Orzel

iTrader: (1)

OK, dumb question. I tried the search function and no-go. Just what is the purpose of the tab that hangs down in front of the front wheels? I have a 05 Thundercloud, but noticed the same thing on the neighbors 05.

Booyah

I was told it diverts the air flow re-routes how it goes around the tires for reduced noise! Sounded ok to me? That what I was told though

GrdnRxR

I'm sure glad someone else asked that question........

rxdriver

Yeah... Booyah is correct. They're actually described that way on a page of the Service Manual about aerodynamics!

There are also some horizontal tabs in front of the rear tires as well. They're a lot more subtle, though, because they're basically under the car.

The manual calls them "front and rear fairings," designed to "smooth out the airflow around the tires and reduce the air resistance."

NeverSatisfied

Small details like that is what sets Lexus above the rest.

Orzel

iTrader: (1)

Interesting, I was suspecting something to do with aerodynamics, but just wasn't sure. You all are a wealth of infomration! Many thanks for responding. It sure is just another touch that Lexus provides, and sets it head and shoulders above the other brands.

Rockville

Wind tunnel testing helps Lexus refine their design shapes. A lot of thought goes into the undercarriage area. You will find these tabs or spats on most of the Lexus models. They vary in shape and width. It is very impressive to look at a Lexus from underneath when they are up on a lift. The 400h has a conduit running down the middle of the underbody that houses the High Voltage lines to the battery from the front power center. The LS430 is virtually flat underneath and is the slickest Sedan in the world in drag coefficiency. They use the same wind tunnels that the Bullet trains are designed in for testing. I am still waiting for the US to get some ultra high speed trains and possibly a mag lev. We have a burgeoning aerospace industry but we don't apply our technology in our car manufacturing here in the US as well as the Japanese. Why?