With the Tesla Roadster finally set for its big reveal on October 1, a recently published patent has revealed an interesting feature that could appear on the long-awaited electric sports car.
Filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the patent details an active aerodynamic rear wing capable of performing several functions.
When not required, the wing sits flush with the bodywork. It can extend to generate additional downforce when more grip is needed or pivot to reduce aerodynamic drag at higher speeds.
There’s another clever function. The patent describes integrating the wing with the vehicle’s driver-assistance systems, allowing it to retract if the car detects an impending collision, potentially helping protect the mechanism from damage.
Essentially, the system could continuously adjust the wing depending on what the car is doing, balancing grip and aerodynamic efficiency.
Source: Car and Driver