When it comes to the 992-gen 2020 Porsche 911, Porsche managed to keep that legendary, iconic look while still evolving the sports car to a whole new level. Part of that evolution includes a boatload of new tech, the most important of which is, arguably, the active spoiler that’s integrated into the rear deck lid. That’s not the only piece of active aero on the 992-gen 911, though, as there are also active grille shutters up front. When you pair these along with the sleek body design and rear vents, you have a meticulously designed vehicle with sheer aerodynamic purpose. Now, we present to you a video that explains just how the 992-gen 911’s aero tech actually works.

What You Need to Know About the 2020 Porsche 911’s Aerodynamics

While the rear spoiler\decklid combo is probably the most important part of the 911’s aerodynamics, we’ll start from the front and work our way back. Once the vehicle reaches 43.5 mph, those vents close and, ultimately, improve aerodynamic functionality by changing the way the air flows over the body of the vehicle. And, that brings us to our next point – the 911’s design.

The shape of the 911’s roof and overall profile isn’t an accident. See, sitting ahead of the rear deck are a pair of vents that feed air into the engine bay to help keep the engine cool. As the vehicle travels, air slices over the body and is force-fed into these vents that are positioned directly between the rear deck and rear glass. That air is circulated through the engine back and exits via those vents in the rear corners of the fascia. It’s this kind of aerodynamic design that makes the 992-gen 911 superior in the world of sports cars.

Finally, we make our way to the rear spoiler. This thing is integrated directly into the rear decklid and automatically adjusts, as needed, depending on vehicle speed. When that mode is engaged, the spoiler raises out of the deck ever so slightly and actually decreases aerodynamic drag. And, that’s where the “Eco” name comes from because, in theory, over a period of time, it can provide better economy numbers. Now, when you put the hammer down and cruise past the 106-mph mark, the car shifts into performance mode and that spoiler lifts out of the rear deck to create more downforce and push more weight onto the rear axle thus increasing traction. At the same time, the suspension lowers by about 10 mm. With the spoiler in the upright position and the suspension lowered, Porsche was able to shave four seconds off the 992-gen’s Nurburgring lap time.

So, while all of this active aero tech can come off as just something else that can break, there’s a good reason for it all. There have even been polarizing opinions regarding the rear spoiler’s appearance. At the end of the day, though, its functionality speaks for itself, and that’s something everyone can get on board with.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Porsche 911 Coupe.

Read our full review on the 2019 Porsche 911 Convertible.