A rear spoiler is the most visible aero part on a car. The two main styles, the ducktail and the wing, look very different and work differently too.
Ducktail Spoilers
A ducktail is a raised lip molded into or attached to the trunk edge. It disturbs the airflow coming off the roof just enough to reduce rear lift, with very little added drag. It keeps a clean, factory-like look and needs no tall uprights.
Wings
A wing is an inverted airfoil held up in clean air on stands. It produces real downforce, and adjustable wings let you tune the angle for more grip or less drag. The trade-off is drag, weight and the need for strong mounting, ideally to the chassis on serious track cars.
Which Should You Run?
- Street car: a ducktail. Most of the look, almost no downside.
- Track car: an adjustable wing, mounted properly.
- Drift car: either. Wings add rear stability at high angle and are a drift-culture staple; ducktails survive contact better.
Chassis-specific options include the BMW E36 GT-style rear wing and the BMW E46 sedan carbon trunk spoiler.
Before You Drill
- Check whether your spoiler uses tape, factory holes or new holes.
- Seal every drilled hole so water can't reach the trunk.
- For wings, add a backing plate inside the trunk lid to spread the load.
Shop all spoilers and wings, or browse ducktail spoilers.
Shop Aero by Car
- Nissan 350Z and 370Z body kits and aero
- Mazda Miata MX-5 body kits and aero
- GR86, BRZ and FR-S body kits and aero
- Ford Mustang body kits and aero
- BMW E36 body kits and BMW E46 body kits
FAQ
Does a spoiler improve performance?
A ducktail slightly reduces rear lift; a properly mounted wing adds real downforce at speed. On the street, the difference is mostly visual.
Do I need to drill my trunk?
Many ducktails use automotive tape. Wings almost always need drilling and a backing plate.
