There have always been some of the most significant innovations in the automotive history that have been inspired by the desire to go fast. In the 1960s, engineers realized that simply increasing the size of the engine would not make a car faster. Simple shapes improved drag and made vehicles more efficient, but also posed a big risk: at very high speeds, the air over the vehicle could provide lift, thereby decreasing stability. A solution came from the motor industry; they found that an inverted aircraft wing could produce the opposite effect, downforce, and force the car towards the road, providing a much greater grip.

A revolutionary concept that forever altered the future of performance cars. From the early days of racing to become an experimental technology, aerodynamic wings and spoilers became synonymous with some of the world’s most memorable road cars. These were not just show pieces, but were essential in terms of better balance, cornering and confidence at speed.

Many cars have used wings to define themselves ranging from Italian supercars to rally bred and touring car legends. Some were more utilitarian, others more emblematic of the days of the car designer who could be counted on to push things to the limits.

1. De Tomaso Pantera (1971-1992)

The De Tomaso Pantera was an extraordinary blend of American muscle and Italian styling, featuring high-output Ford V8 engines powered by a sleek and stylish body designed by Tom Tjaarda. It provided the muscular power of a muscle car, but with the exotic styling and sophistication found in a European supercar.

Unique Features of the Pantera:

• A mighty American V8 engine.
• Elegant form of the body in Italy.
• Distinctive pop-up headlights.
• Everyday driving practicality.
• Aggressive supercar appearance.

The Pantera’s low line, sleek design and bold approachability made it a standout from the group of high-performance vehicles of that time. It was more reliable and user-friendly than many of its exotic competitors, and appealed to drivers seeking a supercar vibe without the sacrifices of extreme performance.

Later models were wider wheeled with a big rear wing to make them seemingly more aggressive. In terms of style, the wing was a significant part of the Pantera’s history; it wasn’t always the best thing for the plane to fly, but it was certainly a memorable feature of them.

2. Porsche 911 Carrera RS (1973-1974)

The Porsche 911 Carrera RS stands as a testament to the brand’s legacy of exceptional performance and influence, remaining one of the most cherished and celebrated sports cars of all time. It also unveiled the iconic “ducktail” rear spoiler, a perfect example of how aerodynamic advances could be melded with good looking auto design.

The Carrera RS Performance Highlights have arrived:

• An iconic ducktail rear spoiler.
• Improved high-speed stability.
• Lightweight motorsport-focused construction.
• Powerful flat-six engine.
• Improved braking and handling capabilities.

The ducktail spooler provided more downforce and stability at high speeds, demonstrating that a mere aerodynamic tweak could have a huge impact on the entire vehicle performance and driver confidence. The Carrera RS was a homologation model for racing, and carried a 210 HP engine, wider rear tyres and larger brakes and reduced weight. It ushered in a long string of high-performance Porsche RS models.

3. Lamborghini Countach (1974-1990)

The Lamborghini Countach was a supercar that changed the game in the supercar world with its wavy silhouette and hyper futuristic styling. It was developed by Marcello Gandini and brought a bold look that eclipsed the Miura and became the car of dreams for many fans.

Countach Iconic Design Elements:

• A body style with sharp, wedge-shaped edges.
• Famous scissor opening doors.
• The rear wing is massive and can be extended in size.
• Aggressive futuristic appearance.
• Legendary supercar personality.

The extreme proportions and bold styling of the Countach made it one of the most recognisable cars ever produced. It had a large rear wing that added to the car’s iconic look. The famous wing, in fact, brought the car’s top speed down as a result of the added drag on the car. This is an annoying feature, but it proved to be very popular and Lamborghini went on to make it an official factory option.

4. Dodge Viper ACR (2008)

The Dodge Viper ACR was designed to produce a track car. It was very well equipped with a big 8.4-liter V10 engine, lightweight carbon-fiber components and some cutting-edge aerodynamics that made it one of the most potent American performance cars of all time.

Viper ACR Track Technologies:

• Massive power from the V10 engine.
• High-performance, aerodynamic tail wing.
• Carbon-fiber lightweight components.
• Exceptional cornering stability.
• A proven history of multiple track record successes.

It is constructed with a huge wing in the back for serious performance aerodynamic rather than looks. The package produced a great deal of downforce, keeping the Viper ACR firmly on the ground in corners, with excellent stoppers and handling. The wing had a symbolic allusion to American independence, too, as it was 1,776mm across. Along with its amazing capabilities, it made the Viper ACR an iconic emblem of American engineering.

5. Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (1986-1992)

The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was the first car to show that you could get a family car that was both practical and had real racing qualities. The “Cossie” was designed for motorsport racing, and soon was recognized for its speed, handling and outstanding engineering.

