The term "raked car" refers to a vehicle with a distinctly angled stance, specifically where the front end sits noticeably lower than the rear. This creates a visually striking, often aggressive, profile. It's a stylistic choice impacting both aesthetics and, to a lesser extent, handling. Let's delve deeper into what this means and explore related questions.
What causes a car to be raked?
A raked stance is usually achieved intentionally, although sometimes it can be a result of wear and tear or modifications gone wrong. Intentional raking involves several methods:
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Suspension Adjustments: Lowering the front suspension is the most common method. This can be achieved through various modifications, such as installing lowering springs, coilovers, or air suspension systems. These allow for precise control over ride height.
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Body Modifications: In some cases, modifications to the car's chassis or body itself might contribute to a raked appearance. This is less common and generally requires significant expertise and often isn't reversible easily.
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Wheel and Tire Size: While not directly causing the rake, using different sized wheels and tires front and rear can subtly enhance or exaggerate an existing rake. Larger wheels and tires on the rear can visually accentuate the lowered front.
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Accidental Damage: While not intentional, damage to the front suspension or frame can unfortunately lead to an unintended and undesirable raked stance.
Is a raked car good for handling?
The impact of a raked stance on handling is complex and not universally positive. While a slightly lowered front can improve aerodynamics and center of gravity, excessively lowering the front can negatively affect several aspects:
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Steering Geometry: Extreme raking can alter the steering geometry, potentially leading to unpredictable handling, especially at higher speeds or during sharp turns.
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Ground Clearance: A very low front end increases the risk of scraping the bottom of the car on uneven roads or speed bumps.
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Ride Comfort: Lowering the suspension, especially drastically, often compromises ride comfort, making the ride harsher and bumpier.
What are the pros and cons of a raked car?
Pros:
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Aesthetic Appeal: The raked stance is often considered visually appealing, giving the car a more aggressive, sporty, or custom look. Many find it aesthetically pleasing.
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Improved Aerodynamics (slightly): A slightly lower front end can, in theory, improve aerodynamics by reducing drag, though this effect is often marginal and depends on other factors.
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Lower Center of Gravity (slightly): A slightly lowered center of gravity can potentially enhance handling, though again, only slightly and if other factors aren't negatively affected.
Cons:
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Compromised Handling: Excessive raking can significantly degrade handling characteristics.
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Reduced Ground Clearance: Increased risk of bottoming out.
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Harsh Ride: Lowering the suspension usually results in a less comfortable ride.
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Potential Damage: A severely raked car might experience damage to the suspension or undercarriage more easily.
How is a raked stance achieved on lowriders?
Lowriders are often known for their extremely low and raked stances. This is primarily achieved through sophisticated hydraulic suspension systems. These systems allow for extremely fine-tuned adjustments to ride height, enabling the driver to precisely control the rake and even "hop" the car. The hydraulics are far more complex and controlled than simple lowering springs or coilovers.
Is a raked stance always intentional?
No, a raked stance is not always intentional. Damage to the front suspension or frame can inadvertently lead to a raked appearance. This is usually undesirable as it indicates a potential safety hazard. Regular maintenance and inspections are vital to prevent this. An unintentional raked stance often requires professional mechanical attention to address underlying issues.
In conclusion, a raked car is a stylistic choice that involves lowering the front end relative to the rear. While it can enhance the visual appeal, it's crucial to understand the potential impact on handling and ride quality. Extreme raking is generally not recommended unless you have significant expertise and are prepared to accept the compromises involved.
