Why does airflow matter for performance?

An engine is essentially an air pump: how much power it can make depends on how much air fits in per stroke. Every bend, restriction or rough surface in the intake tract costs flow speed and therefore pressure for the turbo. Temperature counts too: cooler air is denser and holds more oxygen per litre. A good intake design works on both, less resistance and cooler air.

These two factors, resistance and temperature, form the basis of the design of our open air intake for the A6 C8.