A Closer Look At AWE Tuning
10 JAN 2024 - Jeff Willis
AWE Tuning has been a well-established brand that RallySport Direct has been proud to offer for years. Their products are the result of data-driven development, careful manufacturing methods, all combined with the strongest of materials. If you asked AWE what motivates them to do this on a daily basis, they would tell you that their organization is fanatically committed to the business of performance. And that’s good enough for us.
Furthermore, they invest countless hours into every modern automotive performance platform to deliver the latest performance products only utilizing state-of-the-art tooling, machinery, and tuning routines. And since RallySport is Subaru centric, many enthusiasts may have another fun stablemate that could also benefit from their modifications. As a matter of fact, RallySport Direct has always offered upgrades for many other platforms that include the Focus RS’s, the GTI’s, Audis, Mustangs, all of the vehicles that AWE loves to work with. That being said, they have a fairly large menu that expands beyond their advanced exhaust systems that include but are not limited to, performance intake systems, intercoolers, along with aerodynamic additions to further refine your chassis at higher speeds. But for now, let’s highlight some of the great products that we stock that are offered by our friends at AWE.
AWE EXHAUST OPTIONS FOR THE 2015+ SUBARU WRX
There is a Touring Edition, and a Track Edition exhaust option. The Touring edition has been designed with incorporated mufflers, the Track Edition has no mufflers therefore, it’s a little louder. The Track Edition will also be slightly lighter because the lack of mufflers, but if you need to go to work at 6 a.m. and you live in an area surrounded by people, or if you simply want an option that is a little on the quiet side yet still aggressive, the Touring Edition is the way to go.
Now both exhausts examples have the key ingredients on what makes for a proper performance unit. Here are some of the features:
- 304 stainless steel construction
- 3” piping diameter that allows the exhaust gases with a quick path to exit
- Direct bolt-on installation
- No check-engine lights after the installation
- 102mm exhaust tips that are available in a few different options
- AWE has produced +18 WTQ and +15 HP with this example
- Produces an aggressive exhaust note that isn't too loud
And there are conversion kits that will allow you to convert your Touring Edition example to a Track Edition, or vice versa depending on if you want things louder or more on the quiet side. Check out the video below to get an idea of the sound on a VA WRX:
AWE S-FLO CARBON INTAKE SYSTEM 2020-2024 TOYOTA SUPRA
This is a very controversial car. If you can look past the fact that it is a BMW that identifies as a Toyota, then think about the history. BMW has a very rich history in motorsports. Reliability reputations aside, BMW has a largely devoted base of enthusiasts that truly appreciate the rewarding driving experience. The B-58 platform has proven to make substantial amounts of horsepower with supporting modifications in all available chassis models whether it be the A90 Supra, the M2, and so on. Aside from the VR38DETT that powers the R35 GTR, the B-58 is the other engine in terms of the latest modern turbocharged offering that the aftermarket has a central focus on, including AWE.
Their carbon intake system for the A90 Supra allows the turbocharger to suck in a larger volume of air during acceleration to remove any restrictions associated with the factory airbox. This improves the spool, throttle response, and adds more power.
Let’s look at some of the highlights:
- AWE’s testing unlocked +15 HP and +21 WTQ at the tire with stage 1 software
- 81% increase in filter surface area over stock
- 4.5” diameter filter outlet
- S-Flo filter with inverted cone design for increased flow
- All designed and tested in-house at AWE’s headquarters
- No check engine lights
If you are an A90 owner, then this is a car that you shouldn’t piece together an intake system or purchase cheaply from an auction site. This intake is the result countless hours of time, testing, and design to provide you with the best results that a cold air intake can provide. Additionally, the carbon fiber construction really enhances the B-58 engine that otherwise looks visually busy.
Although the latest generation of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 get a slight bump in engine size and performance, the exhaust components can be shared with the first generation. AWE’s Track Edition Exhaust System produces an aggressive exhaust note and makes for a great upgrade for the 86-engine platform.
AWE appreciates the FR-S, BRZ, and the 86 vehicles. Enough to take the time to design their performance products. The fact of the matter is that in today’s market, there is not too much competition with the BRZ and the GR86 in terms of getting a traditional rear-wheel drive sports car with a manual transmission option all wrapped up in a relatively light chassis. And this is one of the more affordable options where you would have to spend almost twice as much trying to purchase something that is just a class above such as a new Mustang, an A90 Supra, or other BMW variants that share the B-58 platform. The other comparable option would be a new Miata which is not a bad choice. But for an affordable sports car with many of the modern amenities, the BRZ and GR86 make for an excellent sports car.
Because the 86 is naturally aspirated, you are limited to modifications that add horsepower outside of building the motor and adding forced induction. However, the foundation and spirit of the 86 is not meant to be some big-boosted high horsepower having monster. This is a car that just exhibits fun. You will have a blast on the way to work, and you can still be highly competitive on weekend track events as it is a driver’s car.
AWE’s Track Edition Cat Back will provide the most aggressive exhaust note from their catalog for the 86 as it lacks mufflers. It also removes 12lbs when compared to the factory muffler, and it makes a fairly good difference in throttle response throughout the entire RPM range. Here are some additional high points of this exhaust system:
- Designed and engineered in-house at AWE
- Amplifies that flat-four boxer rumble
- Because it’s the Track Edition, this will be the loudest option
- 304 stainless steel construction
- 3” and 2.5” piping diameter with minimal bends
- Saves 12 lbs over the OEM muffler
- No check engine lights
These are just a few examples of the components that we offer, brought to you by AWE. This is a company operated by true enthusiasts who raise the bar by developing highly refined upgrades to meet the highest of expectations. This is accomplished with the latest technology, engineering procedures, all in-house with long-lasting materials. Their products are a wise investment for your Subaru, or other modifiable vehicle. You can do things cheap, or you can do things right. With AWE, you are making a sound investment for your car with peace of mind knowing that you will have long-lasting performance through a reputable product.
