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AEM Air Intake System for Mercedes CLA250 Reflects Luxury Appearance

The replacement housing improves intake air flow while blocking hot engine air

The replacement intake housing flows considerably more air than the stock system

Mercedes–Benz introduced the replacement for the C Class, the CLA, three model-years ago with an eye-catching MSRP below $30,000, making ownership of a stylish, new luxury sedan a reality for more buyers, as well as throwing a cross block at competitors like Audi and BMW. There have been a few price increases since 2014, so the CLA250 doesn’t quite squeeze under the $30K barrier any longer, but the car remains a solid contender in the compact luxury class.

Although it makes concessions in certain areas to achieve a lower base price, it still feels like an authentic luxury sedan. One concession is that the CLA250 is the first Mercedes-Benz to reach these shores with a front-wheel drive configuration. The other is that it’s powered by a four-cylinder engine. While not the first Mercedes to be so equipped, when compared to the car it replaced, the discontinued C Class was available with four, six, and eight cylinder engines.

The most striking technical feature of the 2.0L turbocharged motor is that it’s extremely compact to fit in both transverse and longitudinal installations. To achieve this, all ancillary components were packed as closely to the engine as possible.

AEM developed the system to appear as close to OEM as possible

The system design was intended to reflect the premium appearance of Mercedes cars

The block was also designed to be narrow and light, made from an aluminum casting with 90 mm bore centers. The engine is fitted with a hollow-cast crankshaft, resulting in an engine that weighs just over 300 lbs. The aluminum cylinder head features four valves per cylinder and a three-stage camshaft – one set of lobes for low speed driving, a second for mid-throttle applications, and a third for foot-to-the-floor acceleration.

While the 208 horsepower is impressive enough, the Cadillac ATS, a competition in almost every area of comparison, offers a 2.0 L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 272 horsepower. If you’re a 2014 – 2016 Mercedes CLA 250 owner and you’re looking for a bump in power, consider the AEM 21-781DS cold air intake, which adds 10 wheel horsepower over a stock CLA250.

The AEM 21-781DS performance cold air intake system produces horsepower and torque gains by replacing your Mercedes’s restrictive factory air filter and air intake housing. This air intake system was designed, tuned, and dyno-tested to fit specific Mercedes Benz CLA250 models with an OEM-like appearance.

Air enters the system from the factory fresh air inlets, through replacement air ducts and into a roto-molded, aerodynamic AEM air box that isolates the intake air from the hot engine air. Inside the AEM air box is an oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic washable air filter for outstanding air flow, filtration, and performance.

This air intake system was developed to accommodate the engine’s factory emissions control devices including the ECU, so there’s no concern over having to reprogram the Mercedes’s computer.

The AEM plate indicates to all the sporting intentions of this Mercedes-Benz

Only a subtle plate indicates that this CLA250 has been upgraded to an AEM system

The tapered cylinder shaped AEM Dryflow air filter is the largest that will fit and is made from an oil-free, synthetic filter media. The filter is so durable that it can be used for up to 100,000 miles before cleaning is needed, depending on driving conditions.

Cleaning consists of an application of AEM synthetic air filter cleaner, which will loosen and dissolve grime and dirt built up on the filter, after which the filter can simply be rinsed with water, dried, and reinstalled. No messy oiling required!

The AEM 21-781DS performance cold air intake system is easy to install with commonly available tools, and installation can be completed on a Saturday morning. Further, the filter is backed by AEM's Lifetime Limited Warranty.

