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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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Improve Low & High RPM Power on the Acura TLX with an AEM Cold Air Intake

Jan 6, 2017

The AEM 21-801C cold air intake boosts horsepower and torque on the 2015-2016 Acura TLX 3.5L

Most midsize luxury car buyers don't even think about an Acura TLX, until one blows past them on the road. The previous Acura TL was rather "loudly" styled, but the 2015-2016 Acura TLX wears more handsome, restrained styling. However, beneath those flowing lines, lies a powertrain that can go toe-to-toe with the best from Europe, Asia, and America. The Acura 3.5L V6 serves up 290-hp and 267 lb-ft of torque with a velvety rage. To keep it all under control, Acura employs the P-AWS rear wheel steering system on FWD models, or the SH-AWD system that uses engine torque to steer you through curves. Combine the TLX's power with the handling tech, and you get a confident sleeper that can hustle you to work with a smile on your face. And now you can add an estimated 12-hp with an AEM 21-801C cold air intake system.

Closeup view of the AEM 21-801C cold air intake installed on a 2015 Acura TLX 3.5L

The Acura TLX 3.5L V6 uses a lot of cutting edge technology to make its power delivery so smooth. But no matter how advanced it is, this motor still makes horsepower the old fashioned way: Air comes in through the intake, then gets mixed with fuel inside the cylinders where a spark ignites the mixture and an explosion consumes the oxygen. If you want to create more horsepower, then you have to increase the amount of oxygen going into the motor. This additional catalyst will allow the fuel to burn hotter, which releases more energy/horsepower from the same amount of fuel. It also helps your Acura to make more power/torque at low RPM's, giving you faster throttle response and a deeper, more menacing engine note.

To make all of this happen, the AEM 21-801C cold air intake system ditches the restrictive stock intake system in favor of a high-flow arrangement. This consists of a wide diameter aluminum intake tube that's been mandrel bent to reduce turbulence and airflow restriction. It's capped by an oversized AEM DryFlow Filter that can flow considerably more air than the stock paper air filter, and the unique synthetic material is able to remove up to 99% of airborne contaminants. This dirt is then held in place for up to 100,000 miles before cleaning is required (depending on driving conditions). The filter is also repositioned just behind the drivers side fender to take advantage of the cold air rushing up into the engine bay.

Turn your Acura TLX into a 3-Series, A4, C-Class and IS killer, with an AEM 21-801C cold air intake

In addition to the extra power at low RPMs, the AEM 21-801C cold air intake system is able increase airflow when the VTEC system kicks in, which results in even more power as the revs increase. To verify all of this, we installed an AEM 21-801C intake system on a 2015 Acura TLX 3.5L FWD, and dyno testing revealed an estimated increase of 12 horsepower and 11 lb-ft of torque.

The AEM 21-801C was designed to fit the following vehicles:

2016 ACURA TLX 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 ACURA TLX 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

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AEM Cold Air Intake System for 2012-2015 BMW 335i 3.0L Takes Global Media Award

Dec 19, 2016

The 21-754DS takes SEMA Global Media Award at the 2016 SEMA show

AEM Induction is proud to announce that the 21-754DS cold air intake system for the 2012 to 2015 BMW 335i/M235i 3.0-liter took home a Global Media Award for the 2016 SEMA Show. Over one-hundred-fifty companies were recognized by a panel of twenty-nine international journalists from eighteen different countries, so to be a part of this group speaks volumes to the quality of AEM Induction products.

The award was revealed at the International Happy Hour during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Select journalists from eighteen countries choose products in the “New Products Showcase” and were allowed to pick out ten products that they believed would succeed in their home countries. The 21-754DS was chosen by journalist Eduardo Bernasco of Revista Fullpower in Brazil. The 21-754DS features a low restriction and high-density polyethylene air intake tube, washable and reusable AEM Dryflow oil-free filter media that lasts one-hundred-thousand-miles before cleaning is required, and is tuned and dyno-tested to improve acceleration and engine sound as well as increase horsepower.

Part of the New Products Showcase, the 21-754DS was chosen by Eduardo Bernasco of Revista Fullpower

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Get More Performance from Your Honda Pilot or Ridgeline with an AEM Air Intake

Dec 16, 2016

The AEM 21-795C performance intake increases both horsepower and torque on the 2016 Honda Pilot

Honda is one of the most highly regarded car companies on earth, because they build vehicles that are actually relevant to people's lives. The 2016 Honda Pilot for example, is a commodious 3-row family vehicle, with novel features like a reversible cargo floor that has rubber on one side and carpet on the other. There's also a host of semi-autonomous driving aides that can help prevent accidents and keep your family safe. Similarly, the innovative 2017 Honda Ridgeline offers all the usefulness of a pickup truck, with a helping of user-friendly features like a two-way tailgate, a lockable in-bed storage trunk, and an in-bed audio system that you can control with your smartphone. Both of these well designed Honda's are powered by the reliable 3.5L EarthDreams V6, which will give you a healthy 280-hp to work with. But if you'd like to have faster throttle response, along with an estimated increase of 13-hp, then you're going to need the AEM 21-795C performance cold air intake system.

A 2016 Honda Pilot 3.5L with an AEM 21-795C cold air intake system installed

Long considered to be one of the best V6's in the business, the venerable Honda 3.5L was redesigned a couple of years ago, and now features direct injection, along with a host of other improvements. But no matter how advanced it is, the Honda 3.5L V6 still makes power by mixing air with gasoline inside the cylinders, then igniting the mixture with a spark plug. The resulting explosion pushes the piston down, turning the crankshaft, and ultimately the wheels. To increase the amount of power that gets made during the combustion cycle, all you have to do is increase the amount of oxygen going into the cylinders. This will allow the fuel to burn more completely, releasing more energy/horsepower. The AEM 21-795C performance cold air intake system is designed to feed oxygen-rich cold air to the engine, and turn your practical Honda into a surprisingly good performer. It's also covered by the AEM Limited Lifetime Warranty, so it's literally guaranteed to perform.

To make this extra power, the AEM 21-795C cold air intake system replaces the restrictive factory air box and paper air filter, with an oversized AEM DryFlow air filter, surrounded by a heat shield that seals itself against the underside of the hood. That high-flow air filter is made from a proprietary synthetic material that removes more dirt than a stock paper filter, and it won't have to be cleaned for up to 100,000 miles (depending on driving conditions).

Closeup view of the AEM 21-795C cold air intake installed on a 2016 Honda Pilot

Once the air is cleaned, it then flows directly to the engine through a wide-diameter aluminum intake tube that's been mandrel-bent to reduce restrictions and turbulence. The intake tube is also powder coated, and has integrated fittings for the factory sensors. A 2016 Honda Pilot 3.5L was fitted with a AEM 21-795C performance cold air intake system, and dyno testing revealed an estimated gain of 13 horsepower and 12 lb-ft of torque.

The AEM 21-795C performance cold air intake fits the following vehicles:

2017 HONDA RIDGELINE 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 HONDA PILOT 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

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