Victor Racing Develops Active Aero for C8

Filling the Void

Active aero is a common feature on high-priced exotic cars these days, a game-changing performance upgrade that pays dividends on the track. The C8 Corvette might be considered an exotic by many thanks to its styling and mid-engine layout, but active aero is currently missing from the latest Stingray. However, Victor Racing has stepped in to fill that void with its new ACT-C8 Smart Active Aero Wing.

Photos: Victor Racing

Numerous Disadvantages

Traditional fixed rear wings are often favored for their low cost but present a number of disadvantages. For starters, fixed rear wings tend to create too little downforce at lower speeds and too much drag at higher speeds. That's where active aero comes into play, as components like Victor Racing's ACT-C8 Smart Active Aero Wing is able to move as needed to optimize air flow depending on conditions.

Photos: Victor Racing

>>Join the conversation about active aero for the C8 right here in CorvetteForum.

Self Adjusting

An active aero wing can self-adjust, in real-time, to provide the perfect amount of downforce to keep the car balanced and stable at all times, providing maximum performance. In this case, the ACT-C8 Smart Active Wing is a 70-inch carbon fiber airfoil controlled by dual fast-acting actuators that run off 12-volt power.

Photos: Victor Racing

>>Join the conversation about active aero for the C8 right here in CorvetteForum.

Working Together

The onboard sensors and software are then able to adjust the wing in one of five automatic positions: DRS, Downforce 1, Downforce 2, Downforce 3, and Aerobraking from one of the three user-programmable presets. The wing has a built-in CPU with GPS, Accelerometer, and Gyroscope sensors, as well as software algorithms for automatic airfoil control.

Photos: Victor Racing

>>Join the conversation about active aero for the C8 right here in CorvetteForum.

Smart Feature

The wing also utilizes a smart feature that allows users to set the amount of G-Force needed before aerobraking is initiated. This allows owners to decrease speed when needed for better control of the Corvette, while at the same time, only having the wing go into the aerobraking position when the driver presses down hard for actual braking.

Photos: Victor Racing

>>Join the conversation about active aero for the C8 right here in CorvetteForum.

Various Modes

The active wing also features multiple modes - Demo, Manual, and Automatic. Demo mode will automatically move the wing for display at car meets and events. Manual Mode allows owners to manually override the programmed presets to move the wing into any of the positions they like in real-time. Automatic Mode is the normal operating mode where the built-in computer and sensors control the wing per the settings owners have programmed.

Photos: Victor Racing

>>Join the conversation about active aero for the C8 right here in CorvetteForum.

Killer Upgrade

Installing the wing is an easy task, only requiring 12-volt power to operate. The only catch, of course, is price. The ACT-C8 Smart Active Wing starts out at $3,499 minus options like air vortex generators and upgraded decklid struts. But for C8 owners that like to participate in motorsports events in their spare time, it could certainly prove to be the killer upgrade they're looking for.

Photos: Victor Racing

>>Join the conversation about active aero for the C8 right here in CorvetteForum.

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