Aerodynamics of Lexus LS 430 wheel spoilers
Aerodynamics of Lexus LS 430 wheel spoilers
(OP)
There has been some discussion here on aerodynamics, Cd, downforce, so here goes:
On the Lexus LS 430 there are wheel spoilers, (air dams?) located on the undercarriage in front of each wheel well. They are made of synthetic rubber, are about 200mm wide and extend about 30mm down from the car body. I assume the Lexus engineers put such things on cars for a reason. What is the design intent? More downforce? Less drag?
BTW, these Lexus LS 430s do not have dimpled panels on the undercarriage, they have corrugated plastic panels, each corrugation about one inch wide.
On the Lexus LS 430 there are wheel spoilers, (air dams?) located on the undercarriage in front of each wheel well. They are made of synthetic rubber, are about 200mm wide and extend about 30mm down from the car body. I assume the Lexus engineers put such things on cars for a reason. What is the design intent? More downforce? Less drag?
BTW, these Lexus LS 430s do not have dimpled panels on the undercarriage, they have corrugated plastic panels, each corrugation about one inch wide.





RE: Aerodynamics of Lexus LS 430 wheel spoilers
Plus they keep mud splashes off the rockers...
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Aerodynamics of Lexus LS 430 wheel spoilers
RE: Aerodynamics of Lexus LS 430 wheel spoilers
Greg -- Leading edge of the wheel well.
(although they would keep some mud off the front bumper and the rear doors)
RE: Aerodynamics of Lexus LS 430 wheel spoilers
Actually it is to avoid admitting THEY (big, rugged, macho, chew nails and spit rust, 4 x 4 types ) actually drive them as well !
Incidentally, several other car makers use similar devices ahead of the front wheels. Mostly they rae dark coloured flexible materials and are often difficult to detect at a casual glance.
Cheers , Pete.