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AEM Reusable Air Filter for Select Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, and Audi Models

Jan 26, 2017

The AEM 28-20888 replacement air filter is designed to increase horsepower and torque

One of the largest automobile manufacturers is the Volkswagen Audi Group; an international automobile manufacturer based in Germany that owns a number of auto manufacturers worldwide including Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley Motors, Bugatti Automobiles, Porsche, Ducati Motor Holding, Man SE, Scania AB, SEAT, and Skoda. In 2012, it produced the second-largest number of motor vehicles of any company in the world, behind only Toyota and ahead of General Motors. It has maintained the largest market share in Europe for more than two decades and by 2014 had produced more than 10 million vehicles.

Volkswagen was founded in 1937 to manufacture the car that became known as the Beetle. During the 1950s and 1960s the Volkswagen Group produced only Volkswagens. However, in 1965 it acquired Auto Union, which ultimately produced the first post-war Audi car.

The company purchased a controlling stake in SEAT, a Spanish automaker, in 1986, making it the first non-German marque of the company. It acquired Skoda, a Czech automobile manufacturer in 1994 and added Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti in 1998. Scania, a Swedish automaker, was purchased in 2008 and Ducati, an Italian manufacturer of motorcycles; MAN, a German manufacturer of trucks, buses, diesel engines, and turbomachinery, and Porsche in 2012.

Between 2002 and 2007 the Volkswagen Group’s automotive division was restructured into two major brand groups, the Audi Brand Group and the Volkswagen Brand Group.

The AEM 28-20888 filter is ready to install right out of the box

The Audi Brand Group took responsibility of Audi, SEAT, and Lamborghini. The Volkswagen Brand Group included Volkswagen, Skoda, Bentley, and Bugatti. Each brand group’s product vehicles and performance fell under the higher responsibility of Audi and Volkswagen brands. Under the control of Volkswagen Group, SEAT produced the Terra, Marbella, Toledo, Ibiza, Cordoba, Inca Kombi, Alhambra, Arosa, Leon, Altea, Exeo, and Mii. Skoda manufactured the Felicia, Octavia, Fabia, Superb, Roomster, Yeti, Rapid, and Citigo under the tutelage of the Volkswagen Group.

Although the Volkswagen Group does not own KTM, an Austrian motorcycle manufacturing company, one of its members, Audi, is associated with the company. It provided the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that powers the KTM X-Bow, an ultra-light sports car for road and racing. Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, it was KTM’s first automobile. KTM manufactures about 1,000 X-Bow cars a year. In 2008 Top Gear awarded it the Sports Car of the Year.

AEM is offering the the 28-20888 replacement air filter for many Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Skoda, and KTM X-Bow cars. The filter includes DRYFLOW®, a synthetic filter media that does not require oil. Developed to provide excellent airflow and filtration properties, the DRYFLOW filter features a three-dimensional filtering medium that includes depth loading and structural screen wire to improve airflow.

The filter can be used for up to 50,000 miles before it needs to be cleaned, depending on driving conditions. It can be cleaned and reused for another 50,000 miles. In fact, if the filter is cleaned when it is supposed to be, it can be reused over and over again. It may be the last air filter you will ever have to buy.

AEM also offers AEM synthetic air filter cleaner that is formulated to loosen and dissolve dirt and grime build up from the synthetic filter so it can be rinsed clean with water.

The AEM 28-20888 replacement air filter fits the following vehicles:

