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Rear wing development for McLaren

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McLaren have added some changes in the rear wing area in order to improve the downforce to drag ratio. While the principle is already well known and currently also used by BMW Sauber, McLaren have implemented it creatively by connecting the lower element of the rear wing to the shark fin on the rear crash structure. The winglet helps to add downforce in the small zone where aerofoils are still permitted by the regulations. Additionally, the end plate was developed with a small stabilising fin, reducing the induced drag.

Comments

By bhall on 17-03-2008 at 18:43

The fin actually isn\'t connected to the wing.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6253/244pq5.jpg

By jjmiri on 17-03-2008 at 22:25

do you think that this could be actually be a flexy or moveable wing? bec if you look at it closely, at high speeds, the upper profile could bend. just an opinion. correct me if i am wrong

By Steven on 18-03-2008 at 14:34

My bad indeed, didn\'t have a clear enough pic available.

Either way it won\'t make much difference for its effictiveness but it certainly is easier to produce ;)

By Steven on 18-03-2008 at 14:35

@jjmiri: the 2 wing elements are connected to each other by 2 spacers as required by the regulations. So it is very inlikely that any flexing is going to take place.

By bhall on 18-03-2008 at 18:38

I\'m thinking that McLaren does in fact have a new flexi-wing. The bottom element is attached at its leading edge to the main support pillars and to the end plates, while the upper element is attached at the end plates and to the spacers on the lower element. There\'s nothing providing direct support underneath either element, making it appear at least that the entire assembly could flex by tilting slightly backwards at speed.

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