Deployable rear spoilers are hardly new within the VW Group – VW put one on its Golf 2-based Corrado coupe back in 1988 – but the patent that Porsche filed recently with the European Patent Office takes the idea to the next level thanks to modern electronic controls and a better understanding of aerodynamics.
In principle, it looks like a rear spoiler, but Porsche describes it as an air deflector that can act like a spoiler to improve handling, but can set itself to an efficient position to instead improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce drag, especially at the higher speeds Porsches can typically reach.
Aerodynamic Precision at Every Speed
Porsche places a lot of emphasis on the deflector’s ability to clean up airflow and reduce vehicle’s drag, and this is its principle function. To this end, its design is particularly clean and smooth, retracting totally flush with the vehicle body when not in use. When deployed, it extends beyond the rear of the vehicle and can be set at any of three positions, depending on the speed of the vehicle:
- Resting
- Efficiency
- Performance
To minimize turbulence and maintain clean airflow, Porsche’s patent introduces a unique cover element that moves in sync with the deflector. This component fills the gap between the deflector and the vehicle body, ensuring uninterrupted airflow and preventing the drag-inducing turbulence that typically forms in exposed gaps.
Efficiency Meets Performance
The deflector’s adaptability to different vehicle speed ranges is emphasized, but the focus is mainly on improving aerodynamic efficiency. However, being a high-performance sports car, a Porsche should not forget its sporty side, and this is what the deflector’s performance position is for. We presume that this is focused on producing some downforce at the expense of drag for track use, as Porsche says that it improves handling. It wouldn’t be a Porsche otherwise, would it?
