and they mentioned an aero piece that goes over the rear quarter panel wheel arch...which is something I've never seen before. Makes me think it's an aftermarket option, not an OEM piece. Figured I'd ask if anyone is familiar with this piece?
It's not aero, it's because regulations say the wheels can't extend past the bodywork. So they stick that bit of plastic on to essentially "extend" the wheel arch.
It's not aero, it's because regulations say the wheels can't extend past the bodywork. So they stick that bit of plastic on to essentially "extend" the wheel arch.
And US spec cars don't have them. Regulations require these in places such as Europe, Australia and perhaps a couple of other markets, but not in North America, or at least not in the USA. Don't know about Canada. We have the bumperettes on the rear bumper instead due to our stupid 5 mph parking lot crash regulation pushed through by the insurance lobby a long time ago. In a way I don't mind them, though. The bumper looks otherwise a bit naked especially with the narrow US plates.
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
