I wonder how much the chrysler engineers put into the functional effects of the air spoiler?
Did they actually determine that the deployment setting was most effective over a certain speed?
Does it really serve a purpose? Maybe at faster speeds - alot faster that the current setting.

 

I've read that it's supposed to add 40 lbs of down force at speeds above 65 mph. Mine deploys at 65 and goes up all the way, then it retracts at 40 mph. I've read where some others only go up partially at different speeds.

 

I've read something similar too. It said a downforce of 300N at 140km/h. Mine does all the way up and down as well. I'm quite sure it should be this way and not only partially.

 

My question is unless you are going extremely fast, does the rear end really need a downward force for proper traction?
Also, how is gas mileage affected? There must be some reduction from drag.

 

it may be needed in speeds over 100 mph...and recommend imo.

i have had my spoiler fuse pulled/removed since ownership (2 years)...i like the cleaner look & a personal preference. i don't travel over 90 mph...so its not needed for my style of driving.

 

I think I am going to remove fuse also. I believe Chrysler engineers left function at the door and form takes precedence. In which case this would fall under a glorified gimmick.

 

once removed...at 55 or so plus mph...the red light will flash on the center console spoiler switch. at 90+ mph...a chime will sound in the car until you slow to under 90 mph.

its been no biggie to me for 2 years. i like the streamline look.

 

and at over 100 mph a pair of wings pop out and you're off to the races!!!

 

In Chryslers defense, I think it's actually more a "German" thing. (ie, Beetle Turbo, various Porsches, Mercedes...etc).

 

Well I like it! I don't care what it looks like at 60+ mph as I can't see it...
It at least puts some downforce on the car which means it does more than most others out there.
You know the erector sets I'm talking about...

 

i thought i remember reading in a auto mag or online somewhere that the spoiler provides 20% more downforce when deployed at higher speeds. don't hold me to this but if someone can find it that would be great.

 

i like the spoiler. i'll even run around town sometimes with it deployed manually --

 

I fully agree...I like it too! It doesn't seem to me they would have put it on the car for a gimmick, plus I think it looks cool...haha.

 

I like the cleaner look with the spoiler down, I'm going to pull the fuse.

 

The thread was started to establish if there was any technical advances that the spoiler offers to the auto. It seems from replies so far that it serves no function under 100 mph if any! I hope this does not turn into a poll on who thinks it looks cool or not... Haha?

 

typhoon55, you worry too much. lol. The way it looks, has a lot to do with the over all styling of the car, wouldn't you agree?

 

Ian, that is a different side of the coin but since you insist...I am with the crew that feel the look is more streamlined and sophisticated in the retracted mode.
What I am simply trying to establish is what i suspected all along...the spoiler is a glorified gimmick or toy with little or no function. Somehow, it does try to make the auto into something it is not (lacking HP to back it up) and imo aligned more with the erector set crowd.

 

Getting back to the whole reason for the thread...I believe Chrysler did put quite a bit of thought into the spoiler and if not just for the simple fact this was one thing they didn't steal from the SLK/M.B. parts bin. The only M.B. that comes to mind with a deployable spoiler is the SLR. I don't think they would have been able to justify the $$ and time for the R+D jut for appearance or the lack of...

 

OK they put alot of R & D into the spoiler and could not justify the $ and time simply for appearance or lack of. I guess the question still out there is what exactly was the R & D incentives? Handling, performance, ...

 

i think the reason for the spoiler is...to add safety with the "highly" advertised "150 mph" crossfire.

the down force is needed at "high" speeds...but not for the average "non-autobahn" US driver.