The AEM 21-781DS fits the following vehicles:

2016 MERCEDES BENZ CLA250 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 MERCEDES BENZ CLA250 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 MERCEDES BENZ CLA250 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 MERCEDES BENZ CLA250 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

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Flying Under The Radar, Jeff Proctor and Honda Racing Wins A Second Baja 1000

Honda Performance Engineering developed the engine from its turbocharged V6 Indy motor

The IndyCar-based twin turbo engine breathes through a pair of AEM conical filters

The Honda Off Road Racing Team was at a bit of a disadvantage at the Baja 1000 this year. No, it’s not because the team won the previous year’s Baja 500 or it was defending its Baja 1000 win from 2016. No, it’s because last year they debuted the 2017 Ridgeline in an all-new truck, won their category, and generated tons of press. This year, running the same truck with some upgrades, it was hard to get the media to notice.

If you’ve ever been to Baja California, you know how challenging the terrain can be. How dirt and dust can work their way into every moving part of the truck grinding seals and bearing to failure, how rocks and debris can batter the underside, bending suspension components or snapping the driveshaft. Rocks kicked up by other vehicles can knock out your headlights or any of the 999,995 ways fate can take you out of the 1000. So even if the spotlight wasn’t as bright as last year, the challenge was just as great.

Originally a motocross rider, the main man behind Proctor Racing Group is Jeff Proctor, who is not only the lead driver but also manages every detail of the team’s entire race operation.

The custom built unlimited off-road Class 2 race vehicle is backed by (HPD) Honda Performance Development, the racing arm of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.

With the highest attrition rate of any auto race, just finishing the 1000 is a thrill

At the Baja 1000 there's a 50% failure rate yet the Honda Ridgeline won its class a second time

The Unlimited Ridgeline features a twin-turbocharged Honda HR35TT V6 engine based on Honda’s Indy Car motor. The vehicle also features the best parts and technology available in off-road including, an Albins ST6 sequential transmission, Fox racing shocks, rugged General Grabber tires, Rigid LED Lights, KMC Wheels new Machete Wheel and off-course massive dual AEM air filters.

At the start of the 2016 Baja 1000, the Honda team caught a lucky break. They were started with slower Ultra4 cars which allowed them to pull ahead while still on the pavement. With no one in front kicking up dust, it allowed them to run at a fast, but conservative pace all the way to Santo Thomas, about 50 miles south of the start in Ensenada, as the crow flies.

Later the team encountered a stuck vehicle blocking the course by Ojos Negros, further up the course. A blind corner forced the team to back up, but sunk into the soft sand instead. Unfortunately by the time they’d extracted themselves they’d lost their advantage to the Ultra4 cars.

As is often the case in Baja, the team suffered an unexplained component failure, in this case the differential. To make matters worse it took the service truck three hours to reach the race truck.

At times its difficult for service teams to navigate from the main roads to the remote race course

A differential failure cost the team three hours as they waited for the service crew

This year’s Baja 1000 was a double loop around Ensenada, Mexico. Rather than the 1000 miles racers would cover in a race down the peninsula, the loop race is slight shorter at 849 miles. So when Jeff Proctor hopped behind the wheel at mile 815, he commented that “you would think the last 50 miles or so would be easy. But Baja is never easy. We encountered even more stuck vehicles in the last miles. We had to bushwhack through the brush and find other ways to get around them.”

At the Baja 1000, over 50 percent of starters failed to see the checkered flag, yet the Honda Ridgeline not only finished the race, but won Class 2 for the second year in a row.

AEM would like to congratulate Honda Performance Development and everyone at the Proctor Racing Group on their stellar performance.

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An AEM DryFlow Filter Will Help Your Audi 1.8L & 2.0L Breathe Better Than Ever

The AEM 28-20945 DryFlow Air Filter increases horsepower & torque on the Audi 1.8L & 2.0L

The AEM 28-20945 DryFlow air filter is designed to increase horsepower on the Audi 1.8L & 2.0L

A decade ago, 4-cylinder engines were relegated to small economy cars, and V6 engines could barely crack 200-hp. But thanks to new engine technology like direct injection, low-friction construction methods, and turbocharging, tiny turbo-4s could now make big power. Like Audi's range of 1.8L and 2.0L turbo four liter motors. These little powerhouses are potent enough to motivate the 2007-2016 Audi A4, the 2013-2016 Audi Allroad, and 2008-2017 Audi Q5. Years ago, these cars used much bigger engines to make the same power that they do now. Now, you can help your turbo four-cylinder, by simply using the warranty-approved AEM 28-20945 DryFlow air filter.

