NA front lip/chin spoiler - cosmetic only or functional effect?

[twr7cx]

Anyone able to advise if the front lip/chin spoilers such as the OEM style (was that factory fitted to the NA Clubman or US R Package Miata models?) or GV style have an actual functional performance effect for a road car and occasional track day? I can find plenty of threads discussing the look but no mention of performance testing.

I assume the rear lip spoiler has no function as it just extends the rear bar which from what I’ve read already causes a parachute effect which is why many opt for the rear bumper cut.


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[hks_kansei]

My understanding is that there's a very minor benefit aerodynamically as it reduces the open gap between bumper and road.
But it's only an inch or so, so most likely so minor it may as well be none.

I always understood the benefit to the R pack lip was more that the ducts on it help to direct air towards the inside of the wheels, helping cool brakes better.

The GV lip has the vents on the front, but from memory they're just holes, and have no actual air guides behind them, so it likely wont do much.

[93_Clubman]

(was that factory fitted to the NA Clubman or US R Package Miata models?)

Front & rear lip spoilers were factory fitted to the USDM NA8 R Package, but not to the ADM NA8 Clubman.

[bruce]

At ten/tenths it might make a tiny bit of difference, but on the street and sprints there would be no benefit. Bigger benefit by not fitting the extra weight.