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AEM Driver Fredric Aasbo Wins Formula Drift at the Orlando Speedway

Toyota Corolla iM on track at Orlando

In just its second event, the iM is starting to show it's a platform to reckon with

In the second round and event for the Rockstar Energy Drink/AEM Toyota Corolla iM, Fredric Aasbo takes home the victory in the new platform. It was a dominating run up to the finals for him but our AEM drivers were also out in force in the heat and humidity of Florida. With the win, Aasbo looks good for another run at the championship in 2017.

Aasbo at Orlando Podium

AEM-sponsored Frederic Aasbo take the win at Orlando Speedway

For Aasbo, his weekend started off with a second-place qualifying run and one of the coveted top four spots in the order as those drivers would get a bye-run to the Top 16. Kristaps Bluss would be the next highest qualifying driver in the twelfth seed. He would end up in the Top 16 and finish there for the round. 2016 Formula Drift Champion and AEM Driver, Chris Forsberg, qualified in the fourteenth seed in the V8 370Z since the VQ was still not ready yet. He would end up finishing the round in the Top 16 as well. Rad Dan Burkett would earn a sixteenth seed but would end up finishing in the Top 32 in Orlando.

aasbo and field

Aasbo was able to take it to the finals but Matt Field would be eliminated due to de-beading

Matt Field would qualify in the eighteenth seed and would mean that he and Aasbo would meet in the Top 16. Matt would finish his weekend here after his tire de-beaded on his run against eventual winner, Aasbo. While you would think having a bye-run would be an easy path to victory, it really wasn’t as his challenges would increase with each round until the finals. This car has only seen competition twice and that has been the first two rounds. However, he and Papadakis Racing pulled through and helped get themselves and AEM their first victory for the 2017 season. “Starting a season with a new car always feels like a gamble because there's a learning curve for the driver and the team. But we proved to everyone today that our Rockstar Energy Drink / Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM is a force to be reckoned with in this series,” said Aasbo. “All credit is due to our team and our partners. This is an amazing feeling.”

What’s next for Aasbo since taking the win and the lead in the Formula Drift Points Standings? It’s not Disney World but the plant where the Corolla is manufactured for the US. In the meantime, the rest of the AEM Drivers will be preparing for the third round of the Formula Drift Championship. That will take place at the legendary and fan favorite, Road Atlanta on May 12th to the 13th and we’ll see you there.

Aasbo versus Gittin in the Final Four

Frederic Aasbo on his way to the finals in Orlando

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AEM Announces Formula Drift Pro2 Contingency Program

AEM is helping drivers in the FD Pro2 class with a contingency program

AEM is helping drivers in the FD Pro2 class with a contingency program

When it comes to competing in the Formula DRIFT series, you need all the help you can get in regards to your budget. Fortunately, AEM Induction has introduced a fantastic way to help drivers find more power, offer a contingency bonus for those running the AEM Dryflow air filter, and save where they need it. The 2017 season will be the inaugural year for both the AEM PRO 2 Contingency Program and AEM Race Parts Discount program.

In racing and drifting, drivers tend to be a loyal bunch to the brands they know work. AEM Inductions would like to reward those loyal racers by putting cash in their pockets by way of both monetary payouts and discounts on parts purchased from us. To be eligible, a PRO2 driver must meet the following criteria:

  1. Run an AEM Dryflow Air Filter on their competition vehicle,
  2. Run an AEM decal on locations laid out in the program, and
  3. Finish in the Top 16 of a PRO 2 Round.
  4. Formula Drift Pro2 drivers are grassroots drivers with little budget, so AEM wants to help them

    Formula Drift Pro2 drivers are grassroots drivers with little budget, so AEM wants to help them

The total contingency payout for each round is $1000, with payouts occurring at each round of Formula DRIFT PRO 2 competition. The highest finishing AEM contingency driver in the Top 16 will earn $500, second highest driver will earn $300, and the third highest will earn $200. Drivers will also be able to purchase from the Race Parts Discount program and won’t just include parts for their competition vehicle but also their tow vehicle as well.

