An aerodynamic wrap for use with a tank trailer illustratively includes opposing first and second side assemblies. In an illustrative embodiment, each side assembly includes an upper panel pivotably supported by the tank trailer, and a lower panel pivotably supported by the upper panel. A lower connecting member illustratively couples the lower panels of the first and second side assemblies under the belly of the tank trailer.

A pickup truck including a passenger compartment, a cargo bed operatively coupled to the passenger compartment, and a selectively deployable drag reduction system mounted at the cargo bed. The selectively deployable drag reduction system includes a deflector that is shiftable between a non-deployed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration the deflector is exposed to an airflow passing over the pickup truck.

A strut assembly for mounting an aerodynamic fairing assembly for attachment to a trailer of a tractor-trailer having a centerline, transverse structural support members extending between sides of the trailer, and longitudinal members extending along a length of the trailer. The strut assembly may comprise a mounting plate, a strut body, and a substantially rectangular composite spring. The mounting bracket comprising a mounting plate and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. The strut body rotatably may be coupled to the pair of spaced apart sidewalls on the mounting bracket. The substantially rectangular composite spring may be coupled to an upper surface of the strut body and configured to contact an underside of the mounting plate of the mounting bracket to resist inward deflection from an external force applied to the strut body.

An active air dam notification method includes, among other things, transitioning an air dam of a vehicle between a first position and a second position, and providing an alert to a user. The alert indicates that the air dam is transitioning. The air dam is vertically higher when the air dam is in the first position than when the air dam is in the second position.

A passively activated flow control device including a valve body configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The valve body includes an inlet and an outlet. A valve member is arranged at the valve body for selectively opening and closing flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve member is responsive to acceleration induced forces on the vehicle to shift from one of an open configuration and a closed configuration toward the other of the open configuration and the closed configuration.

A passively activated flow control device including a valve body configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The valve body includes an inlet and an outlet. A valve member is arranged at the valve body for selectively opening and closing flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve member is responsive to acceleration induced forces on the vehicle to shift from one of an open configuration and a closed configuration toward the other of the open configuration and the closed configuration.

Some embodiments are directed to a crossbar structure for use with a vehicle having a front bumper assembly, the crossbar structure being configured to extend across an opening in the front bumper assembly. The crossbar structure can include a hollow bar defining a front face and a rear face, the hollow bar being configured to extend across the opening. The crossbar structure can also include ribs extending between opposing interior surfaces of the hollow bar, the ribs being formed in a zig-zag pattern along a direction of elongation of the hollow bar and exposed from the rear face thereof.

Some embodiments are directed to a crossbar structure for use with a vehicle having a front bumper assembly, the crossbar structure being configured to extend across an opening in the front bumper assembly. The crossbar structure can include a hollow bar defining a front face and a rear face, the hollow bar being configured to extend across the opening. The crossbar structure can also include ribs extending between opposing interior surfaces of the hollow bar, the ribs being formed in a zig-zag pattern along a direction of elongation of the hollow bar and exposed from the rear face thereof.

An automotive vehicle includes a body with a front portion and a rear portion. The vehicle additionally includes a spoiler coupled to the rear portion. The spoiler includes a first portion, a second portion, and a cap. The first portion includes a first plastic material, the second portion includes a second plastic material, and the cap includes a third plastic material. The second plastic material is distinct from the first plastic material. The second portion is disposed between the first portion and the cap. The second portion has a through hole extending therethrough. The cap has a diameter exceeding that of the through hole. The first portion and the cap are welded together via the through hole to mechanically secure the second portion to the first portion.

A vehicular sensing system, a vehicle and a method of performing one or both of vehicular mapping and navigating operations using the sensing system. The sensing system is secured to a roof or other suitable location on the vehicle and includes one or more sensors configured to acquire at least one of vehicular mapping and navigational data, a retractable mounting structure to move the sensor or sensors between a deployed and stowed position, and an aerodynamic spoiler, air dam or deflector. The body of the spoiler acts as a housing with a recess formed in its upper surface such that upon placement of the spoiler on the roof, the recess provides a location within the spoiler to permit storage of the mounting structure and sensors when they are in their deployed (non data-acquisition) mode of operation. The size and placement of the mounting structure and sensors is such that they do not detract from the aerodynamic or aesthetic qualities of the spoiler.