--- title: "Porsche Patents Active Aero Diffuser for Tow Hitches on Future SUVs" description: "A recent patent filing from Porsche shows an active aerodynamic rear diffuser that could open to fit a tow hitch." date: "2022-06-18" modified: "2022-06-18" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/porsche-patents-active-aero-diffuser-for-tow-hitches-on-future-suvs" categories: - "Car Tech" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Patents" - "Porsche News" tags: - "porsche" --- # Porsche Patents Active Aero Diffuser for Tow Hitches on Future SUVs ![]() Porsche isn't the first brand to come to mind when you think of towing but a surprising amount of Cayenne owners do actually tow with their SUVs. How else are they supposed to get their [911 GT3 RS ]()to the track? However, tow hitches can get in the way of rear diffusers, which is why many high-performance SUVs, such as the[ ]()[Cayenne Turbo GT](), don't have tow hitch options from the factory. So Porsche decided to create a workaround, by patenting an active aero diffuser that can open to accommodate a tow hitch, and close during normal use. According to [this new patent filing]() with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which was initially found by *[CarBuzz]()*, Porsche has designed a rear diffuser with active aero that essentially has two positions: open and closed. In the closed position, the diffuser acts as a normal rear diffuser, assisting the car's aerodynamics. However, in the open position, it can expose a tow hitch, to allow the Porsche to tow a trailer. ![]() The patent seems to suggest that the active diffuser works automatically, rather than manually, and some sort of towing mode would likely cause the diffuser to open. It also seems to suggest that the diffuser, when open and in towing mode, would also improve aerodynamics with a trailer attached. Typically, owners wouldn't be concerned with a bit of aerodynamic drag while towing a trailer, as just the act of towing a trailer is going to drastically reduce fuel economy anyway. However, as electric SUVs become more and more common, that little bit of increased aerodynamic efficiency will be welcome, especially when towing a heavy trailer. From what I can tell, the patent doesn't seem to mention any performance driving advantages to having an active aero rear diffuser. Porsche was one of the first brands to use active aero in the front of its cars, with automatically adjusting front lip spoilers, so you'd imagine it might want to use this tech for high-performance driving. Maybe it will in the future. For now, though, this patent filing seems to be focused solely on towing. *Have any tips? Send them to nico.demattia*@thedrive.com ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()