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The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) Engine Challenge was first held in 2008 and consisted of just five teams totaling 35 high school students. In less than ten years the HROT Engine Challenge has quickly accelerated into a competition of 153 teams and 504 high school students. The Engine Challenge is based around how quickly teams of students can tear down a running small block Chevrolet engine, and rebuild it again. Each team will take a complete crate engine, add fluids and run the engine. From there it will be torn down to a bare block, rebuilt to factory specs, and if everything was done correctly, run again. During the challenge a panel of five judges is watching every step to make sure that everything is torqued correctly, torqued in the proper sequence, and all adjustments are made to spec.

Loara High School in Anaheim, California had 2 teams qualify for the Hot Rodders Of Tomorrow Engine Challenge Dual Championship & Team K&N earned 3rd place at the 2015 SEMA Show

The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge does more than simply teach high school kids how to rebuild a small block Chevy engine. The HROT Engine Challenge provides life skills, like teamwork and how to keep cool under pressure. It also serves to give students a jump start in their automotive careers. Students want to participate in the HROT Engine Challenge because it paves a path toward winning trade school scholarships, job opportunities as mechanics, or further growth into the industry as many aftermarket automotive companies, like K&N air filters, step in to sponsor teams.

K&N Filters has seen the tremendous draw of the HROT Engine Challenge program and how the competition has grown since its inception in 2008-2009. “K&N has supported the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) program since the beginning,” stated Tim Martin, COO of K&N. “This program promotes automotive education, skills, and teamwork. It also educates high school students about vehicle customization, scholarships, and various career paths.” Loara High School in Anaheim, California had two teams qualify for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge Dual Championship in 2015.

Team K&N has just a few practices left before competing in the HROT Engine Challenge Finals at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, December 10-12, 2015

Both teams from Loara High School performed well in 2015, but the K&N sponsored team managed to earn third place in early November at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, Nevada. “The SEMA Show is the second largest trade show in the world, with over 150,000 attendees,” said Tim Martin, COO of K&N. “Loara High School performed very well, finishing 3rd. They now are qualified for the HROT finals at the Performance Racing Industry show, the largest racing technology show in the world. HROT provides outstanding opportunities to these students and K&N is proud to be involved.”

At the Engine Challenge Finals Team K&N will compete against seven other teams to determine who will be crowned the 2015 Engine Challenge Champions. “The SEMA-PRI Dual Championship format provides a platform that highlights the tremendous talent and preparation needed to excel at this level of competition,” added Zane Clark, who serves as the Director of Education for SEMA. “These students now understand that success does not come without hard work and commitment. The fact that they are invested in a path that leads to a future in our industry is both inspiring and reassuring.”

“It’s been quite a ride,” said Team K&N coach Anthony Boccignone of the HROT program. “It’s been exciting. I am amazed at what these kids can do with coaching and their own enthusiasm to be better. Their dedication is incredible. They come in for extra practice all on their own. We have official practices three days a week after school, and then when a student is having a hard time with a particular portion of their job, they’ll come in during their lunch or free time and on off days and practice.” Team K&N has just a few practices left before competing in the Engine Challenge Finals at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, December 10-12, 2015. Win or lose at the finals, the Team K&N students from Loara High School will walk away with an experience of a lifetime.

Kawasaki claims that the 2015 Ninja H2R track-only version of the supercharged 998 cc Inline-4 cylinder motorcycle can develop 300 horsepower

Owners of 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2 models have the option of giving their revolutionary motorcycle a quick boost in performance with the K&N replacement air filter KA-9915

The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2 motorcycle is essentially in a class of its own. The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2 is the first production motorcycle to feature a supercharged engine from the factory. While several production motorcycles featured turbochargers in the 1980s, and Kawasaki has used the H2 marque on a 2-stroke triple, the 2015 Kawasaki H2 is truly unique. The two-speed centrifugal supercharger is driven by a series of gears and shafts to produce less heat than other supercharger designs. Kawasaki claims that the H2R track-only version of the supercharged 998 cc Inline-4 can develop 300 horsepower, while the street legal 2015 Kawasaki H2 produces a claimed 200 horsepower. Though the street legal 2015 Kawasaki H2 is significantly detuned compared to the H2R, it is still estimated to make over 30 more horsepower beyond what even the Kawasaki ZX-14 is capable of.

A supercharger is essentially an air compressor that increases the pressure, or density, of air supplied to the engine. With the denser charge of air, a proportionately larger amount of fuel is able to be delivered to the engine. The use of a supercharger results in an increasingly greater amount of power capability as the pressure supplied by the supercharger is increased. So why restrict this incoming airflow with a factory disposable paper air filter when a K&N high-flow air filter can reduce air intake tract restriction for better throttle response and quicker acceleration?

