Got a PM with the following question from a forum fellow:
"To your knowledge, is there any aero data out there on the carbon rear spoiler when installed on a 2 series/M2 ?
Just concerned if rear drag might induce front lift. I used to run 80's to 90's Porsches and there was data the showed adding the rear spoiler without also adding the front one produced severe front end lift above 80mph.
Thanks"
To my knowledge, no detailed information has been made public at this stage. However, maybe the excerpts indicated below may be of any help.
- The BMW Parts Catalogue shows M Performance Parts and indicates the requirement of also getting the front bumper winglets when opting for the rear spoiler (see
here - to access: see
here):
Rear spoiler, Carbon (part # 51 62 2 334 541)
only in conjunction with
- Adhesive 1K (Betalink K1)
- Front attachment, carbon, right (= front bumper winglet - right hand side)
- Front attachment, carbon, left (= front bumper winglet - left hand side)
- M2 Press Kit, pages 14-15 (see
here):
"The large front apron with trapezoidal blades and the Air Curtains in the outer air intakes recall the type of protruding spoilers that have been a familiar sight in motor sport down the years. For the BMW M2 they were inspired in particular by the BMW 3.0 CSL touring car racer. However, the large blades are not only a nod to the past. Form follows function is the message here, so as well as underlining the wide track of the new BMW M2 they divert part of the airflow through the wheel arches, while the Air Curtains guide the air effectively past the wheels. These two features work together to reduce air turbulence around the front wheel arches, cutting drag in the process.
Moreover, the large air intakes cover the immense cooling air requirements of the high-performance engine. Thanks to the careful channelling of the airflow around and through elements of the car, drag has been reduced by five per cent compared with the BMW 2 Series Coupe, despite the M2’s stronger cooling performance. The aerodynamic measures have also reduced lift by 35 per cent and significantly improved aerodynamic balance at higher speeds."
- M2 Technical Training, pages 10, 14 and 15 (see
here):
"BUMPER, FRONT
An M-specific front bumper panel is used on the F87 BMW M2. This features flaps at the bottom to reduce lift at the front axle. [...]
REAR SPOILER/GURNEY FLAP
A Gurney is an aerodynamic component and functions as a tear-off edge. The Gurney was so-called after a former Formula 1 driver. The Gurney reduces drag at the rear axle and contributes to the optimization of the driving dynamics.
UNDERBODY
The underbody is fully panelled as part of the aerodynamic concept of the F87 BMW M2 in order to reduce and uniformly distribute the lift at the front and rear axles. This highlights and optimizes the driving dynamics concept, particularly at higher speeds. The underbody panelling was adapted in terms of the cooling and flow around and through the drive components and chassis and suspension components, without compromising the aerodynamic concept."
- Interview with BMW representatives about M2 M Performance Parts (source:
here):
"Q: Are the front bumper winglets and and rear wheel winglets functional?
A: The front ones, yes, and the rear ones add downforce and stability, but it’s marginal. In general, we’re not going to create air elements that will upset the balance of the car. They’re all functional in some respect, which is why we’ll say that you can only pair a front splitter with the rear spoiler so you don’t upset the balance of the car. There’s no purely cosmetic aero element on an M vehicle. They all serve a purpose, some more than others.
Q: You mentioned a front splitter, will one to be offered on the M2?
A: No. At the moment, there are no plans for a front splitter."