As General Motors continues to evolve its business in pursuit of its all-electric ambitions, GM vehicle design continues to evolve in parallel. That includes design cues for GM crossovers like the Cadillac Optiq and all-new 2025 Buick Enclave, both of which feature a secondary spoiler. In fact, this secondary spoiler appears to be an emerging design theme for GM crossovers.
For those readers who may not be aware, the “secondary spoiler” we’re referencing is essentially a raised ridge along the middle section of the liftgate on the Cadillac Optiq and 2025 Buick Enclave. Located just below the rear glass and upper spoiler element on the trailing edge of the roof, these middle raised sections are relatively subtle, but obviously impactful – so much so they are now found on two GM crossovers, one of which cradles an internal combustion engine, the other of which is purely electric.
Beyond the styling (we think the secondary spoiler looks a little tacked-on with the Optiq), there are practical uses for these secondary spoilers as well. According to GM Authority sources, these spoilers provide modest improvements to vehicle aerodynamics that enhance overall vehicle efficiency and driving range, while also reducing wind noise and enhancing passenger comfort and increasing vehicle stability when traveling at highway speeds.
Unfortunately, data on these improvements is unavailable, so it’s uncertain exactly how big of a difference the secondary spoilers actually make. That said, it’s likely we’ll continue to see these secondary spoilers on future GM crossovers as the automaker seeks to maximize efficiency. This is particularly the case on boxier models, which is a design motif that remains popular, but incorporates a steep drop-off at the rear which impacts aero efficiency. A secondary spoiler can help to mitigate this effect without making the overall body shape look like an egg (yes, we’re talking about you, Tesla).
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Anything to keep the rear end clean unlike the bad job they did on the volt which always is dirty and clings snow and and and
Extra ridge in the panel helps strenghthen the panel.
Back in the 80s my Blazers had a spoiler over the back window to keep the snow off it and the tail lights. Now with the new bulbs that don’t get hot, especially on semi trailers, u can’t see them at all in the snow.
Potatoes with wheels.
Amazing how marginalized vehicle choices have become in the past 10 years.
Anyone remember the double spoiler on the 1980's mustang svo? Looked really nice.
Is true , my new Envista also has 1.