The turbocharged Audi 1.8L and Audi 2.0L engines make their power by cramming lots of air into the cylinders, that way the fuel mist from the direct injection system has plenty of catalyst for a hot explosion. This heat is where horsepower comes from, because the force from the superheated explosion pushes each piston down to turn the crankshaft, and ultimately the wheels. It's the turbo's job to create the air charge, but that air still has to be drawn in through the stock intake system, where it has to contend with the OE Audi air filter. This "gate keeper" to the engine is made from a thick paper and as the miles rack up, a layer of dirt builds in the folds. Naturally, this reduces the amount of air reaching the turbo compressor, and thus your horsepower will be significantly reduced as well.

An AEM 28-20945 DryFlow Air Filter will boost performance without voiding your Audi warranty

An AEM 28-20945 DryFlow air filter will not void your Audi warranty

The AEM 28-20945 DryFlow air filter on the other hand, is made from a special 3-dimensional synthetic material that is able to capture up to 99% of all airborne contaminants, then store them inside the filter until it is time for it to be cleaned. This depth loading design allows more air to reach the engine, which helps it to make more horsepower and torque without voiding the warranty. The reusable design also means that you won't have to buy any more of those expensive OE Audi air filters, and your investment is even protected by the AEM Lifetime Limited Warranty.

The 28-20945 fits the following vehicles:

2017 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - Exc. 190BHP
2016 AUDI ALLROAD 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 AUDI A5 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - Exc. 190BHP
2016 AUDI A5 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 AUDI A4 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - Exc. 190BHP
2015 AUDI ALLROAD 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 AUDI A5 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - Exc. 190BHP
2015 AUDI A5 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 AUDI A4 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - Exc. 190BHP
2015 AUDI A4 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - Exc. 190BHP
2014 AUDI ALLROAD 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 AUDI A5 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 AUDI A5 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - Exc. 190BHP
2014 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - Exc. 190BHP
2014 AUDI A5 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 AUDI A4 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 AUDI A4 ALLROAD 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2014 AUDI A4 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2013 AUDI ALLROAD 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 AUDI A5 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 AUDI A5 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - From 9/13, Exc. 190BHP
2013 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - From 9/13, Exc. 190BHP
2013 AUDI A5 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 AUDI A4 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 AUDI A4 ALLROAD 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2013 AUDI A4 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2012 AUDI A5 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2012 AUDI A5 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 AUDI A4 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2012 AUDI A4 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2011 AUDI A5 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2011 AUDI A5 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 AUDI A4 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2011 AUDI A4 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2010 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - Non-US
2010 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2010 AUDI A5 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 AUDI A4 QUATTRO CABRIOLET 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 AUDI A4 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2010 AUDI A4 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2009 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 AUDI A5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2009 AUDI A5 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 AUDI A4 QUATTRO 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2009 AUDI A4 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2008 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2008 AUDI Q5 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2008 AUDI A4 2.0L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2008 AUDI A4 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 AUDI A4 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - Exc., 163BHP

The reusable AEM 28-20945 DryFlow Air Filter is a drop-in replacement for that expensive OE Audi air

The reusable AEM 28-20945 DryFlow air filter is a drop-in replacement for that expensive OE filter

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Performance Benefits for Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo from an AEM Cold Air Intake

Tuning the inlet to match the engine's resonance helps move more air to the turbo

Fittings for the factory components are already welded to the pipe making installtion a breeze

For the 2016 model year Honda has introduced a new engine for the Civic: a 1.5 L turbocharged four cylinder. Despite its diminutive displacement, the 1.5 L produces 174 horsepower at a relatively leisurely 5500 rpm with a torque curve that’s flat from 1800 – 5500 rpm. Despite this high level of performance, there’s actually room for improvement.

