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Though the term "spoiler" is often used interchangeably with "wing," there is a vast difference between the two in terms of both design and intent. Whereas a wing actively creates downforce by interacting with the airstream, a spoiler is a more passive device and is used to control drag.
Drag and Speed
Aerodynamic drag (the force that counters forward thrust) increases with the square of vehicle speed. Along with power, it is usually this force that determines a vehicle's top speed.
Drag Effects
Drag can be understood as the vacuum pocket that forms behind a moving vehicle. By reducing the size of this pocket, drag can be reduced and top speed and efficiency increased.
Bernoulli Effect
By creating a high-pressure zone just ahead of the car's rear end, the airstream that flows over the roof effectively acts as though the car were sleeker and longer than it really is, decreasing the size of the drag pocket.
Benefits
An effective spoiler can increase acceleration, top speed, high-speed stability and highway fuel economy.
The Future
A number of companies (including Ferrari) are experimenting with "Air Spoilers." These devices use small jets of compressed air to control outside flow. A few designs have yielded a more than 20 percent increase in fuel economy, and an 8 percent increase in top speed.
Source:
Resource:
The Future of Spoilers from Mythbusters (Video)
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