2016 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 280BHP
2015 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 280BHP
2014 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 265BHP
2013 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 265BHP
2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 235/270BHP
2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 265BHP
2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 235/270BHP
2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 SEAT LEON CUPRA R 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - TFSi
2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 235/270BHP
2011 SEAT LEON CUPRA R 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 KTM X-BOW 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 AUDI S3 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 270BHP
2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - TFSi
2010 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 270BHP
2010 SEAT LEON CUPRA R 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 KTM X-BOW 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 AUDI S3 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 270BHP
2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2009 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 270BHP
2009 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V GTI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2009 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2009 SEAT TOLEDO III 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2009 SEAT LEON 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo; To 6/09, From 7/09; Cupra R
2009 SEAT ALTEA XL 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2009 SEAT ALTEA 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2009 KTM X-BOW 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 AUDI TT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 AUDI S3 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - BPY Eng.
2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2008 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V GTI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2008 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2008 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2008 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2008 SKODA OCTAVIA 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2008 SEAT TOLEDO III 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2008 SEAT LEON 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Exc. 150BHP
2008 SEAT ALTEA XL 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2008 SEAT ALTEA 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2008 KTM X-BOW 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2008 AUDI TT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2008 AUDI A3 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2008 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - US
2008 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Non-US, Turbo
2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V GTI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2007 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2007 SKODA OCTAVIA 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Exc. 150BHP
2007 SEAT TOLEDO III 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2007 SEAT LEON 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Exc. 150BHP
2007 SEAT ALTEA XL 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2007 SEAT ALTEA 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2007 KTM X-BOW 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 AUDI TT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 AUDI A3 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2007 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2006 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V GTI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2006 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2006 SKODA OCTAVIA 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Exc. 150BHP
2006 SEAT TOLEDO III 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2006 SEAT LEON 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Exc. 150BHP
2006 SEAT ALTEA XL 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2006 SEAT ALTEA 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2006 AUDI TT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2006 AUDI A3 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2006 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP, 3C Model
2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2005 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V GTI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2005 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2005 SKODA OCTAVIA 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Exc. 150BHP
2005 SEAT LEON 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Exc. 150BHP
2005 AUDI A3 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2005 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2004 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V GTI 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2004 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF V 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - 200BHP
2004 AUDI A3 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo
2004 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Turbo

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Kristaps Bluss Takes on the 2016 Formula Drift Season and Looks Ahead to 2017

Jan 26, 2017

Rain can't keep these guys from drifting Long Beach

2016 may only be his second year in Formula Drift, but Kristaps Bluss and the HGK BMW proved they are quickly becoming veterans to consider in the championship chase in 2017. Even the first ever Canadian round of Pro 1, Bluss and company were still able to bring home a twelfth place finish. Their result proves they are going in the right direction in both driving and vehicle development with AEM Induction.

The first round of the season is tough but more so at Long Beach. Not only do you have to knock out the cobwebs from 2015 to 2016, but you also have to deal with the tight confines of a street circuit. Then add rain to the mix and it becomes a powder keg of the unknown and potentially disastrous. However, Bluss and HGK were able to take home a Top 16 finish, including a One More Time against fellow AEM Driver, Matt Field. “First event of the season and I felt much more confident than the year before,” said Bluss after round one.

Bluss on the way to a twelfth place finish in points

Round Two was the infamous and longest running event for Formula Drift since its inception, Road Atlanta. It’s hard not to argue why it’s a favorite for drivers and fans – historic track, great elevation changes, and high speeds at night make for a very entertaining show. However, an off track in practice prior to Top 32 caused a pebble to lodge in the drive belt for the alternator and problems continued from there to result in a Top 32 finish.

Round three saw a tire size change for Bluss and it showed in the results with Orlando. The tire size went from a 265mm width to a 275mm and the car gained grip. While a debeaded tire caused him to impact the wall before qualifying, the team with MA Motorsports’ Dylan helping, were able to bring it all back for a podium finish right behind AEM Induction driver, Fredric Aasbo. “Nothing could stop us that night,” said Bluss, “We managed to climb all the way to the 2nd position, I have to admit we almost won that round, just a small technical failure with the car on my lead run, but we made our first ever FD podium and it was a great result for all the team.”

Orlando would prove to be a great result for Bluss by taking second place

Just before round four at Wall Speedway, the team changed to a new clutch but the flywheel would end up being steel instead of aluminum. This made the car feel much more different than it ever had, enough that it upset the feel Bluss had with the car. Contact prior to Top 32 didn’t help the situation either, after having to run two lead runs due to miscommunication with the following car and not stopping to change his tires. Doing this put heavy wear on them as Wall is known for its sandpaper like surface that eats tires away. With no grip left, Kristaps spun and was hit by the follow driver. However, even with only an hour, his team and additional hands from AEM Driver Michael Essa’s team, were able to make repairs and move on to Top 16.

There were many times Bluss looked like a veteran contender despite only his second year in FD

Round six would prove difficult for the entire team this time, as the transport truck broke down on its way. Thanks to Formula Drift driver Dan Burkett from RAD Industries, the car was transported to Seattle in a non-stop fifteen-hour drive, which didn’t include the fifteen-hour drive to reach them from Southern California. Despite only thirty-hours of sleep in the nine days prior to Thursday practice, the team pushed on. In his second qualifying run, the driveshaft broke and the team worked into the night. The results unfortunately showed with a Top 32 loss, though he did take the driver to a One More Time. “The car wasn’t dialed in at all and we couldn’t expect more after all these adventures. After the event we took the car back to California to the RAD Industries workshop and finally fixed it correctly.”

