Opinions differ on the subject of spoilers on the car. For some, the icing on the cake in the tuned car, for the other unnecessary gimmick. But why is a spoiler actually there? A spoiler is a vehicle extension that alters air flow and contact pressure. Contact pressure, also known as downforce, means that air acts vertically on the vehicle and thus on the road. The force acts stronger the faster the vehicle is traveling. In motor sports spoilers are absolutely necessary. The spoiler of a Top Fuel Dragsters 2,5 delivers about a ton of pressure and without it, the power could not be put on the track. It can be adapted to track and air conditions by changing the angle very easily.
Top Fuel Dragster rear spoiler adjustableThis small turn on one or two screws should ensure that enough pressure is generated on the rear axle. This little thing can already decide about victory and defeat. Even with sports cars, the spoiler is often much more than just an optical gimmick. At a Porsche 911 GT3 The rear spoiler ensures a contact pressure of about 120 kilograms. It improves driving feel and gives the vehicle more stability at high speeds. For many road vehicles, a spoiler is already installed at the factory. However, this often fulfills an optical rather than an aerodynamic purpose. Above all, retrospectively attached rear wings serve only the sporty look of a car.
Anyone who retrofits a spoiler should, despite the purely visual sense, make sure that the spoiler sits in one place of the vehicle where it can theoretically produce a higher contact pressure. As an optical gimmick, the spoiler should fit into the overall picture of the vehicle. However, there are also vehicles in which the spoiler makes a whole vehicle a cult object despite oversized dimensions, obvious non-existent benefits or exaggerated conspicuousness. The 1970er Plymouth Superbird, for example, had a "Pommestheke" with a height of fabulous 61 centimeters. Also the Subaru WRX STI has a striking rear spoiler, through which the vehicle is immediately recognized by everyone. A spoiler is and remains a matter of taste. As an important element of the downforce or optical delicacy, it remains a popular extension of the vehicle and will probably never disappear despite declining interest.
