General Motors has just been granted some new US patents for aerodynamics-enhancing technologies that could find their way onto future iterations of the Chevrolet Corvette. The new patents are reminiscent of GM’s patent application regarding “vehicle ride-height determination for control of vehicle aerodynamics” discovered in March of last year, which had been rumored to forecast some of the equipment that would make its way onto the 2019 Corvette ZR1.
Like that patent application, GM’s three new aerodynamics-related patents, which were uncovered by the folks at Corvette Blogger, show how the technologies might work on a C7 Chevrolet Corvette. The patents encompass active side skirts, which can extend toward or away from the road depending on vehicle speed and rear-wheel speed; an active spoiler, which can be raised or lowered, as well as angled, based on rear-wheel speed, ambient air velocity, steering angle, and yaw rate; and downforce-generating ducts, which provide cooling to vital components while at the same time generating aerodynamic downforce to aid with cornering.
The new, 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is, as far as we know, the most capable, high-performance variant of the seventh-generation Corvette that GM intends to offer, so it seems much more likely that these three technologies would be deployed on some version of the mid-engine C8. That’s assuming the technologies ever reach production; as always, just because a company has patented something does not necessarily mean it will hit the market.
(Source: Corvette Blogger)
Comments
I know the C8 will have ride height adjustability in at least some models having spoken to a vendor for suspension parts.
We also have an idea the rear will be more open in the rear panel for air flow as well the large side scoop.
I have seen wings on some of the ZR mules that had what looked like a rod to it. I was not sure if it was a recording sensor or if it was a rod to adjust the wing at speed. I had been watching for a wing that was automatically adjustable on the ZR and ZL Camaro.
I expect many aero advancements on the new car since they can take advantage of a all new shape. Also the new technology that has come just in the last few years.
While this appears to not make sense given that the C7 Corvette ends next Summer, one has to think that what has been developed will transition to other GM vehicles because being able to increase aerodynamics and stability is a plus for every vehicle in current production.
Well the drawing may not represent the vehicle these items will be found on.
It could be on a 2 year run of the ZR or the drawing is a stand in for ideas for a yet to be seen car.
Often You patent an idea not always a specific car,
Kind of like a new saddle for a horse. You Patton the saddle the horse just represents what it can go in.