the drag from the mirrors.

They're also going after wind noise.

[Peter7307]

The "dimples" used on the BMW's were solely there to reduce wind whistle between the mirror and the pillar.
By eliminating the noise there was probably some aero benefit as well but BMW never claimed any.

Peter.

[lunarhighway]

a lot of aerodynamic modifications are indeed made to reduce wind noise and watter flows. and therefore not nessesary reduce drag. i can't imagine the original bulges being there for noise reduction.

what i find odd is that recently a lot of independant manifacturers seem to have come up with a simalar solution... but to what problem?... wheel have changed fairly little since cars first came out. sure they contribute to drag but how does a little bulge all of the sudden solves that...

[Bill in Houston]

it will be nice to see one on a rainy day to see if that explains anything...

[UFO]

Never underestimate the power of aerodynamic marketing.

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by UFO

Never underestimate the power of aerodynamic marketing.

Yeah. The focus groups liked the fender accent look, but loved the efficiency claim.

[winkosmosis]

This isn't marketing. The bulge or flap isn't noticeable... and the flap, if you do notice it, is ugly.

[jtbo]

To prevent stones being tossed upwards by tire, they are quite close to edge of wheel arch these days?