Just looking at the air intake Honda installed at the factory, it was clear to AEM engineers they could do better, much better. So AEM developed a cold air intake for this new engine that replaces the birdhouse-sized air box with just a bird-sized hole for an inlet. In doing so, the 21-798C AEM cold air intake installed on an otherwise stock 2016 Honda Civic raised output by 10 horsepower at the wheels. For reference, the stock Civic recorded 148 horsepower at the front wheels, so with the addition of the AEM cold air intake it’s close to gaining an estimated 17 horsepower at the flywheel.

A cold air intake system 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, which translates into a more intense explosion in 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 to match the engine's resonance 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 kit comes with the necessary clamps and hardware for an OEM-type appearance

The AEM DryFlow filter is mounted right up front where it can grab cool incoming air

The AEM 21-798C cold air intake is a relatively inexpensive DIY modification that takes only a couple of hours to install with tools just about everyone has in their garage. It comes with the necessary clamps and hardware for an OEM-type appearance. OEM mounting brackets and hardware are utilized for seamless installation.

The filter itself is a tapered conical 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 powder coat. Further, this air intake system was designed so that the Civic engine’s factory emissions control devices including the mass air flow sensor and engine vent lines bolt 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 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, dried, and reinstalled. No messy oiling required. AEM warrants that its intake systems will last for the life of your vehicle.

The AEM 21-798C cold air intake fits the following vehicles:

2016 HONDA CIVIC 1.5L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

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Improve Airflow and Performance with an AEM 21-1015DK DryFlow Filter

The AEM 21-1015DK DryFlow Performance Air Filter is perfect for a project where efficiency is key

The AEM 21-1015DK DryFlow Performance Air Filter is perfect for a project where efficiency is key

At the turn of the last century, gasoline was simply a byproduct of lamp oil, and nearly all the roads were dirt. Surprisingly, most cars didn't have air filters because the engineers hadn't quite figured out how to utilize automotive air filtration. A little over a century later, engines and air filters have evolved to the point that using the right filter, like an AEM 21-1015DK DryFlow performance air filter, can actually increase both engine life and performance.

Dirt is the natural enemy of an engine for two reasons:

1: If the air isn't adequately cleaned before it's injected into the cylinders, those tiny dirt particles will clog the fuel system and stick to the cylinder walls, where they'll act like sandpaper as the piston rings push them up and down. This will damage the cylinder linings and piston rings, causing the motor to burn oil. The performance and fuel economy will also decrease, costing you a lot of money in the long run.

The reusable AEM 21-1015DK DryFlow Performance Air Filter increases power & protects engine bett

The reusable AEM 21-1015DK DryFlow performance air filter cleans air without messy oils

2: Airborne contaminants displace oxygen molecules, preventing the fuel from burning completely and releasing all the energy/horsepower that it contains. Fortunately, the 8.8-inch x 6.3-inch AEM 21-1015DK DryFlow performance air filter is designed to remove contaminants from the air, that way you won't have to endure the problems listed above. The low restriction synthetic filter media is also able to deliver a much larger volume of air to the cylinders, which improves the combustion efficiency.

As a leader in automotive filtration design, we're proud to say the AEM 21-1015DK DryFlow performance air filter is one of the most advanced and efficient performance air filters on the market today. To achieve this, each DryFlow air filter is made from a proprietary non-woven polyester material that has a unique 3-dimensional internal structure to store dirt without relying on messy oil treatments. This material is sandwiched between two layers of coated aluminum wire screen, which increases structural rigidity and keeps large contaminants from entering the system. This high performing air filter is also backed by the AEM Lifetime Limited Warranty. And with proper maintenance, this AEM air filter should last for the life of your vehicle.

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