Texas had a change and it was possibly for the better, it was certainly good for Bluss

From California, the team with “Rad Dan” and RAD Industries went all the way to Texas Motor Speedway for round seven. With proper repairs and a car that felt more like it used to, like a car that could take him to his first win like it nearly did at Orlando. However, Bluss advanced all the way to a Final 4 finish where he faced off against Matt Field for the second time in 2016. “We were in good shape,” said Kristaps, “the car was flying through the course and we felt like ‘this is it, we were going to win this event’, but then just a tiny mistake chasing Matt Field in the Final 4 and we were off course. In my lead run, Matt was far behind, but still it wasn’t good enough to earn at least a One More Time.”

Despite missing one round, Bluss was able to end 2016 solidly in twelfth place in points

The final round, Irwindale Speedway, is considered the grand-daddy of American Drifting. It’s hard not to see that when you consider that it held the first ever D1 Grand Prix event in 2003. It’s also the event that teams push their vehicles the most. “We knew we had to put out all of what we had that night and we were doing pretty well. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough practice on Thursday due to fuel pressure failure.” While they were able to get it fixed, another issue developed, “Our differential broke down just an hour before qualification started and again it was a big challenge for the team to make it and get back on track on time. We had to call five-minutes to be able to make it but we did. Our qualification run wasn’t perfect, but at least we qualified.” Kristaps would take on Mike Essa in Top 32 with a One More Time but in Top 16, he wasn’t so lucky with the judges. Even with a second One More Time, Bluss finished out Irwindale with a Top 16 finish and ended 2016 in twelfth place in points.

2017 is shaping up to be another great year for Bluss and HGK. A new car is in the works but they are sticking with an E92 BMW chassis and dubbing it the “Eurofighter.” “We’re going to try to prepare it as good as possible, so we can adapt right from the first runs in Long beach,” Bluss says on the E92 build. "While we still wait on some of the details, you know it’s going to make the most power possible thanks to an AEM induction system. 2017 couldn’t get here quick enough for us, it’s shaping up to be an amazing one."

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Add Some Airflow And Efficiency To Your 1998-2002 Chevy Camaro or Pontiac Firebird

Jan 23, 2017

AEM filters improve airflow into the engine while blocking harmful contaminates

Installing an AEM filter increase the flow of air to the engine while also protecting the engine

In any case, whether you’re driving a 1998 – 2002 Chevrolet Camaro or a Pontiac Firebird, equipped with the 3.8L V6 or a 5.7L V8, power output is well below what you’d find in even a modern GM V6. For example, if you roll back the clock to 1998, a 5.7L Camaro LS1 V8 produced just 305 horsepower, with the 3.8L V6 output was a rather lowly 205 horsepower. The current base engine on the Camaro, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder produces 275 horsepower, so there’s some ground to be made up.

So that these older Camaros and Firebirds can get some more airflow into their engines, AEM has developed the Dryflow 28-20118 automotive replacement air filter. The AEM filter provides an increase of up to 50% incremental air flow to the engine. By increasing the flow of air the filter is designed to increase throttle response, increase horsepower, and improve torque in your GM V6 or V8.

AEM started with some of the best elements of cotton air filters blended with carefully-elected synthetic materials into a new generation Dryflow Air Filter. This new three-dimensional filtering medium is red in color. It uses both depth loading and structural screen wire to enhance airflow capabilities for better engine performance. AEM uses this material in its OEM replacement air filters. AEM Dryflow replacement air filters are engineered to enhance your engine's performance. These filters come with AEM's Lifetime Limited Warranty.

AEM Dryflow air filters are washable cotton/synthetic air filters designed for an optimum combination of air flow, filtration, and performance. And the innovative AEM Dryflow filters three-dimensional filtering medium allows for easy cleaning and excellent filtration. Often OEM and less-expensive filters are made from more restrictive paper media which can actually limit the output potential of the engine.

A full set of illustrated installation instructions are included with the AEM Filter

Everything you need to install a AEM Filter in your covered Camaro or Firebird is in the box

And once you’ve installed your AEM 28-20118 air filter you’ve eliminated the need to purchase and replace paper filters for the life of your V6 or V8 Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Firebird. AEM Dryflow replacement air filters can be used for up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is needed, depending on driving conditions.

We recommend you check your Dryflow air filter periodically and when it does get dirty don't worry because cleaning is a breeze with the application of AEM synthetic air filter cleaner that loosens and dissolves dirt and grime build up on synthetic filters. Then you simply rinse the unit with water and reinstall. AEM Dryflow® air filters do not use oil so there is no concern with over oiling and cleaning after their long service interval is simple.