Sierra Cosworth Racing Featuring:

• Motorsport-inspired vehicle development.
• Rear wing with large function.
• Improved high-speed stability.
• Turbocharged performance capability.
• Practical everyday usability.

Aerodynamic lift was a problem at high speeds for the standard Sierra, which raced as a standard Sierra. Engineers found a solution to this by adding a large rear wing that increased stability and ensured that the car remained on the road. The car’s competitively engineered chassis and family-friendly practicality made the Sierra RS Cosworth one of the most popular performance vehicles of its era.

6. BMW 3.0 CSL (1972-1974)

The BMW 3.0 CSL was created to win the European Touring Car Championship and is considered one of the most significant race-inspired road cars of the 1970s. BMW’s commitment to cutting weight and enhancing performance is reflected in the “L” indicating ‘leicht’ in German which translates to lightweight.

BMW 3.0 CSL Distinctive Features:

• Lightweight racing-focused construction.
• The iconic Batmobile stylish body kit.
• Large, practical rear house extension.
• Better track stability is achieved.
• Cyclades cruises and historical tours.

The car looked thinner, had less soundproofing and had sharp edges and other aerodynamic elements that made the car the famous “Batmobile.” The large rear wing was created to increase stability and handling when it comes to competitive racing. At the time, the Germans did not allow such radical aerodynamics to be fitted to road cars, so BMW sent the wing separately for BMW owners to fit themselves. The unusual solution became a part of the fascinating history of the CSL.

7. Porsche 911 (993) GT2 (1993-1998)

The Porsche 911 GT2 of the 993 generation was designed as a serious GT2 and endurance racecar. Taking all the wheel away and beefing up the suspension, brakes, and body, Porsche breathed new life into the 911 Turbo, making it an altogether lighter, more aggressive sports car.

GT2 Performance Engineering Details:

• Lightweight rear-wheel-drive layout.
• Higher acceleration and better gas mileage from a powerful turbocharged engine.
• Race-developed suspension upgrades.
• The rear wing has a huge utility element.
• Extreme driver-focused characteristics.

The outcome was a difficult but stimulating performance car which delivered explosive turbocharged power. It was an extremely demanding car for the driver, and was one of the most fussed-about of its day. The gigantic rear wing was no mere show for show. Combining dramatic design with practical engineering benefits, its unique supports featured air channels that channeled cooling air to the engine.

8. Subaru Impreza RB5 (1999)

The Subaru Impreza RB5 was developed in honour of British rally champion Richard Burns, and revealed a vital link between Subaru’s road cars and World Rally Championship victories. This was a blend of rally-inspired technology and everyday usability and performance.

RB5 Rally-Inspired Characteristics:

• Turbocharged performance engine tuning.
• Advanced four-wheel-drive technology.
• A large, low rear wing.
• Is limited production collector status.
• Connection to strong motorsport history.

The RB5’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system provided outstanding traction in difficult weather conditions and challenging roads. It didn’t require a lot of power to take it down, yet it was still capable of holding its own against much costlier sports automobiles, and was still in practice for everyday driving. The RB5 is produced in such limited numbers that it now ranks as a rare collector’s item that is respected for rally history, the excitement created by its driving and for its unique character.

9. Ferrari F40 (1987-1992)

The Ferrari F40 is considered one of the best supercars of all time. It was designed for Ferrari’s 40th anniversary and endorsed by Enzo Ferrari himself and was all about the lightest weight, the fastest speed and the most race-inspired engineering. The Ferrari F40 is widely regarded as one of the greatest supercars ever built. Created to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary and personally approved by Enzo Ferrari, it represented a pure focus on lightweight construction, extreme speed, and race-inspired engineering.

Ferrari F40 Legendary Features:

• Twin-turbocharged V8 power.
• The body is made of lightweight composite materials.
• A large integrated rear wing has been added.
• Exceptional high-speed stability.
• Supercar iconism.

The twin-turbo engine was powerful enough to make it an extraordinary performer, and a road car for the late 1980s. The F40 had got few compromises and was a raw and unforgettable drive. The large rear wing was an important part in keeping the aircraft stable at high speeds. It was an essential piece of aerodynamics to effect the outstanding performance and reputation of the F40.

10. Toyota Supra (1993-1996)

The 4th generation Toyota Supra truly demonstrated that Japanese engineering was up to the challenge to compete directly with Europe’s most esteemed performance cars. With its twin-turbocharged engine, high-tech chassis and exceptional reliability, it was one of the most popular sports cars of the 90’s.

Supra Performance and Design Elements:

• Powerful twin-turbo engine.
• Advanced sports car chassis.
• Iconic aerodynamically designed rear wing.
• Very reliable and high performing.
• Worldwide cultural popularity.