“AEM Induction views the Formula DRIFT PRO 2 Series as vital in the long-term growth and sustainability of drifting at its highest level,” says Chris Matye, Team & Series Support Manager, AEM Induction. “Many of the talented young drivers competing in PRO 2 are true grassroots racers running on strict budgets and with minimal crew. The establishment of our PRO 2 Contingency Program is directly aimed at rewarding these loyal AEM Induction customers with cash prizes. PRO 2 is developing the Formula DRIFT stars of tomorrow, and AEM is happy to lend our support to this talented field of young drivers.”

To be a part of the AEM contingency program, the drivers have to meet specific requirements

To be a part of the AEM contingency program, the drivers have to meet specific requirements

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2017 Streets of Long Beach Formula Drift Opener with AEM

AEM-sponsored Fredric Aasbo brings out the new Corolla iM at Streets of Long Beach

AEM-sponsored Fredric Aasbo brings out the new Corolla iM at Streets of Long Beach

The first round of the Formula Drift Championship is always a fun one. You have the city of Long Beach, waves, and the only street circuit drifting in the series just before the historic Grand Prix of Long Beach. AEM looked to gain a great start to the season with Fredric Aasbo, Kirstaps Bluss, Matt Field, 2017 rookie Dan Burkett, and 2016 Formula Drift Champion Chris Forsberg, among others, taking it to the streets. Would we see a breakout start?

When it comes to difficult circuits, a street circuit with almost no runoff is one that is a challenge for road racing. Now take that and ramp the idea up because you’re sliding sideways and purposely scraping the wall and your competitor's car and you’ll see why the Streets of Long Beach is a popular event for Formula Drift fans and drivers alike. It’s an event that can give you the biggest victory of your career or the worst start to your Formula Drift season. Unfortunately, FD Rookie and AEM Driver Dan Burkett was hit with the latter. While bringing an impressive eleventh place qualifying position, he would crash during Top 32 practice. His team got the RAD Industries Supra back together and into the show, but Dan eventually lost to fellow AEM Driver Matt Field, who would go on to finish in the Top 16.

Matt Field with the new Falken tires livery on his Nissan 240SX

Matt Field with the new Falken tires livery on his Nissan 240SX

2016 Formula Drift Champion, Chris Forsberg, qualified in seventh place and didn’t have the greatest start himself. Prior to qualifying, the champ had to replace his twin-turbo VQ V6 for a familiar VK V8 powered 370Z. While it was disappointing to not witness the new VQ do its magic, the familiarity of the VK showed as he was still able to capitalize on a Top 10 qualification. He would go on to the Great 8 where he would be eliminated against the eventual winner.

Fedric Aasbo, the 2015 Formula Drift Champion, brought out the brand-new Toyota Corolla iM to show that weird chassis still work in FD. While a twenty-ninth place qualifying wouldn’t properly show the performance of his chassis, the performance to the Great 8 would. He would face off against fellow AEM Driver, Kristaps Bluss in the Top 16 (who had also qualified higher than Aasbo), Bluss would fall to the FD champ before Aasbo’s Great 8 exit.

Kristaps Bluss under the famous Long Beach bridge before turn 10 at the 2017 Streets of Long Beach

Kristaps Bluss under the famous Long Beach bridge before turn 10 at the 2017 Streets of Long Beach

While a win or a top four finish would have been a sweet ending, it wouldn’t be the end for two of our AEM drivers as they would also compete in the non-points Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge during the Long Beach Grand Prix. Remember how drifting a street circuit was hard on its own? Well now add the challenge of a night event to that mix. Instead of qualifying, it would be a random draw for the Top 16 positions. Matt Field would grab the ninth position while Dan Burkett would get tenth. Dan would end up walking with a Top 16 finish, however the night would be owned once again by Matt Field as he took his second Super Drift win in a row. “We went back to back!” said Matt Field, winner of the Motegi Super Drift Challenge. “This event was strong and it feels good to get back into a car that’s in working manner after struggling last weekend, but we’re back.” For night two, Matt would end up in the Top 16 position after taking hard damage during the finals. However, Dan Burkett showed he would be the rookie sensation for 2017 by taking a Top 8 finish in his first ever Super Drift at one of the hardest circuits in the series.