AEM warrants that its Dryflow™ air filters will last for the life of your vehicle.

The AEM 28-20118 fits the following vehicles:

2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2002 CHEVROLET CAMARO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2002 CHEVROLET CAMARO 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2001 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2001 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2001 CHEVROLET CAMARO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2001 CHEVROLET CAMARO 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2000 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2000 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2000 CHEVROLET CAMARO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2000 CHEVROLET CAMARO 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
1999 CHEVROLET CAMARO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
1999 CHEVROLET CAMARO 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
1998 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
1998 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
1998 CHEVROLET CAMARO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
1998 CHEVROLET CAMARO 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

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AEM in Formula Drift 2016: Fredric Aasbo Has Another Fantastic 2016 Season

Jan 21, 2017

AEM-sponsored Fredric Aasbo preparing himself mentally for a race

While he was close to taking a second championship in a row in Formula Drift, Fredric Aasbo still had an amazing year in 2016. From the highs of Long Beach to the immediate low at Road Atlanta to just losing out of the championship at Irwindale, this was definitely the repeat performance that Fredric was looking for after 2015 even without a championship. It was all thanks to the skill and development of Papadakis Racing and AEM.

Long Beach, being the only temporary street course in Formula Drift, is never really the same year after year. Yes, the corners are all laid out the same each year but since the surface is constantly used by normal, day-to-day traffic, its grip can change each time they run it. With a podium to start off the season, Fredric was feeling the pressure, “The bar was set high following our 2015 championship title season and we were excited to hit the ground running.”

Formula Drift Orlando was tough last year, but the entire time came back with a win in 2016

Then came Road Atlanta and what is considered one of the most popular tracks they tour to when it comes to fan interaction. This legendary facility was one the first to host an official Formula Drift round when it was first formed, so it’s long standing status is hard to beat. However, this would be the round to test the mettle of the team overall. It looked like it was going to be another podium result but it was a puncture that took the team out of Top 32.

Orlando was the tough event for Fredric and Papadakis Racing in 2015, but in 2016 they turned it around and came back with a win. Aasbo stated, “After having struggled in Florida in the past, we turned it around big time and won round 3 in Orlando! We couldn't match the speed of the faster cars, but being consistent on the proper line prevailed and took us all the way. Our championship hopes were back up - and after only three rounds in the season, it was already feeling like a rollercoaster ride.”

Brand new and going north of the US border, Formula Drift visits Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Wall Speedway is one of the shorter tracks the teams drive on in the season, but it’s also the track with the most aggressive oval banking. This allows for high speeds initially, which also invites high risk and disaster that can happen right out of the gate. With a Top 8 finish, the team continued on the championship hunt.

For the first time ever, Formula Drift held a professional round outside of the United States in Canada. A new track means a high learning curve for everyone involved but that didn’t stop Aasbo. “It reminds me of the fast flowing, rhythmic tracks of Europe,” said Fredric, “I love the track and the fan vibe is electric.” That feeling of familiarity translated into a win and even more valuable points towards his 2016 finish.

Taking the day to night transition at Texas is challenging for all the Formula Drift drivers

The new round six was back in the US and into familiar territory with Evergreen Speedway. This, along with Irwindale and Road Atlanta, is one of the fastest tracks in Formula Drift with a long, sweeping bank for the first turn and on power until the exit of “Power Alley”. Here, Aasbo admits it was two mistakes that cost him a chance to make it into the Final 4, but a top 8 finish was still a positive result. “We have been doing well at this track in the past, but couldn't quite find the rhythm this time.”

Round seven took them into the heart of Texas at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. While the track hasn’t changed much since the first year Formula Drift went here, the direction has. The big sweeper is the very first corner and requires big power. It’s also the track that lacks good visibility – It’s a demanding track for car and driver despite how simple it looks. Texas would end up as another top 8 finish for Fredric but his title chances were still very alive.

Aasbo doing battle with Matt Field at the final round of the final stop at Irwindale Speedway

The final round was another legendary track in not just Formula Drift, but drifting itself – Irwindale Speedway. Considered the birthplace of American drifting, Irwindale has seen some epic battles for not only the round win but the Formula Drift Championship as well. This year would be no different except for something you wouldn't expect in drifting. “The grip level at Irwindale this year was just insane - it was definitely the grippiest track I've ever drifted on.” Fredric continued, “That's when having the smallest motor in the field gets tricky, because you rely on power to break traction. But thanks to our super sophisticated engine management setup and AEM Induction, we not only squeeze out around 1000-horsepower from our 2.7 liter four-banger, the engine also drives like a way bigger V8. The combination of various drive by wire, nitrous, and boost control strategies make the power delivery super linear.” While Fredric was able to advance further than Chris Forsberg in this final round, his defeat by Matt Field would be the thing that prevented Aasbo from taking the 2016 Championship.