Owners of 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2 models have the option of giving their revolutionary motorcycle a quick boost in performance with the K&N replacement air filter KA-9915. K&N replacement air filters are different from most factory paper, or foam, based air filters. K&N high-flow air filters employ 4-6 layers of premium cotton gauze carefully laid over one another and pleated between wire screen mesh. The pleated material is trimmed to size, placed in a CNC machined mold, and then injected with a durable urethane material to form an application specific shaped filter & sealing bead.

The street legal 2015 Kawasaki H2 is significantly detuned compared to the H2R, but is still estimated to make over 30 more horsepower than the Kawasaki ZX-14

K&N 2015 Kawasaki ZX1000 Ninja H2 replacement air filter, number KA-9915, will fit and function in 2015 Kawasaki H2 motorcycles as if it came from the factory

K&N replacement air filters are designed to increase performance, but equally important is that they can do so without sacrificing engine protection. K&N air filters undergo in-house laboratory dirt retention testing following ISO 5011 protocols to ensure that a K&N filter will provide high airflow without letting through harmful contaminants. Another benefit of a K&N air filter is that they are washable, reusable, and easy to clean with the use of a commonly available K&N Recharger^® air filter service kit. The fact that K&N air filters can be reused, and that they are backed by a 10-year/million mile limited warranty means that they will provide years of reliable service.

K&N 2015 Kawasaki ZX1000 Ninja H2 replacement air filter KA-9915 will fit and function in 2015 Kawasaki H2 motorcycles as if it came from the factory. In fact, K&N replacement air filter KA-9915 is designed as a direct air filter cross reference for Kawasaki air filter 110130747, or DNA air filter PK10S15H2. Another great upgrade opportunity for 2015 Kawasaki H2 motorcycles is a premium K&N Wrench-Off oil filter which can be found on the K&N Powersports Oil Filters for the Kawasaki ZX1000 Ninja H2 page. Find an authorized K&N dealer in almost any part of the world using the K&N Dealer Search tool.

The K&N air filter for 2015-2016 Indian Scout 69 motorcycles is built using 4 pleats of premium high-flow cotton gauze carefully pleated between wire screen mesh

The 2015-2016 Indian Scout 69 is a forward leap in American motorcycle thinking yet what the factory didn’t give it is the forward thinking technology of K&N replacement air filter PL-1115

The Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company made American Motorcycles in Springfield, Massachusetts from 1901 to 1953 until the original company went bankrupt. Indian Motorcycles were rocketed into fame by the company’s unique racing heritage. The Indian Scout motorcycle was built by the Indian Motocycle Company from 1920 to 1949. The Indian Scout motorcycle rivals the Indian Chief motorcycle as the Indian Motocycle Company’s most important model and the 101 Scout built from 1928 to 1931 has been called the best motorcycle Indian ever made.

Many successors have attempted to revive the Indian Motorcycle name since the original company went bankrupt in 1953. It wasn’t until 2011 however, when Polaris Industries acquired the Indian Motorcycle brand, that a large player in the motorcycle industry was backing the once legendary brand. A new Indian Scout motorcycle was introduced by the now Polaris backed American motorcycle manufacturer for the 2015 model year. Aside from the name, and being an American V-Twin, the 2015 Indian Scout has nothing in common with the Scout of yesteryear.

Breaking with tradition, the 2015-2016 Indian Scout 69 motorcycle is powered by a comparatively advanced liquid-cooled 69 cubic-inch (1133 cc) engine mated to a 6-speed transmission and nestled in a forged cast aluminum frame. Despite the forward leap in American motorcycle thinking represented by the 2015-2016 Indian Scout 69, this motorcycle is factory equipped with a low-tech disposable air filter. Owners of 2015-2016 Indian Scout 69 models would do well to swap the factory filter with an equally advanced and American-made K&N replacement air filter PL-1115.

The pleated filter media is trimmed to size and precision molded into a durable application specific urethane frame for the 2015-2016 Indian Scout 69 K&N replacement air filter

K&N air filters were developed in 1969 by two motorcycle enthusiasts who also embraced forward thinking. Instead of paper, or even foam, a K&N air filter is built using 4 pleats of premium cotton gauze carefully pleated between wire screen mesh. The pleated filter media is trimmed to size and precision molded into a durable urethane frame. Because cotton breathes easier than paper a K&N air filter will help increase airflow and has been proven in the lab, as well as through 45+ years of existence, to provide outstanding engine protection.

