our story

Built from a Passion for Power

Do you love the feeling of extra power every time you hit the gas? So do we. That passion is exactly what sparked the creation of Cold Air Inductions back in 2004. Our founder, James Newsome, has always lived for performance—whether building race cars or fine-tuning show cars. When he couldn’t find a cold air intake that delivered the power, quality, and precision he demanded for his 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix, he built one himself. That single project ignited a mission: to engineer cold air intake systems that truly perform—and look as good as they feel. James rejected the industry’s standard plastic intakes made from cheap materials and poor craftsmanship. Instead, he designed a durable, lightweight aluminum intake that keeps air cooler and denser, helping engines breathe easier and produce more power. Every bend, weld, and coating was crafted with one goal in mind: performance without compromise. By the fall of 2004, at just 23 years old, James launched Cold Air Inductions’ first e- commerce website—well ahead of the curve in online performance parts shopping. The brand’s commitment to precision engineering earned recognition from both enthusiasts and OEMs, leading Cold Air Inductions to become a Tier 1 OEM supplier in 2013 - trusted by major manufacturers for innovation and quality standards. In 2020, James expanded his passion for performance and precision into filtration by founding Elite Performance Filtration, a sister company born from the desire to create the perfect air filter for Cold Air Induction’s intake systems. What started as a supporting product evolved into a standalone brand, now supplying high-performance filtration solutions to consumers and military programs alike. Today, every Cold Air Inductions system is designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA, using premium materials and components. As an ISO 9000–compliant manufacturer and Tier 1 OEM supplier, we uphold the same standards of precision and quality relied on by top automotive and military programs. Each intake and filter is custom-designed for specific vehicles—not a one-size-fits-all approach—and validated on our in-house flow bench and chassis dyno. The result? Proven horsepower and torque gains you can feel every time you drive. At Cold Air Inductions, we’re passionate car enthusiasts who live for performance. We believe every part should deliver real results, fit with precision, and stand the test of time. Whether you're shaving seconds off your lap time or simply want your daily driver to breathe better, our systems are built to elevate your driving experience.
get in touch

OUR MISSION

GET IN TOUCH

Cold Air Inductions creates world-class performance products with premium materials and finishes—setting the standard for quality and craftsmanship in the aftermarket automotive industry.

GET IN TOUCH

Why Choose Us

Performance you can feel, quality you can see, support you can trust, and innovation that leads the industry

Improved Performance

Improved Performance

Our lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber intakes increase airflow and reduce heat soak to boost engine performance. By delivering cooler, ...

Advanced Engineering & Innovation

Advanced Engineering & Innovation

Manufactured to exacting standards with premium materials, Cold Air Inductions delivers superior durability, performance, and value. The sealed air box ...

Consumer Advantage

Consumer Advantage

For us, the customer experience matters as much as performance. From the moment you start your installation to years down ...

Quality Materials And Fitment

Quality Materials And Fitment

The performance and durability of a cold air intake system depend on the materials behind it. Cheap components can cause ...

MILESTONES TIMELINE

OUR JOURNEY THROUGH THE YEARS

2003

The First Intake

It all started in a garage. Founder James D. Newsome designed and hand-built his first cold air intake for his 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix — setting the foundation for a company driven by performance and precision.

2004

Cold Air Inductions is Born

Fueled by passion, James officially founded Cold Air Inductions, Inc., determined to build intake systems that combined real performance with high-quality craftsmanship.

2005

The First Partnership

CAI partnered with Motorsports Performance Design (MPD) to engineer and manufacture cold air intakes for their RAM Air Hoods for the 2004 Pontiac GTO — marking the company’s first collaboration in the performance aftermarket.

2009

The Breakthrough Year

Cold Air Inductions released its first Camaro intake system and earned immediate recognition by winning the Janetty Racing Equipment (JRE) Intake Shootout, cementing CAI’s reputation for proven performance.

2011

A New Home for Innovation

With growing demand and expanding product lines, CAI built and moved into a state-of-the-art facility in Memphis, Michigan, establishing a permanent home for its engineering and manufacturing operations.

2013

Trusted by General Motors

CAI became a Tier 1 OEM Supplier for General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales, achieving one of the industry’s highest levels of manufacturing credibility.

2014

Engineering Upgrades

The company installed its first in-house chassis dyno, flow bench, and vehicle lift, allowing engineers to test, refine, and validate every design under real-world conditions.

2015

Connecting with the Industry

CAI officially joined the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), strengthening its connections within the performance aftermarket and further solidifying its industry presence.

2016

Recognized for Excellence

Cold Air Inductions received its first (of many) Platinum Supplier Status Award from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales, recognizing the company’s commitment to quality and precision manufacturing.

2017

Innovation in Carbon

The debut of the Elite Carbon Series marked another milestone, bringing cutting-edge carbon fiber design to the 6th Generation Camaro and redefining performance aesthetics.

2020

Expanding Through Filtration

James established Elite Performance Filtration, a sister company to Cold Air Inductions, dedicated to designing and manufacturing the high-performance filters used in all CAI systems.

2020

A Trusted Military Supplier

CAI’s dedication to precision and reliability led to becoming a trusted supplier for military applications, demonstrating the strength and dependability of its designs.

2024

Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation

From a single hand-built intake to an industry-leading manufacturer, Cold Air Inductions celebrates two decades of engineering excellence, craftsmanship, and innovation that continue to set the standard in performance.

GENERAL FAQS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Cold Air Inductions intake systems deliver proven performance gains, sharper throttle response, cooler air temps, and a deeper intake sound. Bolt‑on design. Lifetime protection. Made in the USA.

Yes. Cold Air Inductions, Inc. offers a lifetime warranty on all Cold Air Intake systems, guaranteeing they are free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. Register your product and see full details on our warranty policy

No. Our cold air intake systems are designed to integrate with your vehicle’s OEM setup, so no aftermarket tune is required. Each system is designed to deliver improved airflow and performance right out of the box.

Maximize the life and performance of your Cold Air Inductions oiled air filter using a CAI recharge kit. For step-by-step guidance, we offer both a detailed installation video and a downloadable PDF instruction guide

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

our location

Home of Cold Air Inductions

Explore our full range of cold air intake systems and experience the difference in power, quality, and fitment.
Shop Now