Deck Lid Spoiler Removal

[cmxPPL219]

For what the OP showed a picture of, it’s just cosmetic. Ford designed it as such. The enormous wings you see on the back of race cars? Those create downforce, when matched with speed. But functionally has to be designed as such. The spoilers you see on many street cars, well, just spoil the air, which is why the the name follows suit. You’re not achieving stability with anything until you're getting along 75+++ but real downforce isn't exerted until pushing triple digits.

Interesting insight for this particular spoiler.

As Mikepol2 mentioned earlier, I also have a PP2, and the subtle rear spoiler (coupled with the front splitter) do create functional downforce, despite the fact that it is not a wing, "Swing" or airfoil.

From a press release article on Ford Authority for the PP2:
https://fordauthority.com/2017/10/ford-unleashes-performance-pack-2-for-the-2018-ford-mustang/
Downforce at 80 mph (Front Splitter/Rear Spoiler) 24 lbs./100 lbs.

Others had initially thought the PP2 spoiler didn't do anything. So for such a subtle piece, according to the release info, Ford is citing 100lbs @ 80mph.

Obviously, correct aero tuning and design requires a balance of front and rear components (with OP, completely agree, putting function aside, the looks are subjective)
The PP2 is an interesting case because it's a good example to showcase how sublte aero tweaks still yield functional downforce. In fact, in speaking with some aerodynamics engineers I know, it can be harder to design an aero package that consists of relatively mild-looking spiltters and spoilers, and balancing/designing this around a specific tire compound, tire/wheel width, including revised suspension (sway bars, springs and shocks) and have it go faster around a given track compared to a lesser model [in the case of the PP2, lesser being PP1 or std GT] without any added power.
Especially if the model does not call for an increase in output, it's a careful balancing act of providing more downforce, without slowing the vehicle down too much, due to not having the added power to compensate, since all GT variants have the same output. The aero plays a critical role, or else Ford can just slap on a tire like the MPSC2s and call it a day.

https://www.caranddriver.com/review...-performance-pack-level-2-first-drive-review/
C&D did a piece and in it, comparing the GT, GT PP1 and GT PP2, in Ford's own testing at Grattan -
The PP1 was approx 3 secs faster than the standard GT, and the PP2 was about half a second faster still - despite no increase in output and a smaller spoiler on the PP2, compared to the larger pedestal style wing on the PP1.

A functional aero package, when designed well and integrated as part of a system with appropriate suspension and - critically - the right tire compound, can look visually subtle, yet still yield real-world results - increase in output not withstanding. Of course, at higher speeds such as in a competition or track environment, these subtle aero tweaks won't cut it.

Back to OP and the standard convertible spoiler - Based on the design and size of it, without seeing the data, I would have thought it did "something", since the std front fascia also creates "some" downforce as well. However, based on your insider info, you may know the truth

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[Sigma6]

Interesting insight for this particular spoiler.

As Mikepol2 mentioned earlier, I also have a PP2, and the subtle rear spoiler (coupled with the front splitter) do create functional downforce, despite the fact that it is not a wing, "Swing" or airfoil.

From a press release article on Ford Authority for the PP2:
https://fordauthority.com/2017/10/ford-unleashes-performance-pack-2-for-the-2018-ford-mustang/
Downforce at 80 mph (Front Splitter/Rear Spoiler) 24 lbs./100 lbs.

Others had initially thought the PP2 spoiler didn't do anything. So for such a subtle piece, according to the release info, Ford is citing 100lbs @ 80mph.

Obviously, correct aero tuning and design requires a balance of front and rear components (with OP, completely agree, putting function aside, the looks are subjective)
The PP2 is an interesting case because it's a good example to showcase how sublte aero tweaks still yield functional downforce. In fact, in speaking with some aerodynamics engineers I know, it can be harder to design an aero package that consists of relatively mild-looking spiltters and spoilers, and balancing/designing this around a specific tire compound, tire/wheel width, including revised suspension (sway bars, springs and shocks) and have it go faster around a given track compared to a lesser model [in the case of the PP2, lesser being PP1 or std GT] without any added power.
Especially if the model does not call for an increase in output, it's a careful balancing act of providing more downforce, without slowing the vehicle down too much, due to not having the added power to compensate, since all GT variants have the same output. The aero plays a critical role, or else Ford can just slap on a tire like the MPSC2s and call it a day.

https://www.caranddriver.com/review...-performance-pack-level-2-first-drive-review/
C&D did a piece and in it, comparing the GT, GT PP1 and GT PP2, in Ford's own testing at Grattan -
The PP1 was approx 3 secs faster than the standard GT, and the PP2 was about half a second faster still - despite no increase in output and a smaller spoiler on the PP2, compared to the larger pedestal style wing on the PP1.

A functional aero package, when designed well and integrated as part of a system with appropriate suspension and - critically - the right tire compound, can look visually subtle, yet still yield real-world results - increase in output not withstanding. Of course, at higher speeds such as in a competition or track environment, these subtle aero tweaks won't cut it.

Back to OP and the standard convertible spoiler - Based on the design and size of it, without seeing the data, I would have thought it did "something", since the std front fascia also creates "some" downforce as well. However, based on your insider info, you may know the truth

@cmxPPL219, I can tell from the extension above your of an engineering mind While what engineering does along with crash dummies (aka professional test drivers) sets the bar to which marketing department has the ability to hype. These tests are done on a closed track and under the ideal conditions while they are able to achieve, isn’t as possible for everyone who comes into the dealership to buy one. But helps Ford and other manufacturers sell cars and here enthusiasts talking more in-depth about their products.

 

[cmxPPL219]

@cmxPPL219, I can tell from the extension above your of an engineering mind While what engineering does along with crash dummies (aka professional test drivers) sets the bar to which marketing department has the ability to hype. These tests are done on a closed track and under the ideal conditions while they are able to achieve, isn’t as possible for everyone who comes into the dealership to buy one. But helps Ford and other manufacturers sell cars and here enthusiasts talking more in-depth about their products.

@Sigma6 , Excellent point about the marketing aspect and their role/influence in the product development process. Definitely cannot underestimate their influence!

 

[psg]

My understanding is that spoilers reduce lift, in concert with the rear diffuser, while adding little drag. In the case of the pp2 leave 100 lbs on the cars rear that would otherwise be lost to lift. Wings add downforce, the bigger and more radical the wings angle of attack the more down force but at the cost of additional drag. The rear set up, as already mentioned, done in balance with the front splitter(equals rear spoiler)/front lip(equals rear wing).

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