Does anyone know what that black rubber or plastic molding piece near the bottom of the rear bumper is for on the 2009 & 2010 RLs ? It looks like it's between the tailpipes. And it's always a black color, even if the car is a different color. It sure sticks out on white RL rear bumpers.

What is it called ? And what purpose does it have ? Does anyone know what I am talking about ? I checked the owner's manual and there is no mention of it ? I have seen this on other car makers as well. Specifically an old bmw 3 series, that has a similar black molding thing on its rear bumper as well.

Why doesn't the TL or TSX have this on their rear bumpers ?

Here's an image of the rear:

http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content...s_image010.jpg

 

Wait for 037 to chime in...he has an 09

It looks like a rear air diffuser to me, so underbody flow gets vented through there to help manage the eddies that cause drag.

 

It is a styling trim piece to simulate or mimic a rear air diffuser....so needed on an RL (along with a bi-plane spoiler).

The stylist that thought this would improve upon the RLs lines likely owns this vehicle.....

http://blog.cardomain.com/2009/08/18...ht-aero-tuned/

 

as TampaRL said, the piece is just 4 show, it does nothing for function and just weighs the car down. That said...I think the car looks better with it.

 

So it has no connection to the underbody aero devices? It is just like those fake Detroit NACA hood scoops? How disappointing! At least it looks like it does not have a black decal to make it look like it is a a real vent.

 

Black horizontal trim is often used to reduce visual mass so it doesn't appear as bulky. More often than not, it's the whole lower portion (like the 2010 Taurus or 2011 Mustang). Similar principle here, though more elegantly done. Even the CTS has a similar blacked-out lower rear.

 

pretty sure it's just a $35 piece of plastic. Can't get a bigger picture than this, I think it's # 25

 

Hey Guys, Thanks for answering my question ! I had been curious for a long time as to what the heck that thing was.