Rear spoilers add more downforce to a car traveling at higher speeds. You’re less likely to lose traction with more weight pushing down over the back wheels. With cars as powerful as the Audi E-tron GT, this is vital technological addition.
In the Audi E-tron GT, the rear spoiler should extend and retract automatically once you hit certain speeds. You can also do this manually.
This article will walk you through how to use the E-tron’s rear spoiler – and how to use it safely.
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Why does the Audi E-tron GT need a rear spoiler?
Most road cars don’t reach high enough speeds for a rear spoiler to be of any actual use. However, some more powerful models – such as the E-tron GT – do. If you exceed the speed average national highway speed limit, you’ll start approaching dangerous territory.
Rear spoilers “catch” the air as you cut through it. The angled material applies a little drag (which reduces your top speed). This is then transferred as a downward force, pressing the car onto the road. With this extra weight (when traveling fast, it’s a significant amount), the rear tires press into and stick to the road better.
Without the rear spoiler, the E-tron GT will feel jumpy and squirrely. It’ll only take a slight mistake or adverse road/weather conditions to lose control of the car. Never go against the owner’s manual recommendations.
When does the E-tron GT’s spoiler automatically extend and retract?
In most everyday cases, you won’t have any need to worry about the rear spoiler. The car is programmed to control it. It’ll extend and retract whenever you hit the appropriate speeds.
- The rear spoiler on the Audi E-tron GT is set to automatically extend when you reach speeds of 55 mph.
- The spoiler will stay extended at all speeds above 55 mph.
- It will also remain active at speeds between 55 and 44 mph (see below).
- If the spoiler is already extended, it will retract when you slow down to about 44 mph.
- The spoiler stays retracted until you speed up to above 55 mph.
How do you manually extend or retract the Audi E-tron GT’s rear spoiler?
You don’t have to wait for the E-tron GT’s spoiler to extend or retract by itself. You can override this with a manual function.
Here’s how to work the spoiler yourself.
- You’ll need to use the spoiler retraction/extension button. This shows an icon of the spoiler lifting and lowering (two arrows).
- Find this button in the central display in the notification center. Pull the top of the screen down. You’ll see it on the far right.
Now that you’ve found the button, here’s how to extend or retract the E-tron GT’s rear spoiler.
- Tap the button to extend the spoiler.
- To retract the rear spoiler:
- Tap the button again if you’re traveling faster than 9 mph.
- Press and hold the button if you’re driving at speeds below 9 mph.
- The retraction function might cancel if you don’t hold the button for long enough. If this happens, tap it again to extend the spoiler. Now, hold the button for longer to force it to fully retract.
Using the Audi E-tron GT’s rear spoiler in a safe way
You should always use a car in a safe manner. That’s especially true when considering the high power and speeds of the E-tron GT.
- Retracting the spoiler at high speeds will reduce your car control. This is for the racetrack only and isn’t safe to do on the road.
- Audi strongly advises ensuring the spoiler is extended at speeds of 85 mph and above. If you notice it isn’t, slow down and go to an Audi dealership.
- There’s no harm in extending the spoiler at low speeds, although it’ll have no discernible effect on your driving.
- The icon warning might illuminate red or yellow, accompanied by an error message. In this case, the system isn’t working (for whatever reason). Keep your speed reasonably low and check the spoiler isn’t blocked the next time you pull over. Wait a few minutes after turning your car off to allow it to reset. If the error message appears again, head to a local Audi dealership for diagnosis.
See more information about the Audi E-tron GT’s rear spoiler in the owner’s manual.
