Land Rover LR3 Question

[Offroader]

Has anyone noticed that when you look at the new Land Rover LR3 from the rear, in the area where the hitch is, it has some weird covers that look like wings?

Does anybody know what are these?
Are they there for aerodynamic reasons?

Thanks in advance for satisfying my curiosity!

 

[ssmathis]

Are you referring to the center piece in the middle of this picture? If so, the hitch isn't behind there. It's just a recovery hook. Land Rover gave the LR3 a stupid hitch that hangs down several inches below this.

 

[ssmathis]

Here's a picture of their stupid receiver design.

 

[Offroader]

No, I mean the two large black parts that cover the rear differential and rear suspension.

They kind of remind me the bottom parts hanging from the front wheel wells/front bumper.

 

[Colemanfu]

I noticed that as well when following one in traffic on my way to work. It was the 1st I have seen on the road. At 1st I thought it was an xterra????? I think the wings were from the indipendant rear suspension but could be way off?

 

[ssmathis]

I think I know what you are referring to now. They come out at an angle towards the bumper on both sides of the spare. I couldn't find pictures of them but my brother has one so I'll ask him tonight.

Scott

 

[Offroader]

Pictures please.

I think I know what you are referring to now. They come out at an angle towards the bumper on both sides of the spare. I couldn't find pictures of them but my brother has one so I'll ask him tonight.

Scott

It would be great if you could take some pictures to illustrate more clearly what these underwings are.

 

[ssmathis]

I talked to my brother last night and he has no idea what they are for. He couldn't take pictures since he's not at home but he said they are plastic and simply bolted on. Maybe would be better to stop by a dealership and ask them.

Scott

 

[Offroader]

I talked to my brother last night and he has no idea what they are for. He couldn't take pictures since he's not at home but he said they are plastic and simply bolted on. Maybe would be better to stop by a dealership and ask them.

Scott

That's exactly what I thought. Those plastic covers seem to be there for aerodynamic reasons.

Like underwings.

 

[ssmathis]

That's exactly what his guess was, managing airflow around the spare.

Scott

 

[Offroader]

They are Plastic Heat Shields to protect the spare tire from the heat of the exhaust muffler.

 

[ssmathis]

Here's a picture of them on my brother's LR3.

Scott

 

[toybox]

Plastic Heat Shields

That just doesn't sound right. I would think it is to keep dirt and debris away or direct airflow but plastic is not usually used for heat shields.

 

[Offroader]

That just doesn't sound right. I would think it is to keep dirt and debris away or direct airflow but plastic is not usually used for heat shields.

Yep, that's also my impression. It seems to be there for the same reason as the following picture (underbody aerodynamics)