Aero Mods - There's Function Behind The Cool Looks
3 MAY 2024 - Jeff Willis
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Race cars are arguably one of the most visually striking objects that modern human beings can witness. These are machines that travel very fast, make angry noises, and are extremely low to the ground. What makes these objects so appealing is that they don’t look like or drive like anything else out on the road. For us enthusiasts, we want this too.
However, for purpose-built race cars, there is a functionality for every component on the car that makes it faster and handle better. But let’s take a closer look to the components that keep a racecar planted to the ground, and that is the body components. As mentioned, one of the key reasons why racecars don’t look like anything else out on the road is because of the giant rear wings, deeper front lips that almost touch the ground, and the overall profile of a racecar is unconventionally wider than the average Toyota Camry. But alas, all of these obscure exterior components all have a main purpose, and that is to generate more downforce.
Now this applies to racecars, and for those of you who are building a BRZ, FR-S, or 86 for weekend track duties. Because a racetrack will have smoother pavement, and will not have potholes, changes in asphalt structure, or changes of the crown of the road like your average neighborhood street in New Jersey. Racetracks are built to accommodate racecars, and any sanctioned racetrack will have proper maintenance protocols to make immediate repairs to the track if there is any damage to protect drivers traveling at 100+ MPH speeds. This is why enthusiasts with show cars that are slammed to the ground often have damage to the front lips and undercarriage of their vehicles because racetracks don’t have speed bumps, angled driveways, or potholes.
Regarding downforce, when racecars are traveling at higher speeds, they need as much downforce as possible to stay planted to the ground. Giant rear wings, front lips, side skirts, and rear diffusers all play a vital role in the overall aerodynamic refinement of the racecar. More importantly, the more power you are making, the more downforce you will need as well. For example, the videos below display what happens when a rear wing breaks at higher speeds. Rear wings generate hundreds of pounds of downforce at higher speeds to help push the chassis to the ground. This improves the handling and the grip. The reason why both vehicles lose control once the rear wing breaks off, is because they both experience a lift in the rear suspension, and the rear end will swing out, causing both racecars to lose control.
Now that we have an understanding why aero mods are imperative to racecars, let’s have a look of the availability for your BRZ, FR-S, or 86. Now although these parts can be used for show purposes because the majority of us aren’t going to have a caged and gutted racecar, make no mistake in knowing that each component has a purpose, and that is to add more downforce.
REAR WING
Now to be realistic, the BRZ was never meant to be a track monster in terms of trying to win an unlimited power class of time attack. Those cars weigh significantly less than 3,000 lbs., and are making 600-1200+ HP. The point being, is that the more power you are making, the larger the rear wing should be. Although they look ‘cool’, we have a few different options for you here at FTSpeed:
APR Performance 67in Adjustable Rear Wing 2022-2024 BRZ/86
This will be one of the more aggressive and larger options. Ideal for those of you who are making 400+ HP to the rear wheels with a built motor and forced induction, or if you want to bring all the boys to the yard at the next car meet.
Verus Engineering UCW Rear Wing Kit 2013-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86
This is a great median as Verus Engineering invests countless hours into track data. This rear wing provides great downforce for the track, but not too aggressive for the street.
Legsport Club Sports Original Duck End Spoiler 2022-2024 BRZ/86
A great option for those of you who want a sleek look, the extra downforce, without the attention that comes with larger rear wings.
FRONT SLITTER/SPOILER
The other key ingredient for racecar activities. Front lips and/or front splitters, air dams, however you’d like to classify them offer reduced drag to the front nose. This means that they help by pushing the front nose to the ground at higher speeds, and they reduce the chances of air lifting the front nose.
OLM CS2 Style Carbon Fiber Front Lip 2017-2020 BRZ
A great option for those of you who desire glossy race-inspired carbon fiber to complement your exterior.
Greddy VOLTEX Front Under FRP 2022-2024 BRZ/86
Greddy who are one of the most pioneered establishments in the Japanese racing industry, and producers of SEMA-winning Rocket Bunny kits also provide 2022+ BRZ owners with this stunning front lip.
APR Performance Carbon Fiber Front Splitter 2013-2020 BRZ
Arguably one of the strongest options available for the BRZ. All of APR Performance front wind splitters feature strong carbon fiber construction, and have the strength needed to produce more downforce while sustaining the perils of the road.
SIDE SKIRTS
Although side skirts produce an overall wider and more aggressive appearance, they play an important role to front and rear spoilers. As racecars blast through wind, side skirts help channel and deflect air to go around the car, allowing for better overall downforce at faster speeds.
OLM TR-Style Side Skirts (Unpainted) 2022-2024 BRZ/86
Super aggressive yet tamed styling that really works well with the rest of your exterior modifications for the 2022-2024 BRZ and 86 models.
OLM 17 TR-Style Side Skirts 2013-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86
A great way to add a wider profile to your first-generation BRZ/FR-S/86. Get these paint-matched and installed to your exterior to improve the overall dynamic and aero performance.
VORTEX GENERATORS
Vortex generators were a component that became a factory offering on the 2005 Mitsubishi Evolution MR, then the 06 STI. Perplexed, many enthusiasts wondered what these were, because they looked cool. But then people bought these from online auction sites and local auto parts stores and started putting them haphazardly on their vehicles. But they have a purpose. These were on Evo and STI models because they both came from the factory with larger rear wings. Vortex Generators are designed to channel air coming off the roof line, and to have the wind land on the top of the rear spoiler to make the downforce more efficient. That being said, if you don’t have a rear wing, they can be pointless. But if you do have a larger rear wing, here is an example:
APR Performance Vortex Generator 2022-2024 BRZ/86
REAR DIFFUSERS
Rear diffusers are designed to channel the air beneath the vehicle, while creating a vacuum to pull the chassis closer to the ground at 100+ MPH speeds. As the air has a better exit strategy, the downforce efficiency of the rest of the exterior mods are further enhanced. Highly functional for race cars, looks cool on street cars.
Verus Engineering Aggressive Rear Diffuser 2012-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86
OLM Gloss Black Rear Diffuser 2013-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86
FRONT CANARDS
Also known as just ‘canards’ or ‘dive planes’, these front bumper trim pieces increase the front downforce on the nose of your vehicle, increasing the overall downforce. Very functional for high-speed cornering as well as they can assist your front suspension by reducing turning turbulence. Simple to install, functional, with aggressive looks.
Verus Engineering Dive Plane Kit 2013-2016 BRZ
APR Performance Front Bumper Canard Set 2022-2024 BRZ/86
In conclusion, aero mods are fun to do whether if you have a dedicated racecar, or you just want to add more style and personality to your daily driver. Although aero mods are highly beneficial for racecars making substantial amounts of horsepower, the BRZ. FR-S, and 86 all can benefit from aero mods as these platforms are highly competitive in grassroots motorsports. Many great options are available to allow you to customize the exterior to your purposes, and to your liking.