Batteries : MG4 SE SR versus Trophy LR

[Data]

Not the MG4 though, the Trophy has a reduced range over the SE with the same battery pack. It could still be a case of preventing lift, but I doubt the Trophy would have wildly different aerodynamic characteristics than the SE, it does appear to be pure aesthetics.

The official reason for the spoiler told to me by an MG rep, is to help mitigate the extra weight of the Trophy models over the SE models by further reducing the drag coefficient.The spoiler is of course an aesthetic add on but with the purpose of reducing drag further to mitigate the slight range loss caused by the marginal weight increase. Trust me, it does work. That's why so many cars these days have a spoiler of some kind. Even my ZS EV has one to reduce drag. Even my wheel covers are designed to reduce drag.

 

[gary333]

The official reason for the spoiler told to me by an MG rep, is to help mitigate the extra weight of the Trophy models over the SE models by further reducing the drag coefficient.The spoiler is of course an aesthetic add on but with the purpose of reducing drag further to mitigate the slight range loss caused by the marginal weight increase. Trust me, it does work. That's why so many cars these days have a spoiler of some kind. Even my ZS EV has one to reduce drag. Even my wheel covers are designed to reduce drag.

The spoiler is for looks only and to create a model differentiator (on the MG4)

 

[Data]

The spoiler is for looks only and to create a model differentiator (on the MG4)

It's whatever you think!

 

[siteguru]

It's whatever you think!

The MG4 Trophy LR has a WLTP of about 10 or so miles less than the MG4 SE LR, even though they both have the same battery and motor/drivetrain assembly. So the difference is either a different drag coefficient and/or the slight extra weight of the Trophy (due to electric seats etc.)

 

[gary333]

It's whatever you think!

There was a Chinese language video out when these cars first launched discussing the spoiler and how it was adding extra drag. I can no longer find the video on YouTube (as it's flooded with MG4 videos now) but that's what it alluded to.

 

[Data]

The MG4 Trophy LR has a WLTP of about 10 or so miles less than the MG4 SE LR, even though they both have the same battery and motor/drivetrain assembly. So the difference is either a different drag coefficient and/or the slight extra weight of the Trophy (due to electric seats etc.)

Absolutely siteguru. The MG rep mentioned the Trophy models are always heavier than SE or SR models & it affects range. For example the Trophy LR MG5 has 15 miles less range than the SE LR version. He did tell me some of the things that the MG4 Trophy has over & above the SE but added that the spoiler was not just an aesthetic add on but served to reduce drag. It's been a long time since I worked in that area but without doubt is does claw back just a little range which without the spoiler would be worse.

 

[gary333]

Absolutely siteguru. The MG rep mentioned the Trophy models are always heavier than SE or SR models & it affects range. For example the Trophy LR MG5 has 15 miles less range than the SE LR version. He did tell me some of the things that the MG4 Trophy has over & above the SE but added that the spoiler was not just an aesthetic add on but served to reduce drag. It's been a long time since I worked in that area but without doubt is does claw back just a little range which without the spoiler would be worse.

When you say "rep" are you talking about someone at Longbridge or just some clueless sales person at the "dealers" who will tell you anything? Almost all modern "family" cars have spoilers now to improve the "look", same as why they have massive wheels, flared arches, fancy trim pieces, vents in the bonnet etc.

 

[ReintjeWA]

My RCZ has active aero and the spoiler pops up at a certain speeds (2 stages) to prevent lifting of the rear of the car, it “spoils” the airflow, hence the name.

The MG4 has more of a wing, would suggest it’s there to create a downforce, if it helped with range then wouldn’t they also put it on the SE and get better numbers to increase sales?

 

[siteguru]

According to Parkers ...

SE SR = 1655kg
SE LR = 1651kg
Trophy LR = 1675kg

 

[Panther]

Looking at the MG website, the SE LR and the Trophy LR are exactly the same weight !

 

[siteguru]

But the Trophy must be heavier than the SE LR, at least marginally ... those seat motors and additional sensors don't weigh nothing, not forgetting the roof spoilers.

Perhaps the weight of the rear wing of the SE is heavier than that of the Trophy, so offsets those additional weights?

 

[Everest]

Is that with a full tank of electons, or empty?

 

[Panther]

Yeah, funny how they can be the same weight but the range is 9 miles less and the efficiency is 0.1 m/kWh less in the Trophy

 

[Data]

There was a Chinese language video out when these cars first launched discussing the spoiler and how it was adding extra drag. I can no longer find the video on YouTube (as it's flooded with MG4 videos now) but that's what it alluded to.

Tbh, & respectfully, most people don't actually properly understand what a spoiler does & how it works. So it's not surprising that you've seen a video stating the opposite of what is true.

I worked in engine design & development for years working alongside the people that designed cars. Even just a small spoiler could affect the results we used to get from our new engines. I would add this was ICE engines. But the same principles of course apply with EVs. If someone tells you a spoiler is for aesthetic purposes only, they really have no knowledge on the subject. Although that is what some sales guys might say.

Sure a spoiler can be a useful styling exercise, but no manufacturer adds weight to a car in the form of a spoiler that does nothing to reduce the cd factor. That's even if it's just by one or two points. Gary, think about that for a moment.

Another thing that confounds folks is the way cars often have air dams at the front of the car to reduce the amount of air travelling under the car. Some believe it wastes energy without realising it actually increases fuel & energy efficiency. But I digress.

 

[Data]

But the Trophy must be heavier than the SE LR, at least marginally ... those seat motors and additional sensors don't weigh nothing, not forgetting the roof spoilers.

Perhaps the weight of the rear wing of the SE is heavier than that of the Trophy, so offsets those additional weights?

Yes, it is heavier. Don't rely on the website figures. They are a guide but are often not accurate.

 

[Data]

When you say "rep" are you talking about someone at Longbridge or just some clueless sales person at the "dealers" who will tell you anything? Almost all modern "family" cars have spoilers now to improve the "look", same as why they have massive wheels, flared arches, fancy trim pieces, vents in the bonnet etc.

By chance I got to speak with a very senior tech MG person. We had quite a chat.

 

[Data]

According to Parkers ...

SE SR = 1655kg
SE LR = 1651kg
Trophy LR = 1675kg

Yeah sounds near to being right. So the Trophy LR is carrying at least 53lbs of extra weight. And in fact it may be slightly more. That's the main reason it is slightly down on range. Without the rear spoiler the range loss would without doubt be greater.

 

[Roger001]

As you are based in the UK, check the MG affiliate program for discounts

MG Motors UK Affinity

It can be as simple as having been a member of the MG owners club for at least 3 months.

Also, check AutoTrader for dealers' pricing cars for volume sales. I paid £28,000 for a new 77kWh Trophy at a dealer with the affiliate discount included.

I do not need the 77kWh model at the moment, but I hope to own it for a number of years. I've owned my MGB for around 32 years, so I don't buy cars often

As for why the Trophy, apart from all the extra gadgets, the main thing I was looking for was the auto-folding wing mirrors, the MG4 is somewhat wider than what I normally drive/park and they are a great indicator that the car is locked

 

[gary333]

By chance I got to speak with a very senior tech MG person. We had quite a chat.

At Longbridge?

 

[siteguru]

As for why the Trophy, apart from all the extra gadgets, the main thing I was looking for was the auto-folding wing mirrors, the MG4 is somewhat wider than what I normally drive/park and they are a great indicator that the car is locked

Me awaits @Rolfe .......