GM patents three active aero technologies

Three filings from General Motors with US Patent and Trademark Office detail new devices designed to alter airflow around and through a car.

These patents were initially discovered and published by Corvette Blogger. Although the diagrams feature the current seventh-generation Corvette, it seems more likely these items may make their debut on the next-generation model, which, if rumours and spy photos prove to be accurate, will switch to a mid-engine layout.

One filing is for active side skirts (above), which are raised or lowered automatically depending on the wheel speed and the car's overall speed.

Next up is GM's patent application for active spoilers (above) located on both the rear boot lid, and on the trailing edge of the roof, just before the start of the rear windscreen.

In both cases, the spoilers are positioned on stanchions. With the aid of gears and motors, they can be raised or lowered, and have their attack angle adjusted.

Again all these movements are done automatically depending on a variety of factors, including rear wheel speed, ambient airflow, steering wheel angle, and rate of yaw.

Lastly, the General also filed a patent for active ducts generating downforce for the vehicle.

In the diagrams there are two entry ducts positioned below the car's grille, and another entry port mounted on the roof behind the trailing edge of the front windscreen.

As with all patent filings, it's possible these technologies may not appear in the upcoming Corvette or any near-term GM vehicle.

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