Porsche Exhaust Muffler Doubles as Diffuser

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【Summary】Porsche has developed a patent for an innovative exhaust muffler that can also function as a rear diffuser, improving the car's aerodynamic performance. The design, which features an aerodynamically-shaped underside with air-guiding elements, could potentially go into production once necessary tools are created. While the placement of an exhaust exit has some impact on aerodynamics, a sculpted underbody consistently yields significant benefits.

FutureCar Staff Aug 14, 2023 6:49 AM PT

Porsche Exhaust Muffler Doubles as Diffuser

Porsche has recently filed a patent to protect a unique and innovative idea. The idea involves using the exhaust muffler of a car, such as the Porsche 911, as a rear diffuser that is also aerodynamically effective. The patent was discovered by CarBuzz at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, and it seems that this idea could be put into production relatively quickly once the necessary tooling is created.

The patent describes the invention as a "rear silencer in an exhaust system, the underside of which is aerodynamically shaped and can be equipped with air-guiding elements." This means that the exhaust system would have a specially designed underside that is aerodynamically optimized, and it could also have additional features to guide the airflow.

According to a journal article on ScienceDirect, the placement of the exhaust exit on a car can have some impact on its aerodynamic properties. This is because the hot air expelled from the exhaust affects the car's wake. However, these effects are relatively minor. On the other hand, an aerodynamically sculpted underbody always provides significant benefits in terms of aerodynamics.