So what is up with the open fenders this year?
06-14-2012, 09:20 AM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
So what is up with the open fenders this year?
Why are they open vs just having vents as in the past? For what it is worth, they absolutely look HORRIBLE. To see a car as amazing as an Audi R18 with open slots on the fenders is a bit like putting 22" rims on a Ferrari
Also, while we are talking body work, what is up with the open rear wheels in the ALMS series? The rear fenders no longer cover the rear wheels on any of the cars, this also looks horrible.
Does anyone know what these changes are for?
Also, while we are talking body work, what is up with the open rear wheels in the ALMS series? The rear fenders no longer cover the rear wheels on any of the cars, this also looks horrible.
Does anyone know what these changes are for?
06-14-2012, 09:54 AM
#2
Melting Slicks
Why are they open vs just having vents as in the past? For what it is worth, they absolutely look HORRIBLE. To see a car as amazing as an Audi R18 with open slots on the fenders is a bit like putting 22" rims on a Ferrari
Also, while we are talking body work, what is up with the open rear wheels in the ALMS series? The rear fenders no longer cover the rear wheels on any of the cars, this also looks horrible.
Does anyone know what these changes are for?
Also, while we are talking body work, what is up with the open rear wheels in the ALMS series? The rear fenders no longer cover the rear wheels on any of the cars, this also looks horrible.
Does anyone know what these changes are for?
Rear fenders are for improved air flow from rear wheel area someone correct me if I'm wrong
06-14-2012, 10:07 AM
#5
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
The rear fenders are somthing that was manditory in ALMS as ALL cars had them. I can't beleive that all these teams suddenly came upon this discovery at the same time.
I logic for the open fenders sounds reasonable, but I have not seen many cars ever flip over in a sideways slide.
I logic for the open fenders sounds reasonable, but I have not seen many cars ever flip over in a sideways slide.
06-14-2012, 10:09 AM
#6
Safety Car
Are you talking about the rear quarter panels? Technically, on most cars, the fender is in the front and the quarter panel is in the rear. There are no rear "fenders" with the exception of cars like the VW Bettle which does have front and rear fenders.
06-14-2012, 10:28 AM
#7
Melting Slicks
you can see both in this photo
06-14-2012, 10:58 AM
#8
Former Vendor
The rule states that from the axle centerline DOWN, bodywork is free, and axle centerline UP, the bodywork must cover the tire. From the side, you must not be able to tell a difference.
Back in 2008/2009, teams were feathering the fenders down closer to the top of the wheelhouse.
mid year 2009, the rule was brought up and teams had to adhere to it- but this time, they made it worth their while
There is an aerodynamic advantage to opening up as much as you can, behind the wheel. So, to meet the rules, thats what has caught on.
Louis
Back in 2008/2009, teams were feathering the fenders down closer to the top of the wheelhouse.
mid year 2009, the rule was brought up and teams had to adhere to it- but this time, they made it worth their while
There is an aerodynamic advantage to opening up as much as you can, behind the wheel. So, to meet the rules, thats what has caught on.
Louis
06-14-2012, 11:02 AM
#9
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Yep, this is it, looks like crap. I am watching some live feed from Le Mans and notice they are NOT running open rear wheel quarter panels (sorry not fenders, was just typing fast).
In this pic you can also see the openings above each wheel vs the old style vents. That too is pretty ugly and just ruins the otherwise beauty of the car. I know I sound superficial, but it just looks stupid.
In this pic you can also see the openings above each wheel vs the old style vents. That too is pretty ugly and just ruins the otherwise beauty of the car. I know I sound superficial, but it just looks stupid.
06-14-2012, 11:24 AM
#11
Melting Slicks
Looks like the RSR is also using some vertical fins behind the rear wheel
06-14-2012, 11:38 AM
#12
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jul 2010
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St. Jude Donor '12
Yep, this is it, looks like crap. I am watching some live feed from Le Mans and notice they are NOT running open rear wheel quarter panels (sorry not fenders, was just typing fast).
In this pic you can also see the openings above each wheel vs the old style vents. That too is pretty ugly and just ruins the otherwise beauty of the car. I know I sound superficial, but it just looks stupid.
In this pic you can also see the openings above each wheel vs the old style vents. That too is pretty ugly and just ruins the otherwise beauty of the car. I know I sound superficial, but it just looks stupid.
06-15-2012, 06:00 AM
#18
Team Owner
The rule states that from the axle centerline DOWN, bodywork is free, and axle centerline UP, the bodywork must cover the tire. From the side, you must not be able to tell a difference.
Back in 2008/2009, teams were feathering the fenders down closer to the top of the wheelhouse.
mid year 2009, the rule was brought up and teams had to adhere to it- but this time, they made it worth their while
There is an aerodynamic advantage to opening up as much as you can, behind the wheel. So, to meet the rules, thats what has caught on.
Louis
Back in 2008/2009, teams were feathering the fenders down closer to the top of the wheelhouse.
mid year 2009, the rule was brought up and teams had to adhere to it- but this time, they made it worth their while
There is an aerodynamic advantage to opening up as much as you can, behind the wheel. So, to meet the rules, thats what has caught on.
Louis
I guess the should have looked at the good old boys who have had the back opened up for a while now.
06-15-2012, 06:02 AM
#19
Team Owner
06-15-2012, 06:02 AM
#20
Team Owner