Does rear spoiler decrease mpg fuel economy ford fusion hybrid

[Wyotesthybrid]

Hello,

 

I am wondering if anyone knows how the rear spoiler affects fuel economy?

 

i ask because i watched this video:

 

2013 Ford Fusion Wind Tunnel Test

specifically at 6:53

 

it seems like a spoiler may negatively impact the overall aerodynamics.

 

Any info would be greatly appreciated

 

-Thanks!

[Cobra348]

As an FFH owner of only 4 months, I'll take a stab at this one. I have a spoiler as part of the standard equipment.

 

As I understand it, the EPA ratings on the FFH are 44/41/42 city/highway/combined. The lifetime MPG after 11800+ miles is 45.6 MPG, most tanks are 42-47 MPG and 2 tanks have been 48.7 MPG. I don't think the spoiler has hurt a thing since I can outdo the ratings hands down.

 

Oh and this is with an added 30+ pounds of a donut spare (and jack and handle), then the added weight of a strut tower brace, beefier rear sway bar and hood struts too. Nope, I still don't see negative impact.

Edited September 1, 2015 by Cobra348

[Griswald]

They call it a "SPOILER" for a reason, it spoils the smooth flow of air.

 

Not always a bad thing, sometimes that is what you are trying to accomplish.

[Waldo]

Most spoilers actually improve aerodynamics. However either way you would never be able to run a real world fuel economy test with enough precision to be able to tell the difference.

[Texasota]

Most spoilers actually improve aerodynamics. However either way you would never be able to run a real world fuel economy test with enough precision to be able to tell the difference.

Assuming that is true (and I believe it is) the spoiler on a FFH is for all practicle purposes only a styling attribute. It is great that it is an option so everyone can choose based on personal preference.

[billford]

I did an online build for a Ford Focus last year, 2014 models. They had a super fuel economy package that included aero hubcaps and a rear spoiler.

 

So, I'm guessing that the rear spoiler was included to improve fuel economy.

[ElectricFan69]

I did an online build for a Ford Focus last year, 2014 models. They had a super fuel economy package that included aero hubcaps and a rear spoiler.

 

So, I'm guessing that the rear spoiler was included to improve fuel economy.

The feature seems to have disappeared from the '16 configurator. Either the take rate was too low or the results weren't 'worth the effort'.

[billford]

I think 2014 was the last year for SFE package. If I remember right, it was about a 2 mpg increase and included LRR tires, aero hubcaps and spoiler.

 

Maybe due to the hybrids, that package was outdated.

Edited December 7, 2015 by billford

[Waldo]

The 2015 Focus could be had with the 1.0L, so the SFE package was kind of redundant.

[ElectricFan69]

I think 2014 was the last year for SFE package. If I remember right, it was about a 2 mpg increase and included LRR tires, aero hubcaps and spoiler.

 

Maybe due to the hybrids, that package was outdated.

Take rate for FE-centered packages is highly correlated to fuel prices. With fuel prices down, options marketed as only FE-related will have poor take rates. Particularly when the FE benefit is marginal, and confined to a single drive cycle (highway cruise).

 

The FFH is largely marketed as a FE play - but to me, the primary experience benefit is smoothness and responsiveness without the stepped transmission herky-jerky action. The car is quicker than the 1.5 ecoboost, and won't subject the driver to the annoying 4 cylinder tingle (particularly bad with A/C on and the 2.5) in the drive-through and school pickup. The relatively low fuel consumption is the whipped cream and cherry on top - the luxury car smooth is the creamy chocolate mousse.

[Darkside]

Now if we were talking about a Honda Civic I heard a spoiler adds about 20hp :-)

[hybridbear]

The FFH is largely marketed as a FE play - but to me, the primary experience benefit is smoothness and responsiveness without the stepped transmission herky-jerky action. The car is quicker than the 1.5 ecoboost, and won't subject the driver to the annoying 4 cylinder tingle (particularly bad with A/C on and the 2.5) in the drive-through and school pickup. The relatively low fuel consumption is the whipped cream and cherry on top - the luxury car smooth is the creamy chocolate mousse.

Well said! This is what Ford should be advertising about the car! This is what we've been calling for since 2012...

[Texasota]

The relatively low fuel consumption is the whipped cream and cherry on top - the luxury car smooth is the creamy chocolate mousse.

Please stop! Now I have an overwhelming urge to get my Blue Bunny ice cream, head to the garage and eat it in my FFH.

[machoman1337]

This isn't a fancy sports car so any effect the spoiler has on performance or fuel economy is negligible.

 

I'm not a fan of the look and I wish Titaniums would not have it standard. You often have to do a factory order if you want to delete the spoiler. It's better to design the spoiler such that it's easily installed at a dealer rather than at the factory, and then let the customers decide whether or not they want the spoiler at the time of purchase.

 

And yeah, the luxurious ride that results from the use of a hybrid powertrain is something Ford should be marketing as a reason to get the FFH. Not that the gas models are really less comfortable - I rented a 2.5L SE in Florida and was surprised at the low road noise and smoothness, plus it got 33 mpg on the freeway while hauling 4 adults and their luggage.

[ElectricFan69]

Well said! This is what Ford should be advertising about the car! This is what we've been calling for since 2012...

That's been somewhat the marketing on the MKZ hybrid. The money hit for a new one was too painful, but that is a seriously classy and smooth package. C&D had a MMC picture set where they go away from the 'wing grille' to good effect. If I'd come across a MKZ CPO at the right price, it would have been seriously tempting. As it was, none were to be found in 5 surrounding SE states; guess folks are hanging on to them, or they resell quickly...

 

As to the original topic - most aero aids make remarkable impacts only at speeds that are highly illegal in the US. A spoiler or a rear diffuser can help reduce lift at high speed (>100 MPH), but is not going to make a noticeable difference in the 50-70 MPH range. As implemented in the FFH and as driven by most folks, it's mostly for show.

Edited December 11, 2015 by ElectricFan69

[Waldo]

This isn't a fancy sports car so any effect the spoiler has on performance or fuel economy is negligible.

 

 

Air doesn't know the difference between a sports car and a family sedan. You don't need to be going 100mph for aerodynamics to have an effect, things like spoilers, tire deflectors, active grill shutters, chin spoilers, mirror tuning and so on all add up to make a difference in normal driving conditions.