The next event for the Formula Drift Schedule and our AEM drivers is Orlando Speed World Oval in Orlando, Florida. It will also be the first event for the 2017 Formula Drift Pro2 Championship where we’ll see our Pro2 drivers. Check back for more news from AEM and the 2017 Formula Drift Season.

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AEM Cold Air Intake Adds Estimated 17 HP to 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 2.0 Turbo

The Cold Air Intake Kit also accommodates the engine’s factory emissions control devices

The cold air intake kit is comprised of the aluminum intake tube, heat shield, and Dryflow filter

For the 2013 model year, Chevrolet introduced the revised GM LTG engine into the Chevrolet Malibu. The engine is the 3rd Generation of EcoTec motors and the same engine was also utilized in the Cadillac ATS. The four cylinder, all-aluminum engine displaces 2.0 liters with a square bore - stroke configuration of 86 mm to 86 mm. The LTG engine uses a twin-scroll turbocharger to minimize turbo lag, air-to-air intercooler, direct fuel injection along with continuously variable valve timing, a stainless steel exhaust manifold capable of withstanding the 1800°F turbine temperature, forged connecting rods with a drop-forged steel crank, and a rotacast aluminum alloy cylinder head with sodium-filled exhaust valves.

In 2013, the LTG 2.0L engine was launched producing 259 horsepower. However, in 2016, Chevrolet reduced the power rating to 250 horsepower. So owners of 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet Malibu sedans with the 2.0L turbocharged engine are at a 9 horsepower disadvantage to prior model years.

In evaluating the air intake GM installed at the factory, it was clear to AEM engineers there was room for improvement. AEM then developed 21-803C cold air intake system for the LTG engine as installed in the Malibu. The new system generated an estimated 17 horsepower – at the rear wheels. This more than compensates for the 9 horsepower loss for 2016 and 2017 models.

The heat shield and filter are designed to be located in the original air box space

The heat shield isolates the filter from underhood heat, allowing only cold air to flow to the motor

What AEM engineers created was a cold air intake system that relocates the filter to an area of the engine compartment where it’s best able to draw cool outside air. Cooler air carries additional oxygen into the combustion chamber which creates incremental horsepower and torque. And with a turbocharger packing air in even tighter, it makes that much more power.

But that's only part of the power equation. Tuning the inlet pipe in length and diameter helps move more air to the turbocharger. During development, fuel trim monitor correction factors and all OBD II sensors are tested to eliminate leaning out the engine or activating a check engine light.

The AEM 21-803C cold air intake is a relatively inexpensive DIY modification that takes only a couple of hours to install with common hand tools. It comes with the necessary clamps and hardware for an OEM-type appearance. Plus OEM mounting brackets and hardware are utilized for seamless installation with no drilling required.

The filter can be used for up to 100,000 miles before cleaning is needed (depending on conditions)

The 21-2113DK AEM Dryflow air filter is engineered for increased airflow and comes ready to use

The filter itself is a tapered conical 21-2113DK AEM Dryflow non-woven synthetic washable unit which provides outstanding air flow, filtration, and performance. The air intake tube is constructed from mandrel-bent aluminum tubing finished in a durable gunmetal gray powdercoat. Further, this air intake system was designed so that the Malibu engine’s factory emissions control devices including the mass air flow sensor and engine vent lines fit right on.

The AEM air filter is good for 100,000 miles before requiring service (depending upon your driving conditions) so if you drive in dusty conditions, your filter may require more frequent maintenance. Cleaning consists of an application of 1-1000 AEM Synthetic Air Filter Cleaner which will loosen and dissolve grime and dirt build up, after which the filter can simply be rinsed with water and reinstalled once dry. No messy oiling required!

