High Wing Known & Unknown Info

[John]

Thanks to Kirk Bennion, Chief Exterior Designer, we known that the high wing contributes to more downforce than the regular Z51 by some amount, and nicely it reduces drag compared to the Z51’s deck spoiler.



But so much we do not yet know.

The most important piece to me personally, is what is the view in the rear view mirror, both in regular and Panaray video formats? Does it look less than pleasant, this side-to-side solid bar? Feel like something is constantly following you too closely? Or is that a non-issue with the roof mounted camera peering nicely under and over it and within minutes you never notice it at all?

We also do not know its price?

Lastly while we think its installation would require removal of the rear fascia, could there be a way to remove the trunk lining and install it without removing the fascia — for that would be a cause for major celebration. Or, might there be another option we have yet to imagine that would also obviate the fascia’s removal need?

[WillRockwell]

I want a wing on my car, but I don't think it will be a Chevrolet wing. Both the Z51 wing and the high wing look like fences, I don't want my wing to have 4 attachments to the body. I will take my C8 with no wing, and look for an after-market design that harmonizes with the design of the car.

[TOMDOM69]

Thanks to Kirk Bennion, Chief Exterior Designer, we known that the high wing contributes to more downforce than the regular Z51 by some amount, and nicely it reduces drag compared to the Z51’s deck spoiler.



But so much we do not yet know.

The most important piece to me personally, is what is the view in the rear view mirror, both in regular and Panaray video formats? Does it look less than pleasant, this side-to-side solid bar? Feel like something is constantly following you too closely? Or is that a non-issue with the roof mounted camera peering nicely under and over it and within minutes you never notice it at all?

We also do not know its price?

Lastly while we think its installation would require removal of the rear fascia, could there be a way to remove the trunk lining and install it without removing the fascia — for that would be a cause for major celebration. Or, might there be another option we have yet to imagine that would also obviate the fascia’s removal need?

here is my question

Does it cost more to buy the high wing (after the fact) at a dealer, to be able have a museum delivery, then it costs to buy it when I order the car?

[John]

The Z51 as delivered always comes with its regular spoiler installed on the car. Then the buyer must additionally purchase the high wing and have it installed. Personally, in spite of the above ray of good news, I am not yet counting on it being able to be installed at NCM. We all hope so!!! If so, one would then have two choices, whether to do it NCM Delivery\ and have it installed there, or drive home and have your dealer (our local dealer or body shop) install it. Regardless of where the install would occur, all who want a high wing are going to have to pay for it from one dealer or another — for NCM is not a GM parts counter and can not directly sell it to you.

[meyerweb]

As for the view past the wing:

I've driven a couple of different cars that have a wing or other object bifurcating the view out the back. I think you'll learn to ignore it very quickly. It just becomes invisible to your brain after a while, the way you don't really notice eyeglass frames when you're used to wearing glasses.

[majic1980]

I want a wing on my car, but I don't think it will be a Chevrolet wing. Both the Z51 wing and the high wing look like fences, I don't want my wing to have 4 attachments to the body. I will take my C8 with no wing, and look for an after-market design that harmonizes with the design of the car.

Makes no sense, the Chevrolet High Wing ( or spoiler) IS DESIGNED FOR THE C8. Why get some aftermarket wing that’s Not Aero-Balanced for the C8 ?

[WillRockwell]

Makes no sense, the Chevrolet High Wing ( or spoiler) IS DESIGNED FOR THE C8. Why get some aftermarket wing that’s Not Aero-Balanced for the C8 ?

Because I don't like the way it looks

[Shepherd777]

Makes no sense, the Chevrolet High Wing ( or spoiler) IS DESIGNED FOR THE C8. Why get some aftermarket wing that’s Not Aero-Balanced for the C8 ?

Exactly.

One will of course be able to buy an aftermarket rear spoiler. It may even be very aesthetically appealing to your eyes and everyone else's eyes. But it will most likely be a cluster-truck, aerodynamically. Aerodynamic flutter anyone?

Can you imagine how many hours of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) supercomputer time, and wind tunnel time, GM has invested in the rear spoilers alone? And how much money it cost them to do those precise calculations?

I would ONLY trust the aerodynamicists at GM with any aero components of my C8. Just my 2 cents..

[ZoraC2]

Another aspect to consider with the High Wing is that you will be lifting the roof panel a little higher to clear the wing when stowing it. Shouldn’t be too bad. However, lifting a heavier, larger golf bag out and making sure you clear the high wing without scratching it is something for the avid golfers to consider.

I personally will get the High Wing 5ZU in Torch Red to Match the Body Color.

[WillRockwell]

Another aspect to consider with the High Wing is that you will be lifting the roof panel a little higher to clear the wing when stowing it. Shouldn’t be too bad. However, lifting a heavier, larger golf bag out and making sure you clear the high wing without scratching it is something for the avid golfers to consider.

I personally will get the High Wing 5ZU in Torch Red to Match the Body Color.

I suspect the wing should be mounted on the trunk lid, there is not much space behind it anyway. My Fiero GT had the wing mounted on the trunk lid, and it made no problems.

[Klinn]

I suspect the wing should be mounted on the trunk lid,

No, it's clearly shown to mount on the rear fascia and therefore will stay put while the deck lid is opened.

[TOMDOM69]

No, it's clearly shown to mount on the rear fascia and therefore will stay put while the deck lid is opened.

he is planning on an aftermarket wing, so hopefully he can find on that goes on the trunk. and hopefully he isn't getting the Z51 package or there is a wing/spoiler delete option so he doesn't have holes in his rear end.

[TOMDOM69]

As for the view past the wing:

I've driven a couple of different cars that have a wing or other object bifurcating the view out the back. I think you'll learn to ignore it very quickly. It just becomes invisible to your brain after a while, the way you don't really notice eyeglass frames when you're used to wearing glasses.

I'm mildly concerned about the high wing. I love how it looks, but I'm planning on getting a vert and I'm thinking no camera when the top is down. It also could be in the way of the camera when the top is up. It doesn't seem to be quite high enough to look under.

[John]

he is planning on an aftermarket wing, so hopefully he can find on that goes on the trunk. and hopefully he isn't getting the Z51 package or there is a wing/spoiler delete option so he doesn't have holes in his rear end.

As Harlan told us at the reveal, the Z-51 is properly balanced as a complete package, and to offer a spoiler delete would upset the car’s balance and performance. There is no spoiler delete.

[John]

I'm mildly concerned about the high wing. I love how it looks, but I'm planning on getting a vert and I'm thinking no camera when the top is down. It also could be in the way of the camera when the top is up. It doesn't seem to be quite high enough to look under.

Good questions, and somethings we will not learn about until after the HT convertible is revealed. That is at least two months from now.