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The wing is shaped in such a way that the top has more area for the wind to travel than the bottom and the wing is attached to the body of the plane at an angle. When the plane moves through the air, the wind pushes against the angled wing and creates an upward force which aids in lifting the plane and keeping it in the air. This reverse of this concept is applied to vehicles. Exterior parts of the vehicle can be mounted and/or shaped in an opposite angle to the plane wing allowing the wind to push the vehicle down as it moves through the air. This downward force increases the grip the tires have on the ground and allows you to corner at higher speeds. You will have a greater control of your vehicle at higher speeds when you need it. A common example will be the wings on a formula one car. The wings are made at certain angles which causes the air to flow on top of the wing at a force and push the wing down and by extension the entire vehicle. Some vehicles are manufactured with the aerodynamic features to create the down force and there are modifications that you can do to your vehicle to create more downward force such as
It should also be noted that the downforce will increase as the vehicle moves faster. In fact there are vehicles that benefit from over 100 kilograms of downforce when the vehicle is driving at speeds of about 100mph and over. This is 100 kilograms of force and not 100 kilograms of weight, this force acts as weight to press the tires unto the road but no extra weight is added for the engine and drivetrain to pull. Several performance oriented vehicles have features to generate downforce. The Porsche Panamera, Audi TT and R8 have an adjustable rear spoiler that is designed to be concealed into the body of their vehicle and it rises automatically at a pre determined speed to generate downforce. These spoilers also retract at a pre determined speed. The Cadillac CTS-V coupe has a brake light that also acts as a spoiler and the Bugatti Veyron also has a hidden spoiler that rises to create downforce, this spoiler is also used to assist the vehicle during braking by changing the angle. |
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