The AEM 21-803C cold air intake is designed and engineered for the following vehicles:

2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

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An AEM Cold Air Intake System Can Turn the Audi A3 2.0T into a True Sports Sedan

An AEM 21-802C Cold Air Intake boosts horsepower on the 2015-2016 Audi A3 2.0T

An AEM 21-802C cold air intake boosts horsepower on the 2015-2016 Audi A3 2.0T

Years ago, Audi was a quirky German automaker that built odd-looking cars nobody seemed to want. They finally figured out how to make attractive cars by the 1990s and have since evolved into a direct competitor for stalwarts like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The Audi A3 has played a key role in their success, as it offers compact luxury car buyers a sophisticated alternative to cars like the Mercedes CLA and BMW 2-Series. To keep it competitive, the Audi A3 2.0T was redesigned for 2015, and now featured crisper lines with bespoke LED lighting, a beautiful new cabin, and a host of cutting edge options. Powering this little Autobahn-stormer is a responsive 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder that belts out 220-horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That's enough muscle to strike fear into many 3-Series drivers, as the little Audi catapults itself to 60 mph in well under 6-seconds. But if you really want to crank up the power on your 2015-2016 Audi A3 2.0T or 2015-2016 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro, the AEM 21-802C cold air intake system can add an estimated 14-hp and 10 lb-ft of torque. And it might even save you some money too.

To wring V6 power from the tiny Audi 2.0L TSFI 4-cylinder, a turbo basically crams lots of air into the tiny cylinders, which creates a highly concentrated explosion that releases more energy to turn the crankshaft and propel you down the road. This pressurized air charge is generated by a sophisticated turbocharger that uses the engine's exhaust to spin a turbine blade, which then powers a compressor. As air comes in through the air box, the compressor blades pressurize the air before shooting it into an intercooler to reduce the temperature, thereby increasing the oxygen content to create a more powerful explosion. This system works extremely well, but there are a few flaws in the stock intake system that can actually reduce the amount of power the engine can make.

The AEM DryFlow air filter provides added power & superior engine protection

The AEM DryFlow air filter provides added power and superior engine protection

The first problem that you encounter under the hood of the 2015-2016 Audi A3 2.0T is the air box. It's designed to pull air into the system and clean it with the OE Audi air filter. Unfortunately, the hole in the air box where the air enters is rather small, which limits the volume of air right off the bat. And that Audi air filter is made from thick paper, so it constricts airflow even further. It also stores all of the dirt it removes between the folds on the surface of the filter itself. This is called 'surface loading', and it will absolutely strangle the airflow as that dirt builds up. The air that does make it through, will then have to bounce its way to the compressor through a plastic intake tube that is full of uneven surfaces and narrow bends. This causes the air to heat up and become turbulent. Obviously, that reduces the oxygen content and overall effectiveness of the intercooler. To address these issues, the AEM 21-802C cold air intake system replaces the stock air box and filter with an oversized DryFlow air filter, surrounded by a powdercoated heat shield that seals against the underside of the hood to prevent warm engine air from entering the system. This allows significantly more air to reach the turbo, and that big AEM air filter is designed to remove up to 99% of contaminants from the air.

Aside from providing superior filtration and airflow, the synthetic DryFlow air filter stores the dirt that it removes, deep inside its web of three dimensional polyester fibers. This is called 'depth loading', and it allows airflow to continue to flow through the filter even as the dirt builds. In fact, it won't have to be cleaned for up to 100,000 miles (depending on road conditions). And it's backed by the AEM Lifetime Limited Warranty, so you won't have to buy any more of those expensive Audi air filters.

Closeup of an AEM 21-802C Cold Air Intake installed on a 2015-2016 Audi A3 2.0T

Closeup of an AEM 21-802C cold air intake installed on a 2015-2016 Audi A3 2.0T

Once all the dirt's been removed, the air enters a wide diameter aluminum intake tube for a quick trip to the turbo. Unlike the stock tube, this one has wide-angle bends to reduce air turbulence. The powdercoated aluminum also lowers the air temperature by absorbing heat as the air flows through it. This allows the intercooler to cool the air even further, resulting in a higher oxygen content, and more horsepower.

Aside from providing additional horsepower and superior engine protection, the AEM 21-802C cold air intake system will sharpen the throttle response because all of that power will come in at lower RPMs. So if you're ready to boost the performance of your 2015-2016 Audi A3 2.0T or 2015-2016 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro, check out the AEM 21-802C cold air intake system.

The AEM 21-802C was engineered to fit the folloiwng vehicles:

2016 AUDI A3 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 AUDI A3 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

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