Akrapovič Unveils Its First Adjustable Rear Wing

Akrapovič has launched its latest innovative product with the company’s first foray into rear wings as it introduces the Rear Wing (Carbon) for the BMW M3 (G80) and M4 (G82).

 

 

Manufactured from lightweight carbon fibre, this precision wing has been designed and developed with the utmost attention to detail, even down to the weave within the carbon matching the same directional pattern as available on the optional carbon-fibre diffuser for the same cars. This perfect handmade product is lacquered and hand polished – the same as the Akrapovič diffuser – to create an impeccable high-gloss finish and a striking visual appeal.

The wing is mounted on two brackets with a swan neck design, which are fabricated from lightweight CNC machined aluminium – the material of choice in aerospace, due to its propensity to provide the best ratio between weight and performance for this purpose. FEM (finite element method) analysis was applied to ascertain the optimum ratio between the load-bearing capacity and weight of the wing brackets, taking into consideration the adjustability function allied to high levels of stiffness and strength, and high-grade titanium reinforcements have been incorporated into the wing for even better structural stability at pivot points. The use of titanium with carbon improves resistance to galvanic corrosion, increasing the product’s durability, as well as making it as light as possible. The bolts used to connect the wing and the brackets are also high-grade titanium. 

 

Designed with echoes from the motorsport world, the derived aerofoil of the wing was developed to achieve an extremely competitive ratio between downforce and drag. There is also a small lip at the trailing edge of the wing. Known as a Gurney flap, its purpose is to enhance the angle of attack of the wing, thereby creating more downforce without the drawback of drag. 

The overall shape has been optimized for the aerodynamics of the BMW M3 and M4, with the wing adapted to the lines of both. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been a major part of the development process to ensure the best functionality of the wing, with the goal of increasing stability of the vehicle at higher speeds by applying additional downforce to the rear axle. Great attention has been paid to guaranteeing that the overall geometry of the wing does not cause additional air turbulence around the rear of the car or generate additional noise on the side of the vehicle. 

Fully adjustable to three levels, the wing needs to be manually set to the preferred angle before driving. The three settings provide more or less downforce, completely based on the driver’s needs and driving conditions. ABE approved with AKR-WI KBA 31882 type approval, the Rear Wing (Carbon) for the BMW M3 (G80) and M4 (G82) is finished with an understated Akrapovič monochrome logo on each side.

 

Available exclusively and officially through Scuderia Autoart and its dealer network.