One of the best benefits of a K&N air filter, and the hand-built cotton gauze design, is that they are washable and reusable. While a K&N high-flow air filter is washable and reusable, it could be years before any kind of cleaning is needed. The high airflow design, combined with a large pleated surface filtration area, means K&N air filters can provide increased service intervals, depending on driving conditions.

A K&N replacement air filter for 2015-2016 Indian Scout 69 models can be seen as an investment, since over time it will more than pay for itself compared to replacing disposable air filters. Plus K&N air filters are backed by a 10-year/million mile limited warranty to give K&N users the confidence they need to pull the trigger on what has been called the World’s best air filter.

K&N replacement air filter PL-1115, will provide outstanding performance, engine protection, increased service intervals, and years of reusability for the following Indian Scout motorcycles:

2016 INDIAN SCOUT 69 CI – All
2015 INDIAN SCOUT 69 CI – All

K&N replacement air filters for Indian Scout models, including those manufactured in 2001, 2002, and 2003, can be found on the K&N Powersports Air Filters for the Indian Scout page. Other great upgrade opportunities for the Indian Scout, or other vehicles, can be found using the Search By Vehicle tool. K&N air filters are available online as well as at local authorized K&N dealers which can be found with the K&N Dealer Search tool.

The large format 24" X 18" 2016 K&N shop calendar, number 89-11493-16, is available for pre-order

The K&N Limited Edition Calendar first graced shop walls for the 2011 calendar year and the stunning ultra-high-quality large format print and photography made the calendar an instant hit. Each year since, fans of the K&N calendar have anxiously awaited the release of the newest edition. In 2015 K&N tried something new by opening up the limited edition calendar for preorder, and just in time for Cyber Monday 2015, orders for the K&N 2016 Calendar can now be placed.

A DVX 900RR build and ridden by Vaclav “Iceman” Zacek can be found on the September 2016 page of the 2016 K&N Calendar

Given the success of offering two different sizes last year, K&N kept this option for the 2016 K&N Calendar. Like years past the large format 24" X 18" shop calendar version, number 89-11493-16, is available and features a full yearly calendar on each page. That way if you have a favorite month you aren’t obligated flip the page just because the month is over.

The smaller format 14" X 10.5" traditional size wall 2016 K&N calendar, number 89-11853-16, is available for pre-order

New for 2015 was the smaller format 14" X 10.5" traditional size wall calendar and K&N has produced number 89-11853-16 again for 2016. Some would ask, why make a smaller version? Well the answer is that sometimes the large format shop calendar just won’t fit in smaller spaces such as offices or cubicles. Plus the smaller calendar places more emphasis on the days of the week which makes it equally as functional as it is attractive.

The 1969 Ford Mustang RTR-X Fastback built by professional drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. drove its way into the 2016 K&N Calendar for March 2016

Like previous versions of the K&N calendar, K&N has teamed up with high-profile custom vehicle builders and race teams to take photos set against beautiful and sometimes iconic scenery for the 2016 calendar. This year, K&N worked with popular motorsports athletes, such as: X-Games Gold Medalist Lance Coury, professional drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr., and Pro4 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series driver Bradley Morris.

But what would the K&N calendar be without some radical custom vehicles? The 2015 F150 “Bink Boost” pre-runner, recently seen at the 2015 SEMA show, graces the month of April, 2016. Even several vehicles belonging to members of the K&N R&D team are featured in the calendar such as Jonathan Fiello’s 1967 Chevy Malibu in July, and the custom Kawasaki KZ440 bobber from November.

Because the K&N 2016 calendar will be printed in two sizes, the large format K&N calendar 89-11493-16 will be produced in very limited quantities. Larger quantities of the 14” x 10.5” K&N calendar 89-11853-16 are being printed, but once they’re gone, they’re gone. Be sure to preorder your K&N 2016 limited edition calendar to make certain you get one before it’s too late.

The K&N brand has become world famous for its washable and reusable performance air filters. Find a K&N replacement air filter, or K&N air intake system for your vehicle using the Search by Vehicle tool. Then use the K&N Dealer Search to find an authorized K&N dealer in almost any part of the world.

Roland Gotingco’s 2005 CLK55 AMG was already a step above the average Mercedes CLK, however extensive modifications & yellow livery made it pop in the NitroFill 2015 SEMA Booth

The Sarto Racing Rocket Bunny wide body kit, APR Performance carbon fiber wing, front & side splitters, and the competition yellow livery made this car pop at the 2015 SEMA Show

Modifying cars to provide increased performance, or at least the look of increased performance, has been part of popular hot rodding culture for the better part of a century. The golden age of Hot Rodding following the Second World War eventually gave birth to factory muscle cars in the 1960’s. Rising costs of insurance, crude oil and prices at the pump, as well as federal emissions standards nearly killed the muscle car by the mid-1970’s. However, this also gave rise to a new movement in the car modification culture. In the United States, the overall sales trend toward smaller; more fuel efficient, compact cars being imported into the U.S. began to inspire the Tuner Car movement.