Looking back, 2016 was still a great year, even without a championship for Fredric Aasbo

While 2016 did not end up being the year Fredric Aasbo and Papadakis Racing would repeat and take a second championship, there was still great moments that proved that the team were worthy of that 2015 Championship. “2016 has been a fantastic roller coaster ride of a season,” he says, “Even though we weren't able to back up our 2015 championship win, we learned plenty of things that will allow us to come back stronger. 2017 looks to be an exciting year with lots of changes - but we are staying true to our engine setup. Thanks to ingenious engineering and having partnered with the best in the business, Papadakis Racing has turned a small, lightweight engine into a championship contender that definitely punches above its weight. See you in Long Beach!” We all look forward to that as well and wish the best of luck to Fredric Aasbo in 2017 but he may not need it thanks to the power his Papadakis Racing Toyota puts out with AEM Induction.

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Boost Chevy Malibu Turbo Power and Acceleration with an AEM Cold Air Intake

Jan 10, 2017

Boost power on the 2014-2015 Chevrolet Malibu Turbo 2.0L with an AEM 21-794C cold air intake

For many decades, the Chevy Malibu existed simply for the sake of existing. It wasn't pretty, and it wasn't particularly nice. But it was cheap, and it was reliable enough to get you to your job at BarfBurger on time. The 8th generation 2014-2015 Chevrolet Malibu 2.0L Turbo was intended to change all of that, and restore some luster to the once proud nameplate. To achieve this lofty goal, Chevy fitted the top trim Malibu Turbo with a smart looking exterior/interior, a modified suspension, and a 2.0L twin-scroll turbo-4 that pumps out 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That's enough twist to launch the 'Bu to 60 mph in a little over 6-seconds, putting it on-par with the Malibu muscle car from the 1960's. However there is another estimated 10-hp to be had from that turbo-4, but you'll need an AEM 21-794C performance cold air intake system to unlock it.

A 2014 Chevrolet Malibu Turbo 2.0L running an AEM 21-794C cold air intake system

To make V6 power from a 2-liter 4 cylinder, a turbocharger has to force lots of air into the tiny cylinders. By compressing this catalyst into such a small space, the direct injection system only has to mist a little bit of gas in order to make power. The spark plugs then ignite the fuel/air mixture, and the air gets consumed as the gasoline burns. This 'combustion cycle' creates enough energy (aka horsepower/torque) to force the pistons back down, which turns the crankshaft and sends power to the wheels through the transmission. If you want to increase the amount of power created by the engine, all you have to do is increase the amount of oxygen inside the cylinders. Since air powers the fuel detonation, a more oxygen-rich charge will cause the gas to burn hotter and release even more energy/horsepower. The AEM 21-794C performance cold air intake system is designed to feed oxygen-rich cold air to the engine, so it can extract more power from the same amount of fuel. It also features a reusable synthetic air filter that won't need to be cleaned for up to 100,000 miles (depending on driving conditions), which will save you time and money (the entire system is also backed by the AEM Lifetime Limited Warranty).

Closeup view of the AEM 21-794C cold air intake on a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu Turbo 2.0L

The secret to uncorking additional turbo power is in the airflow. The stock 2014-2015 Chevrolet Malibu 2.0L Turbo intake system is full of tight bends, uneven surfaces, and a thick paper air filter that restricts airflow as dirt collects on the surface. The AEM 21-794C cold air intake on the other hand, utilizes a depth-loading (dirt is stored inside the filter, instead of on the surface) AEM air filter that won't reduce airflow when it gets dirty, and a wide-diameter aluminum intake tube that's been mandrel-bent to reduce turbulence in the airflow path. The oversized AEM DryFlow air filter is also surrounded by a self-sealing heat shield, which prevents hot engine bay air from entering the system. One of these AEM cold air intake systems was installed on a 2014 Chevy Malibu Turbo, and dyno testing revealed an estimated increase of 10 horsepower and 14 lb-ft of torque. With more passing power and quicker throttle response, your 2014-2015 Chevrolet Malibu 2.0L Turbo will be a lot more entertaining to drive.

The AEM 21-794C cold air intake was designed to fit the following vehicles:

2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

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