Group 4 Autosport Dragon Debrief

Discussion in 'Exterior' started by track-toy, May 10, 2010.

  1. track-toy

    track-toy MINI of the Month

    May 4, 2009
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    Good news for the R53 JCW wing community! We only encountered one at the Dragon besides me, but there are many out there I'm sure. The G4 kit for the JCW wing just emerged from the fiberglass shop! Inspired by Formula One race car design, this kit will add outboard supports and a 2nd level adjustable wing element. This is the downforce component that this JCW unit always needed.

    Now, there is no need to remove your JCW wing and replace it with something else. Our kit will fit and complement that wing just fine. Just a prototype right now though, it still must go through our rigorous track testing. Now I know you want pictures..

    I will have it on my car at the Cleveland British Pub event June 5th.
     
  2. phydeaux

    phydeaux New Member

    May 5, 2009
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    Well said. I think you guys have generated such an interest level, that small detail may be getting pushed to the back burner. I'm not likely to ever meet any of you guys, but I'm excited to see you succeed. :)
     
  3. putterfarm

    putterfarm New Member

    May 18, 2009
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    The small details are what we keep in mind. One of the reasons we will not rush anything into production.
    We will meet some day when we can get to the west coast or MITM :D

    Mark
    Group4

    p.s. stay tuned, we are using up napkins like crazy :idea:
     
  4. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

    Jun 24, 2009
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    So guys... where do you all do installs?

    'Cause I'm here in PA :Thumbsup:
     
  5. Blainestang

    Blainestang New Member

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    All these G4-related threads represent the kind of discussion, innovation, track-oriented testing, and such that I've felt was somewhat lacking in an otherwise great MINI community. Very cool stuff going on here... Kudos to G4. Now, I just need another MINI that I can make into a track car!
     
  6. Bilbo Baggins

    Bilbo Baggins New Member

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    #66 Bilbo Baggins, May 13, 2010
    Last edited: May 13, 2010
    Just out of curiosity, is there a G4 web site. When I try google I get nothing.

    I'm interested in the under tray, splitter and rear valance diffuser.
     
  7. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

    May 29, 2009
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    It's in the works, but still isn't up and running yet.
     
  8. track-toy

    track-toy MINI of the Month

    May 4, 2009
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    I'm 20 miles east of Pittsburgh, I could do most install work and know other excellent resources.
     
  9. Brad

    Brad New Member

    May 8, 2010
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    G4 Splitter

    If the G4 Front Splitter is installed without the rear diffuser does it upset the handling of the car. I am considering your G4 Front Splitter and then getting the new parts for my JCW rear wing.
     
  10. track-toy

    track-toy MINI of the Month

    May 4, 2009
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    There is massive downforce from the splitter and when I tested it on the track, my normally neutral handling car developed oversteer. I was faster into the turns because I had more front grip though.

    The diffuser will add stability to the rear at high speed. For low speed you need a downforce generator (call it a wing if you want to, but the aerofoil shape is being replaced in the racing world by custom shapes, not "wings").

    Here is a sneek preview of what we are working on for the JCW "wing" package. It's an adjustable top element in early prototype form...

    Graham's Gallery :: Prototype Aero Bits
     
  11. Vader

    Vader New Member

    Oct 7, 2009
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    I ran several laps with the G4 splitter on the front and a wing tip extension on the back. There was noticeable down-force from the splitter but the car was NOT unsettled at all. Actually felt real good. Lap Times showed an improvement with the splitter.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  12. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    #72 wmwny, May 13, 2010
    Last edited: May 13, 2010
    Did you notice anything with the wing tip extension, performancewise? I have one also, but don't go to the track for another 2 weeks. What can I expect? I don't have the splitter, however. I DO have a small diffuser Joel put under the wing extension, though...dunno if it will do anything or is just a cosmetic item.
     
  13. JSart

    JSart New Member

    Sep 2, 2009
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    Vader posted this thread :http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/track-days-hpde-s/2634-may-force-you.html
    You should feel the rear end to be a little more stable.
    As for the Vortex Generators below the wing, they help keep the wing out of stall by directing eddies aft of the trailing edge. They will do more to keep the rear glass clean then add downforce and they look trick.
     
  14. Vader

    Vader New Member

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    I found that the effect of wing tip extension was most noticeable in high speed corners (60+ mph). I could feel the added stability at the rear.
     
  15. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    Yes, they DO look interesting and I now find myself searching for the grass clippings spread onto the country roadways [instead of dodging them like before]. Now, the clippings never come near to occluding the rear glass.

    As for "the Vortex Generators below the wing, help keep the wing out of stall by directing eddies aft of the trailing edge"...HUH???? Speak English, for God's sake! We are in AMERICA!
     
  16. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

    May 21, 2009
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    Hey Joel - Mendra here - the back glass does stay cleaner, I think the rear end of the car is more settled in long sweepers and on / off ramps now - I have not seen any major impact to fuel economy - it is minor.
     
  17. putterfarm

    putterfarm New Member

    May 18, 2009
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    This would be a great combination. The added front and rear downforce will work very well together. With the adjustable wing addition you'll be able to set it for street, open road, track---what ever :cool:

    Mark
    Group4
     
  18. JSart

    JSart New Member

    Sep 2, 2009
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    As for "the Vortex Generators below the wing, help keep the wing out of stall by directing eddies aft of the trailing edge"...HUH???? Speak English, for God's sake! We are in AMERICA![/QUOTE]

    :D
    Is this Jeff? Should I write it in Spanish? :D
    It comes down to - they work, but the best attribute is: they look good.
     
  19. JSart

    JSart New Member

    Sep 2, 2009
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    Mandra, good to hear. Thought you would like that more aggressive Wing Tip Extension. Maybe you could post a photo or two to show them off. I have not published any photos of your style of wing. I'm painting one for my R53 and will have it on soon.
    Joel
     
  20. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    :D
    Is this Jeff? Should I write it in Spanish? :D
    It comes down to - they work, but the best attribute is: they look good.[/QUOTE]

    This is Jeff...and, SI, puedes escribirla en espanol!
     

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