Patent: C8’s Variable Width Spoiler?

[John]

Here’s an interesting concept to differentially control the amount of air a spoiler is effecting, specifically by varying the width length of different spoiler components. Could be to minimize total width to reduce drag going down straightaways, such as by overlapping the two or more components, yet when maximum braking is desired, by extending both out to their maximum side deployment.

Additionally, it could help create desired yaw by extending one component out to the side, and thus it could assist in desired cornering downforce.

Thanks for this USPTO find goes super sleuth Jeremy Welborn (jagamajajaran) who has found more potential C8 patents than all others combined.

This patent, if implemented, could well be “being saved” for the Z06 and/or ZR1 models.

[Z_Rocks]

Sounds like GM is putting all the good eggs into C8 basket.

[Boomer]

Variable Width Spoiler?

If its offered on the C8, I hope its an option.

[MidEngine]

I think its chances even as an option on the first year C8 are extremely slim.

[meyerweb]

That car has a transverse 4 cylinder engine, so I hope it's not a Corvette!

[John]

The 2020 and several following years of ME’s will have V8’s. Your emoji will be happy.

[Racer X]

That car has a transverse 4 cylinder engine, so I hope it's not a Corvette!

No, can't you tell that's just the motor for the FRONT WHEELS!

[jagamajajaran]

I've attached the entire document. Some of the graphics are of a Camaro and some are of a ZR1. It looks like they might be developing this for use across both the Camaro and Corvette platforms.

[John]

Thank you very much Jag! Nicely found. Every page of the patent is here:

[OldVetter]

Whatever spoiler evolves, I certainly hope it is something better than the tacked on wing on the ZR1's. Totally ruins the cars esthetics IMHO.

[jsmatt]

Great research, GM seems to always have something up their sleeve. Hope we see some of them soon on the C8!

[Mobius]

No, can't you tell that's just the motor for the FRONT WHEELS!

Exactly.

GM don't need no stinkin' electric motors to power the front wheels in the upcoming 1000HP C8 ZR-1 ZORA!

[Mobius]

Whatever spoiler evolves, I certainly hope it is something better than the tacked on wing on the ZR1's. Totally ruins the cars esthetics IMHO.

Yes, even though it's very functional (GM claims ~1000 lb of downforce at speed), the large spoiler is a bit much for me as well.

I would definitely prefer a speed-driven active-aero spoiler, that also has a DISABLE feature.

[John]

For those who want more about this patent’s spoiler adjustability but do not want to read the whole thing, it is well summarized here:

[Mobius]

Cool stuff - I look forward to seeing some of these various active-aero patents implemented on the C8.