so, I wonder if this aero stabling mirror thingy can be added to older models and if it would help the wind noise?
Mike


http://lexusenthusiast.com/2012/08/1...us-ls-preview/

 

It could be but it would be very expensive to add on and fit.

 

Interesting. I don't know if they've done this on all other new/refreshed 2013 models, but I did notice this same idea on the 2013 LX when I first saw it in March/April and was picking up visual differences from my 2010. In addition to the trim adjacent to the mirrors, 2013 LX also has little fins on the tail lamps, just like the pictures above indicate.

 

oh man.. is that the solution to our wind noise.. wow.. that would be SUPER nice...

can one of you geniuses make a copy and test it?

 

These "aero stabilizing fins" are commonly called vortex generators and have been employed in the aviation industry since the mid '50s to improve the airflow over wings. More recently they have been applied to large automotive vehicles such as semi trucks, buses and motor homes and we are now seeing them on cars. The intent ranges from stability improvement, to top speed improvement, to fuel economy improvement, to reducing dirt/road grime accumulation, to water shedding improvement, etc.

Here are some pictures of vortex generators employed in automotive applications: http://www.google.com/search?q=vorte...=2325&bih=1225

From the link above it looks like Lexus is using them to improve the lateral stability. I don't think this will have much effect on the airflow over the mirrors. Looks like most of the effect will be along the rear fenders by causing the air flow to remain close where they curve in.

I don't think this will have any affect on the wind noise problem that some owners have experienced since most of the cars don't have that problem anymore. Reports that we see here indicated that the vast majority of the wind noise problems with earlier models can be resolved with an adequate repair of the triangle trim on the doors.