mommy_barbie

Okay - I still can't find out what on earth the rear diffuser is for. What does it actually do? What good is it?

Does anyone have pics they can post of the back of their RDX with the diffuser? Similarly, does anyone have pics they can post of the back of their RDX without the diffuser? It would be great to compare some shots and make the decision.

And overall, what looks better? Anyone have the diffuser? Are you sorry? Or do you love it, and why??

Thanks -

c_hunter

It's a styling add-on. A real rear diffuser would increase downforce -- many race cars use this technique. But the one on the RDX is merely cosmetic. I don't like the look myself (spoils the original lines of the bumper and tailpipes), but I am also someone who laughs at any FWD car with a wing on the trunk....

sasair

Its possible the rear diffuser does do what it is supposed to do, but I doubt it. As c_hunter said, it is supposed to increase down force by reducing drag and turbulence from the air coming under the vehicle. It may do this on the RDX, but even if it did, it would really only result in a performance increase at pretty high speeds, much higher than anyone should be going in an RDX. I think its main purpose on the RDX is to give it a beefier solid look.

c_hunter

Diffusers actually have a small drag increase -- what they do is lower the pressure under the vehicle, but this results in a drag on the aft facing surfaces of the diffuser duct. Like any downforce device, it's a trade between downforce and drag -- generally you accept a small drag penalty for the added downforce. The RDX "diffuser" doesn't have a duct, it merely looks like the exit of a real diffuser. So I don't think it does anything for downforce or drag -- just gives the look.

chyllintsx

i have no idea what its for, but i got it cuz it looks better IMO and it can probably prevent some bumper scratches... but i dont thing its high enough for that... the one for the MDX is nice and high... i wish it was like that... but either way, i already got a scratch on the rear left bumper... sighhh

DJ Iceman

I opted not to get the rear diffuser. My dealer had one RDX with it installed so that I could see it up close and personal. As c_hunter said, I think it breaks up the look on the back (except maybe on a black one), and it's made of a really cheapo-feeling plastic.

lilfeat

IT makes it look more like the MDX.

mau108

MMike1981

Ill post a picture of mine after its installed today...im not even sure what it does but it def finishes the back of the car alot nicer.

DJ Iceman

Of course it's a matter of personal preference, and I wouldn't fault anyone for having different aesthetic sensibilities than me, but I completely disagree that it "finishes the back of the car a lot nicer." Quite the opposite, in fact, but like I said to each his own!

VeNeNo

iTrader: (1)

I have it on my Pearl White RDX and I personally think it looks fabulous i wouldnt have purchased the car with out it.!

mbjude

I also got a white RDX, aan you post pics of yours with it. hmmmm.

MMike1981

The rear diffuser is not as striking as i would like it to be on my color, but better, in my opinion than just the regular stock. love the front, i think they all should come standard with this piece.

OC-RDX

One thing nice about the RDX is that you can customize yours by adding exterior features/options. Seems everyone's taste are a little different on this vehicle. Some of the things I didn't like, others like, & vis versa.

My must haves were: 18 " chrome wheels & rear diffuser(looks good on silver)

Don't like: running boards, roof rack, mud guards & side molding

My pics are posted in the picture thread.