Patent for New C8 Active Hybrid Spoiler Aero

[John]

One more active aero patent could potentially becoming part of one of the C8’s models, though probably not for the entry 2020 model year entry version. For the C8 Z06 or ZORA versions?

What is this patent? Simply described, as shown well in the following patent picture, it is a spoiler with a fixed center point but with two, separately moveable side aerodynamic wings.



As stated in the patent, it purposes could include “to reduce drag, minimize noise emissions, preventing lift, preventing aerodynamic instability, while also improving vehicle traction’s and cornering abilities.”

At the same time, full disclosure that every patent filed by an OEM could a) become reality, b) become at a later date found to be either economically and/or aerodynamically not the best option, or c) filed solely as a “defensive patent.”

It was filed on August 24, 2017, and granted today.

As is not surprise, this patent was discovered by Jeremy Welborn (aka “jagamajajaran”). Thank you Jag!

All patent content and diagrams are shown in the following post.

[John]

Active hybrid aero spoiler patent content and diagrams in full:

[Z_Rocks]

So, that curveish design that I didn't like, is actually part of this whole active spoiler system. Is the width change part of this whole spoiler thing? It changes the width and curve according to certtain criteria I guess.

[JB]

Well i can homestly say i hope I can do without all this complication. I dont want anything to do with this if at all possible.

just my opinion and since im considering the stnadard model hopefully I wont even have the option of things like this.

im sire its great ..just not something i need.

[John]

Not even going to be a gleam in GM’s eye for the 2020 model...

[Mobius]

That's an impressive spoiler, and as complex as the control surfaces found on the tail-section of most aircraft.

I think we are getting a glimpse of the future for automotive spoilers (or a glimpse at the past of aircraft control surfaces ).

[Racer86]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but no active aero is allowed in any sanctioned racing franchise’s. I love all this active aero, but at street level driving it is not going to add anything to performance. That’s leaves track days where it could be effective. Seems like a very small market that can use this technology. Cost benefit ratio doesn’t work for me. Or maybe just the cool factor on the street will sell it.

[Boomer]

at street level driving it is not going to add anything to performance.

Like most fair weather non-track Corvette drivers I sure wouldn't need/want it. I'm sure these kinds of things will be stand alone or "track package" options so folks that want them can get them.

[John]

Perhaps the active hybrid spoiler patent was filed and solely intended as a defensive patent?

[Racer86]

I need to correct one thing. In F 1, the Kers power push to pass feature, it does open the slot on the dual plane wing. If racing allowed truly active aero, we would see cars that have control surfaces that airplanes have. Just not sure if it is needed on cars that are driven on the street. As an added option, I have no problem. But if it’s included in a base type ME vette, you are not going to see a MSLP of $70K
as usual, just my $.04

[John]

I personally observed on our C7 Z06, that the curved up and slightly forward wickerbill across the entire rear spoiler worked at 60 MPH, when on a very rainy day on an interstate, I looked into the rear view mirror to see a beautifully arc’ing upward and forward rooster tail of water coming down right in the middle of the back window. Then I looked through the side mirrors and saw that water arc coming down on the rear fenders above where the tires are.

This confirmed to me what I had heard Tadge say at the NCM Bash earlier that year, that “even at freeway speeds, the Z06’s spoiler creates downforce, not much but some, in that the air flow goes up, curves forward; we specifically tailored the wickerbill angle and height so that airflow comes down right over the centerline of the rear wheels.”

I am happing with the Z06’s fixed spoiler aero accomplishing that.

[dcbingaman]

What's interesting about this from an aero. standpoint is what the Patent and the diagram does NOT show, and that is differential actuation - ie. one side up, one side down. That would be new and would allow the generation of a side moment above the rear wheels to augment the traction circle of the tires in a turn. Very interesting idea. I am sure we will see more ideas like this soon. Pagani has used differential flap panels on his cars for the same effects.

[John]

Thanks Binger. I always look forward to your aero analysis. That type of “reverse one side vs the other” would provide really differential cornering forces as you noted. Very cool. As to how it looks (assuming it would be implemented), that would be an interesting question, but maybe only for the hardcore track folks and not the 90% who are street Corvette drivers.

Thank you very much!

[JB]

I was talking to one of the corvette owners at the gym the other day. She has a c7 and its cool...her dad bought a bentley preowned and the active spoiler out back broke. He took it in for service and the bill to repair was astronomical so this older gentleman who I am not sure but doesnt seem to be as well off as his 50 year old daughter and her husband told the bentley tech or independent shop to just remove the connection between the active areo and the spoiler and just keep it in the down position..l

no offense but that nonsense of active aero is just added complication and more **** to go wrong over time.

of course when gm does it I tend to believe it will last at least 100k without a problem...

i dont even want to add the weight...

homestly I rarely drive so fast that I need extra downforce...I like the sleek clean look as perferred over massive spoilers as on the zr1 or even active aero...

i just dont care and putting things in the trunk with the ZR1 huge wing makes daily driving and using the corvette a pain...

besides in and around the tri state area bug wings are for kids thinking they are “fast and furious” although these days I dont see those little fart pipe cars any more...

i think that whole revolution of hot rod fart pipe economy cars died out and the kids today are all into cuvs....and telephones...

if porsche puts an active aero on the panamera sedan where it lifts up and then spreads outward im sure gm can produce something like that as well...

when sedans even high performance sedans like the panamera get actuve aero...id imagine corvettes will offer it as well...

the panamera is quick but man is it heavy...

all that nonsense adds up..

better to just do like ferrari does with the 488 and just have underbody aero...

its actually more effect although I always wondered what would happen when its a heavy snow...

just shooting the breeze..

[Plasboy]

I was talking to one of the corvette owners at the gym the other day. She has a c7 and its cool...her dad bought a bentley preowned and the active spoiler out back broke. He took it in for service and the bill to repair was astronomical so this older gentleman who I am not sure but doesnt seem to be as well off as his 50 year old daughter and her husband told the bentley tech or independent shop to just remove the connection between the active areo and the spoiler and just keep it in the down position..l

no offense but that nonsense of active aero is just added complication and more **** to go wrong over time.

of course when gm does it I tend to believe it will last at least 100k without a problem...

i dont even want to add the weight...

homestly I rarely drive so fast that I need extra downforce...I like the sleek clean look as perferred over massive spoilers as on the zr1 or even active aero...

i just dont care and putting things in the trunk with the ZR1 huge wing makes daily driving and using the corvette a pain...

besides in and around the tri state area bug wings are for kids thinking they are “fast and furious” although these days I dont see those little fart pipe cars any more...

i think that whole revolution of hot rod fart pipe economy cars died out and the kids today are all into cuvs....and telephones...

if porsche puts an active aero on the panamera sedan where it lifts up and then spreads outward im sure gm can produce something like that as well...

when sedans even high performance sedans like the panamera get actuve aero...id imagine corvettes will offer it as well...

the panamera is quick but man is it heavy...

all that nonsense adds up..

better to just do like ferrari does with the 488 and just have underbody aero...

its actually more effect although I always wondered what would happen when its a heavy snow...

just shooting the breeze..

Still plenty of fart pipes and wings around here but we’re always behind. My personal favorite is front drive cars with bigger tires on the rear. ?