Spoiler efficiency

[Pcoliver]

Probably a dumb question but given the small footprint of the rear spoiler on the model 3 performance model, does it actually improve efficiency or is it just cosmetic?

 

[mal_tsla]

Makes the rear deck longer, so it should improve efficiency. Not sure if it generates much downforce but it's probably not meant to.

 

[Zoomit]

Makes the rear deck longer, so it should improve efficiency. Not sure if it generates much downforce but it's probably not meant to.

It reduces lift and hence reduces drag, both very marginally.

 

[ewoodrick]

I'd suspect that it actually decreases efficiency. If it was additive, then Tesla would have put it on all cars.

 

[KenC]

According to unplugged performance, their CFD analysis indicates that the OEM spoiler reduces drag by 2.3% and increases downforce by 34.7%! The total drag coefficient was reduced by 0.005.

Shocked? Yeah, I was since I figured minimal increase on downforce, some small reduction in drag. Here's a link:
Independent Aerodynamic Study of Tesla Model 3 by Unplugged Performance

 

[Zoomit]

According to unplugged performance, their CFD analysis indicates that the OEM spoiler reduces drag by 2.3% and increases downforce by 34.7%! The total drag coefficient was reduced by 0.005.

Shocked? Yeah, I was since I figured minimal increase on downforce, some small reduction in drag. Here's a link:
Independent Aerodynamic Study of Tesla Model 3 by Unplugged Performance

I somewhat believe the drag and Cd reductions but don't pay any attention to the downforce increase. They never say what it's in reference to, so it could be a very pointless 2 lbs or something.