Spoiler confusing me

[Doggo]

Normal can’t be modified permanently.

Agreed. Flipping to sports or sports+, as soon as I hit save, it lowers the spoiler and doesn't save. It will save other settings like e-sound, height etc, just not the spoiler.

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[Sideline]

the diagram shows at which speeds the spoilers deploy and retract based on drive mode (and interestingly sunroof status)

In the chart above, if "ECO" implies that the partial spoiler extension optimizes aerodynamic drag between 55 and 150 kph, then could it be inferred that having the spoiler fully extended (e.g., when in SPORT PLUS mode) in this speed range has a detrimental effect on range (due to increased aerodynamic drag)?

Similar to what's shown in the chart, my TURBO will fully extend the spoiler at around 90 kph when in SPORT PLUS mode. For smooth roads, I like the SPORT PLUS mode setting on the highway; but I'm now wondering if this is impacting range. SPORT PLUS will drop the ride height a further 10mm (relative to SPORT mode) so this may be a benefit for range. So maybe for normal highway speeds, the most aero efficient setting would be:
- SPORT mode to set spoiler level and
- lowest ride setting (manually selected)

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[PrudentOcean]

Raising the spoiler will definitely reduce the range, it generates downforce by redirecting the airflow in the back, which creates drag.

Maybe use NORMAL and lower the chassis manually for long trips.

 

[Sideline]

Raising the spoiler will definitely reduce the range, it generates downforce by redirecting the airflow in the back, which creates drag.

Maybe use NORMAL and lower the chassis manually for long trips.

Hmm, not sure about that. If, as you suggest, it's always aerodynamically beneficial to have the spoiler down, then why would the spoiler automatically deploy to the ECO level at 55kph even in NORMAL mode? You would think that Porsche would want to maximize range (especially in NORMAL mode). But you may be right. Just seems counter intuitive.

 

[sor]

This reminds me of the test done where a truck gets better MPG with the tailgate UP, which is counterintuitive. Tailgate down increases drag - you would think it would make the truck “smoother” but the tailgate up creates a large rolling cushion of air in the bed that keeps the air flowing smoothly over the bed rather than falling into it.

It’s really hard to guess what is best from a drag perspective, and at different speeds. However, I really doubt the Macan EV needs more downforce than it naturally has

 

[PrudentOcean]

If the spoiler was for improved mileage, we'd be driving around with the spoiler up all the time. Instead it is raised to generate downforce (which improves traction) at the cost of increased drag (which lowers efficiency).

 

[Sideline]

If the spoiler was for improved mileage, we'd be driving around with the spoiler up all the time. Instead it is raised to generate downforce (which improves traction) at the cost of increased drag (which lowers efficiency).

Impact on drag for any aerodynamic surface is speed dependent. I think this confirms that the use of the spoiler in ECO setting is to reduce drag:
https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/2024/products/porsche-streamlining-macan-turbo-35945.html

 

[sor]

I agree that the behavior is going to be speed dependent.

This diagram is speculation on my part but is how I imagine it could be based on what I've seen from the pickup truck example (tailgate UP gets better MPG). Interesting read here.

Really I have no idea how accurate this is, take it with a grain of salt, but the point is that it's complicated

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