Due to the light weight of import cars from Japan or Europe, as well as improvements in technology, these compact cars began to exhibit high performance potential. While the Japanese sport compact import scene owes much of its current status to early Datsun/Nissan, Honda, and Toyota cars, Euro Car tuning can be traced back to early air-cooled Volkswagen Beetles. Similar to the Ford Model-T which inspired many early Hot Rodders, the affordability, widespread availability, and modification potential of Volkswagen Beetles created a path which many European car tuners would follow.

Also similar to the way hot rods gave way to factory muscle cars, the early European compact car scene has evolved toward sporty performance cars designed and factory built from Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Volvo, and even Mercedes-Benz. In a sub culture filled with cars built by Audi, BMW, and VW, Roland Gotingco dares to sway from the norm with his competition yellow 2005 Mercedes Benz CLK55 AMG. AMG models typically have more aggressive looks, higher performance, and better handling, than their regular Mercedes counterparts. AMG models are also usually the most expensive and highest-performing of each Mercedes-Benz class.

Roland Gotingco supplemented the 2005 Mercedes CLK55 AMG 5.4-liter V8 engine’s performance with the superior airflow and superior performance of dual K&N air filters

As an AMG tuned model of Mercedes’ CLK-Class mid-size luxury coupé, Roland enhanced his 2005 CLK55 AMG to be further beyond the average CLK’s performance and styling (Auktane photo)

As an AMG tuned model of Mercedes’ CLK-Class mid-size luxury coupé, Roland’s 2005 CLK55 AMG was already a step above the average CLK both in terms of performance and styling. The 2005 CLK55 AMG was factory equipped with a 5.4 L, 24-valve SOHC V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The AMG tuned CLK55 was rated at 60 more horsepower and about 40 lb-ft more torque than the top of the line non-AMG tuned CLK500 of the time. Because the 2005 CLK55 AMG is already powered by a healthy German built V8 engine, Roland decided to stick with basic engine modifications including a pair of K&N drop-in replacement air filters 33-2181.

With factory horsepower being properly supplemented by the superior airflow and superior performance of K&N air filters, Roland moved onto visual modifications that both physically and aesthetically enhance the performance of his 2005 CLK55 AMG Mercedes. The Sarto Racing Rocket Bunny wide body kit installed by DTM Autobody, APR Performance carbon fiber wing, front splitters, as well as side splitters, and the competition yellow livery made sure this car popped while on display in the NitroFill 2015 SEMA Show Booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Roland finished off the Euro Tuner look of his 2005 Mercedes CLK55 AMG with a set of custom HRE Performance wheels, Toyo Tires, and bag over coil over suspension for the proper stance (Auktane photo)

A custom Novasuede diamond stitch two-tone interior provides plush seating while a custom roll cage by City Garage provides additional peace of mind inside the 2005 Mercedes CLK55 AMG

Roland finished off that proper Euro Tuner look with a set of custom HRE Performance Classic Series wheels in 19” x 10” in front and 19x12 out back. Stretched onto those HRE wheels are a set of Toyo Tires Proxes ultra high performance tires in a wide and ultra-low profile 245/35/19 and 295/30/19 sizes front to rear. Airlift Autopilot V2 air management air bag suspension over Megan Coil overs provide that tire tucking race car stance with the ability to adjust ride height when needed.

The inside of Roland’s 2005 Mercedes Benz CLK55 AMG wasn’t ignored. Roland not only added amenities but he managed to up the race inspired styling at the same time. A Kenwood Excelon DNX8120 double DIN head unit is at the heart of a full custom Focal Audio System build which incorporates a rear seat delete. In place of the rear seat are two 12” Focal Flax sub woofers, a Powered by Focal PD900.1 amplifier and another Powered by Focal PD600.4 amplifier. A custom Novasuede diamond stitch two-tone interior provides a plush seating surface while a custom roll cage by City Garage provides additional peace of mind.

A complete list of modifications made by Roland Gotingco to his 2005 Mercedes Benz CLK55 AMG is below.

2005 Mercedes Benz CLK55 AMG

Exterior:

Performance:

Interior:

Find a K&N replacement air filter for your CLK55 AMG on the K&N Air Filters for the Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG page, or use the K&N Search by Vehicle tool to find K&N performance upgrades for other vehicles. Use the K&N Dealer Search to find an authorized K&N dealer in almost any part of the world.