Thule WingBar – a new generation of quiet roof racks

The latest innovation from Thule breaks new ground in the growing market for roof racks. Thule WingBar is inspired by airplane wings and sets a new standard for quietness and safety.

Thule WingBar has been developed by Thule’s design team and tested in Thule’s specially built Thule Aerolab in order to obtain the most efficient air and weight capacities possible. The result is a roof rack that is nearly noiseless and can be mounted on all cars. Thule Aerolab tests show a sound level 13 decibels lowers than the Thule AeroBar – which means that Thule WingBar only produces six percent of the predecessor’s sound energy and is thereby nearly noiseless. Thule WingBar is also good for the environment and your wallet, generating 55% less drag than previous models.

The roof rack has been crash tested and approved for a maximum load of 100 kg, as per ISO standards.

- “With the Thule WingBar, we have created a product that places itself in its own part of the market and, through its combination of noiseless design and easy mounting, distances itself from all other competitors. The roof rack also has a form factor that lives up to high consumer demands for an attractive and slender appearance,” says Greger Juhlin, Vice President Product Development of Thule Business Area Vehicle Solutions.

The Thule WingBar is compatible with Thule accessories with T-track mounting and Thule boxes with PowerClick mounting. Thule WingBar is equipped with the following:
• WindDiffuser™ - textured rubber strip for maximum noise reduction
• SmartSlide™ - easy rack measurement system (utility patent pending)
• WingPlug™ - end piece that easily opens to attach accessories .
• Light-weight aluminum
• Rack has a slightly curved design to fit the shape of the car roof
• T-track for easy mounting of the rack and additional accessories

The Thule WingBar is available for purchase in September 2011.

About Thule Aerolab
Thule, with help from leading experts in aerodynamics (including leading European car manufacturers) and acoustics, has designed a special wind tunnel where aerodynamic qualities and sound can be simulated and measured at various speeds. Using these measurements, the product form can be changed, decreasing sound and drag.