The Supra’s capabilities in challenging and outplaying many prestigious competitors were commended by automotive experts. The vehicle’s combination of high speed, durability, and unique design earned a loyal following amongst enthusiasts. Its aggressive rear wing came to define its look and the vehicle became a favourite of popular film, eventually making the Supra one of the world’s most iconic cars.

11. Plymouth Superbird (1970)

One of the wildest applications of NASCAR technology for a production car, the Plymouth Superbird was the most extreme example. The design is not only unusual but it was designed for one purpose: to create greater aerodynamic efficiency and speed on the race track.

Superbird Aerodynamic Innovations:

• A functional rear wing that stands off to the side.
• Long nose type aerodynamic nose which extends forward beyond the fuselage.
• NASCAR-inspired racing design.
• Increased high-speed stability.
• Famous status as a muscle car.

The tallest wing at the back kept the back tyres stable at high speeds and the long pointed nose minimized air resistance. Each of the whacky design elements had a purpose in achieving competitive racing success. The Superbird proved very successful in the 1970 NASCAR season, but later changes in the rules put an end to such extreme aerodynamics. It looked tough, and was a racecar, making it one of the most popular and recognizable American muscle cars of all time.

12. Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II (1990-1993)

The Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II was a demonstration of the side of the luxury brand that is rarely seen: a high-class sedan turned into a formidable racing car. It was one of the most easily recognizable performance sedans of its time thanks to its dramatic aerodynamic styling and racing-inspired engineering.

Evolution II Racing Characteristics:

• Large rear wing that moves up and down.
• DTM competition development.
• High-revving Cosworth engine.
• Advanced aerodynamically shaped body package.
• Motorsport-inspired performance engineering.

The gigantic rear wing was designed for use in Germany’s DTM touring car championship, and had an important aerodynamic function during the race. Its aggressive appearance was due to the actual use as a racecar. Stoked by Cosworth’s power, the Evolution II surprised Mercedes-Benz faithful by proving a formidable racing car and a real challenge to what they thought a four-door luxury sedan should be.

13. Ford Escort Cosworth (1992-1996)

The Ford Escort Cosworth had a combination of day-to-day practicality and genuine World Rally Championship technology. Its engineering was far more similar to the larger Sierra Cosworth (although it was still known as the Escort) and was very high on the list of achieving success in the rally arena.

Escort Cosworth Signature Features:

• Famous whale-tail rear wing.
• Rally-inspired engineering design.
• Real aerodynamic downforce ability.
• Turbocharged high-performance engine.
• A strong motorsport competition heritage.

The car’s most famous rear wing was the whale-tail design which was one of the first production designs to generate significant rear down force. This enhanced stability and handling in high speed operation. The Escort Cosworth’s successes and popularity in rallies helped it become one of the most successful road-going cars to be developed from professional racing.

14. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (1999-2001)

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI has been developed at a time when Mitsubishi has been very successful in the World Rally Championship. The most cutting-edge rally technology to the average road and a driver’s level of speed, handling and four-wheel-drive performance that they would not otherwise experience.

Evolution VI Performance Highlights:

• Turbocharged rally-derived engine.
• Advanced all-wheel-drive system.
• It has a large, two-story rear extension.
• Exceptional handling precision.
• The rallying heritage of the world.

It was clear that it was a competitor from the very aggressive bodywork and unique rear wing. It was one of the most respected performance sedans of its time thanks to its powerful acceleration, sharp cornering ability and advanced technology. Usually the more attention they received, the better, mainly on the heavy drivers, but the ownership experience was well worth the exhilarating handling and legendary rally ability of this vehicle for enthusiasts.

15. Ford Sierra XR4i (1983-1985)

The Ford Sierra XR4i was the bold and novel styling style of the 1980’s vehicle market. The double-wing rear spoiler set it apart from standard performance vehicles and imbued it with an all-new aerodynamic appearance. Its unique double-wing rear spoiler immediately separated it from conventional performance cars and gave it a futuristic, aerodynamic identity.

The above features are known as Unique Design Elements in XR4i:

• Unique double-wing spoiler design.
• New 2.8-liter, smooth idle V6 engine.
• This is an aerodynamically styled GT model.
• Comfortable long-distance performance.
• A symbol of the car industry from the 80s.

The XR4i’s unique biplane tail wing was intended to give the impression of a modern and high performance grand touring car. The interior was well-appointed and had a sophisticated V6 engine that offered a balance of power, comfort and usability. Later Sierra models ditched the unique twin-wing styling, but the original XR4i is certainly a classic to remember. The assertive design and attitude have never failed to attract fans of the 1980s experimental and creative performance cars.