I have owned three Honda Fits, and the things just look naked without the rear wing that came standard on the Sport model. Admit it, these things are often merely a “looks cool” appearance add. Does a 117-horsepower 2009 Honda Fit really need added downforce?
I was thinking about wings when I saw the humongous example on the new electric Jeep Wagoneer S, recently launched in San Diego. Vince Galante, the design vice president with responsibility for Wagoneer S exterior styling, discussed the wing during the press conference. “The boxy Jeep profile is not the most aerodynamic thing,” he said. “We used a floating wing at the back, unique to the S, and achieved a drag coefficient of 0.29, making it the most aerodynamic Jeep ever.”
The prominent wing was shaped in a new $29.5 million wind tunnel. The wing functions as part of a team. A subtle rear liftgate spoiler above the Jeep badge, as well as the roof, were angled to minimize air turbulence. Flush pocket door handles and integrated fins guide air around the car. The S also gets underbody shields, front tire spats, and side sills to reduce drag around the wheels.
“The wing first appeared in a sketch of the Wagoneer S, just the hint of it,” Galante continued. “We weren’t sure the wing would work, but the wind tunnel confirmed it functioned well with the tapered shape of the roof we needed. Then engineering said to put three times as much space between the glass and the wing. It’s now an eight- or nine-inch gap. What we ended up with is pretty unique.” The Jeep’s wing works by managing and guiding the air from the back of the car into the gap between itself and the back window, reducing turbulence.
The molded plastic wing is not designed to rise with set speeds like the active units on some supercars. Instead, the rigid, fixed-position wing is attached to the D-pillar. The wing has to be rigid, because it houses the subject-to-jiggle camera for the digital rearview mirror. In addition to its functional benefits, the wing improves the Jeep’s side profile. From any angle, it suggests an EV that can reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
Still, it’s not as cool as my favorite wing, on the 1973 to 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile.” There were civilian and racing versions of this car, and they both had a massive wing consisting of two uprights that looked like airplane tailfins connected by a big bar. It was functional, too, putting down nearly 200 pounds of downforce at 124 mph. BMW coupes of this period were gorgeous to begin with, and the wing stands to toughen ‘em up a bit. This is not the “Little Wing” Jimi Hendrix sang about.
So what’s your favorite wing – and is your preference for form or functionality?
Top graphic: Bring a Trailer
I am allergic to any type of wing on all pretty much all cars. They all scream, Hey Everybody I’m A Boy Racer look at me, look at my big ass wing!!! They never think to ask themselves, does this wing make my ass look big? Ever notice how the majority of mega buck road legal supercars have integrated hydraulic or electric actuated wings and or spoilers? They do that because they are totally unnecessary even at highway speeds. The first gen Acura NSX gets a pass from me because it’s well integrated and not very noticeable. The worst offender is the original Dodge Super Bee with its pole vault crossbar height. Yes I know it was for a reason but it’s so juvenile and the epitome of big loud and dumb. Second on my list is the Ferrari F40 as it looks like a childrens toy car they push around from behind while grabbing onto that ridiculous wing.
Rant over. Arrrghh!
F4U Corsair, or Mustang SVO
The CSL batmobile is so goddamn cool.
escort cosworth anyone ?