Aerodynamics is not simple. But tuners talk about it like they're talking about changing the oil in their car, like it's a common idea that we're expected to understand. We feed into this nave actuality when we begrudgingly nod if told that "aerodynamics" was the reason why we lost a race, or why we should close our windows when driving on the highway, and why the fuel economy of our car is gradually decreasing if we don't. "Aerodynamics." It seems to be the last and least understood word.
But most wouldn't know where to start if they really needed to explain the concept of aerodynamics, which is the main reason why when these same tuners go shopping for aerodynamic parts, they're fooled into thinking that any enhancement is a good one.
Enter APR Performance, the leading aerodynamic manufacturer in the industry. Their full line of products improves race cars in the SCCA, Formula D, Super Lap Battles, endurance and of course, streets across America.
In their world, where winning is key and competition is fierce, aerodynamics is as important as the compound of a tire, as the skill of the driver behind the wheel, and as the amount of horsepower under the hood. It's a drawn upon scientific phenomenon that they constantly study and attempt to perfect. In their world, phrases like "Venturi Effect" and "Bernoulli's Principle" are thrown around in daily discussions. They eat and sleep with the ideas of drag and wind-noise reduction in their heads, while the theory of downforce is the favorite subject around the water cooler. So when they develop their latest products and showcase them on a project vehicle, the industry takes notice and the media flock to it like the swallows to San Juan Capistrano. Their latest project is this '05 Honda S2000, featuring APR Performance's widebody aero kit, which is still under research and development as of yet because, as we've already pointed out, aerodynamics is not simple.
The only simple factor in the notion of aerodynamics is the overall conclusion that the smoother the vehicle, the faster it will go. Getting to that conclusion is the hard part, and a costly one for that matter. APR Performance spent $48,000 just on design and prototyping for this S2000 aero kit. Called the S2K-GT, this widebody kit significantly increases the width of the car, with the rear widening out more than the front, enhancing the stability of the S2000. It's engineered to provide a minimum drag coefficient and increase in traction. APR Performance uses the combination of high-grade fiberglass and carbon-fiber materials to construct the S2000 aero kit. More importantly, it's both fully functional and pleasing to the eye, a combination perfect for those looking to score on the track and showroom floors.
The rear wing is made out of dry and lightweight carbon-fiber and is fully adjustable. It reduces lift and increases downforce, while its adjustable capabilities play a vital role in handling, allowing a tuner to tweak the oversteer and the control of the rear side of the vehicle. It's 67 inches wide, perfect for the widebodies, and 13 inches high off the base. Protruding from the front and bottom of the S2000 is a carbon-fiber wind splitter. This splitter decreases front-end lift and improves downforce by restricting high-pressure airflow underneath the AP2 chassis. APR Performance also added their 5 11/42-inch wide Formula GT3 carbon-fiber mirrors which, despite their diminutive build in relation to the entire car, actually reduce drag with their shape and eliminate blind spots with their anti-glare and wide-angle lenses. To finish off the aerodynamics, APR Performance turned to Spoon Sports to cover the top with its Moon Craft hardtop, which is as sexy as it is functional. The entire chassis is painted with APR Performance's signature Ducati red and BASF finish.
By RC Faderoga
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