APR 71" GTC500 Carbon Fiber Adjustable Wing - WRX/STI 2002-2007

The APR Performance GTC-500 Adjustable Wing is a high-performance aerodynamics component designed to optimize the aerodynamic balance of performance vehicles, primarily in motorsport and track applications. Engineered for high-efficiency downforce generation with minimal drag, the GTC-500 is tailored for cars seeking improved cornering, braking stability, and high-speed balance.

 

Specifications:

· Span: 71” or 74” (1803 or 1880mm)

· Chord Depth: Variable, 10.2"–12" (259.08mm – 304.8mm)

· Height: Variable, up to 13" (330.2mm)

 

Key Technical Features:

 

1. Airfoil Design:

· The airfoil profile of the GTC-500 is engineered for high-efficiency downforce generation with an emphasis on minimizing drag. The airfoil's shape has been rendered through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to provide balanced performance by improving rear-end stability without excessive drag penalties.

· The cambered design aids in creating an effective pressure differential across the upper and lower surfaces, maximizing airflow attachment and minimizing flow separation, especially at high speeds. (CFD data available)

 

2. Adjustable Angle of Attack:

· The GTC-500 features a fully adjustable angle of attack, allowing precise tuning of the wing’s aerodynamic properties. This adjustability enables the user to customize the downforce and drag characteristics based on specific track conditions, vehicle dynamics, and performance requirements.

· The angle of attack can be adjusted within a range of 0° to 15° to cater to varying aerodynamic needs. Higher angles increase downforce for enhanced cornering and braking, while lower angles reduce drag for improved straight-line speed

 

3. Aerodynamic Efficiency and Performance

· The wing's shape and construction have been optimized to achieve an 8.88 to 1 downforce-to-drag ratio, where the generation of downforce remains high, but drag is kept to a minimum, allowing the vehicle to maintain high levels of cornering stability without sacrificing straight-line speed.

· The ability to adjust the wing's settings allows users to quickly adapt to different circuit conditions, from tight, technical corners requiring high downforce to high-speed straights demanding minimal drag.

· Please refer to Lift vs Drag coefficient graph

 

4. Downforce and Drag Characteristics:

· When set to higher angles, the GTC-500 generates significant downforce, increasing the vertical load on the rear tires, improving traction, and enhancing cornering capabilities.

· At lower angles of attack, the wing minimizes drag, reducing aerodynamic resistance, which improves top speed for circuits that demand high-speed performance or straight-line acceleration.

 

5. Carbon Fiber Construction:

· The wing is constructed from pre-impregnated woven carbon fiber sheet, ensuring both lightweight performance and exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Carbon fiber's natural rigidity prevents flexing at high speeds, maintaining consistent aerodynamic performance even under heavy aerodynamic loads.

· The use of autoclave-cured carbon fiber in aluminum billet molds ensures optimal material density, high durability, and resistance to heat and stress-induced deformation.

 

6. Pedestals and Mounting:

· The wing is mounted via angle adjustment risers made from high-strength 10mm aircraft-grade 6061 billet aluminum, which provide options for fine-tuning the wing's height and position relative to the vehicle. These risers allow for precise control of airflow and downforce distribution at different ride heights.

· The adjustable mounting system provides users the flexibility to fine-tune the aerodynamic setup for specific track conditions, ensuring maximum performance under various driving circumstances.

 

7. Compact Size and Versatility:

· The GTC-500 is designed to be a large-sized wing, offering a balance between downforce and drag for vehicles that require significant downforce with trunk mount aerodynamic solution. It is particularly suited for track cars, time attack vehicles, and street-tuned cars seeking high-performance upgrades without the overbearing drag characteristics of larger aero components.

· The wing’s dimensions and design allow for easier integration into a wider range of vehicles while still offering the benefits of significant downforce and aero stability

 

8. Vehicle Fitment and Customization:

· The GTC-500 is designed for both vehicle-specific fit and universal fitment. APR Performance provides customizable fitment kits to ensure secure installation on most racing or high-performance street vehicles.

· Mounting is achieved using carbon fiber bottom plates for vehicle-specific fitment and aluminum bottom plates for universal fitment.

· The GTC-500 is engineered for full-size performance cars and track-dedicated vehicles, delivering optimal aerodynamic efficiency for frequent use on high-speed circuits.

 

Optional Gurney Flap:

Available for added aerodynamic performance. When mounted on the trailing edge of the airfoil, the Gurney Flap increases downforce and reduces flow separation, further enhancing grip in high-speed cornering.

o Height: 1/2in (12.70mm)

o Construction: pre-impregnated woven carbon fiber

o Attachment style: 3M VHB double sided tape