DavidNJ

The Next Step in Splitter Endplates? Infinity Wings Explained

spdracerut

Interesting. I just really dislike the fact there are front 'wings' on street based cars that extend wider than the front tires/bodywork. But that's just me.

DavidNJ

Two big factors at work.

First, while easy to get rear downforce with a wing and diffusers, it is hard to get front downforce on production cars. Lots of effort has gone into running the front as low as possible for this purpose: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...rs-airdams-pdf. On some front splitters, notably on prototypes, there is a dihedral wing to prevent porpoising as the splitter was sucked to the ground.

Second, a lot of racing is for a show. That's what fills the seats, turns on the screens, and gets the cars in video games. No one really sees fancy turbos and elaborate pull-rod suspensions with inerta heave springs (how many people even know these exist? Inerta-equipped McLarens won 10 of 12 races in 2005 after they were introduced).

However, extreme aero is very visible. Whether is unlimited Time Attack or a Pikes Peak Hillclimb. It makes the cars look 'cool'.

In the video, a new splitter endplate design is claimed to have a major improvement in downforce and drag: HKS GTS800 and Infinity Wings – AMB Aero

thomsbrain

Very cool, thanks for posting!

spdracerut

Yeah... I get it. If you need more front downforce, there's only so much a splitter can do with limited surface area. If the rules allow it, making a front wing is the logical step. And in time attack where it's not wheel-to-wheel, you don't have to worry about knocking it off by contact with another car. Though depending on the track, high curbing could be an issue. It just makes the cars look ridiculous to me. Again, just a personal preference.

Bruunz

Just look at the WTAC entries here.

https://www.worldtimeattack.com/inde...ac-entry-list/

My front wing is bigger than yours

gptoyz

Everybody gave up on a v mount and functional vented Hoods?

Chibo

They are still there, they are just blended more cleanly.

DavidNJ

Another new video...I have no idea what to make of it.

spdracerut

Looks like LMP style aero applied to a street car.