Ground effects

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Not to be confused with Ground effect in cars.
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A 1994 Toyota Supra with ground effects.
A 1994 Toyota Supra with ground effects.

Ground effects are parts of an automobile's lower body designed to enclose the gap between the bottom of the fuselage and the ground. The purpose of ground effects are to deflect air around the car rather than under it, reducing the lifting effect of air passing under the car at high speed. Lift reduces the tires' contact with the road, resulting in reduced control. This effect differs from genuine Ground effect, in which airflow is manipulated in such a way as to create downforce on the car, pressing the tires harder onto the road.

Ground effects can be part of the vehicle's original design, or aftermarket parts added later (body kit). It should be noted that aftermarket body parts generally simulate the appearance of a vehicle in ground effect and usually do not provide significant aerodynamic benefit.