APR Performance Upgrades for Your 2015-2021 WRX: The Complete Aerodynamic Guide

Why APR Performance? Brand Overview & Quality

APR Performance has built a reputation as one of the most respected names in aftermarket aerodynamics. Founded in Southern California, the company has spent decades developing functional aero components for sports cars, imports, and dedicated race vehicles. For VA WRX owners looking to add real downforce—not just visual flair—APR is a go-to choice trusted by weekend track enthusiasts and professional racing teams alike.

Motorsport Heritage & Engineering

What sets APR apart from many competitors is their commitment to function over form. Every wing, splitter, and canard is designed using aerodynamic principles derived from motorsport. APR components aren't just styled to look aggressive—they're engineered to generate measurable downforce and improve high-speed stability. This motorsport DNA is evident in their product lineup, which includes components seen on time attack builds, road racing programs, and serious street-driven performance cars.

Premium Carbon Fiber Construction

APR Performance manufactures their components using prepreg carbon fiber, which is the same material and process used in aerospace and professional motorsport applications. Unlike wet-layup carbon fiber, prepreg carbon is pre-impregnated with resin and cured under heat and pressure in an autoclave. This results in:

• Superior strength-to-weight ratio — Lightweight yet incredibly rigid
• Consistent fiber alignment — Better structural integrity across the entire part
• UV-resistant clear coat — Protection against sun damage and fading
• Show-quality finish — Deep gloss weave that looks as good as it performs

Why WRX Owners Choose APR

The VA WRX is a popular platform for both daily driving and spirited track use. Its turbocharged FA20 engine and symmetrical AWD system make it a capable performer, but the factory aerodynamics are relatively mild. APR Performance components allow WRX owners to unlock the chassis's potential at higher speeds, improving grip and confidence through fast corners. Whether you're chasing lap times at your local track day or simply want your WRX to stand out with purposeful, functional styling, APR delivers.

Carbon Fiber Wings & Spoilers: Adding Downforce to Your VA WRX

If there's one component APR Performance is best known for, it's their lineup of carbon fiber rear wings. For VA WRX owners looking to improve high-speed stability and rear-end grip, a properly designed rear wing is one of the most impactful aerodynamic upgrades you can make. Unlike factory spoilers that primarily reduce lift, APR's wings are engineered to generate active downforce—pushing the rear tires into the pavement for improved traction.

Understanding Rear Wing Aerodynamics

A rear wing works by creating a pressure differential between the top and bottom surfaces of the airfoil. As air flows over the wing, it generates downward force on the rear of the vehicle. This downforce increases with speed, meaning the faster you go, the more grip you gain. For a performance-oriented platform like the WRX, this translates to:

• Improved corner exit traction — Put power down more confidently
• Enhanced high-speed stability — Less rear-end nervousness at triple-digit speeds
• Better braking performance — Increased rear grip under hard deceleration
• Reduced lift — Keeps the car planted instead of floaty

APR GTC-Series Wings

APR's GTC (Grand Touring Carbon) series represents their flagship wing lineup. These wings feature aircraft-grade aluminum stands, adjustable angle of attack, and APR's signature prepreg carbon fiber airfoils. The two most popular options for WRX applications are:

GTC-200

The GTC-200 features a 59-inch wide airfoil with a moderate chord depth, making it ideal for street/track cars that want meaningful downforce without an overly aggressive appearance. Its adjustable stands allow you to fine-tune the angle of attack based on your driving style and speed ranges. This is the most popular choice for WRX owners who want a balance between aesthetics and function.

GTC-300

For owners who prioritize maximum downforce, the GTC-300 steps up with a 67-inch span and larger chord depth. This wing generates significantly more downforce than the GTC-200 and is better suited for dedicated track cars or time attack builds where lap times matter more than street subtlety. The larger profile makes a bold statement and delivers serious aerodynamic performance.

Mounting & Fitment Considerations

APR wings are designed as universal-fit components, meaning they can be mounted to virtually any vehicle with the appropriate hardware and installation. For the VA WRX, most owners choose to mount the wing to the trunk lid using APR's included hardware and chassis-specific mounting plates (when available). Key considerations include:

• Trunk reinforcement — High-downforce wings may require reinforcement plates to distribute load
• Stand height — Taller stands position the wing in cleaner airflow for better efficiency
• Angle adjustment — Start with a conservative angle and increase as needed based on feel and data

Wing vs. Spoiler: What's the Difference?

It's worth clarifying the distinction between a wing and a spoiler. A spoiler (like the factory WRX trunk lip) is designed to "spoil" or disrupt airflow to reduce lift. A wing, on the other hand, is an airfoil that actively generates downforce. For performance applications, a properly designed wing will always outperform a spoiler in terms of grip and stability—though it comes with increased drag as a trade-off.

Front Splitters & Canards: Balancing Your Aero Package

While rear wings tend to steal the spotlight, front aerodynamic components are equally critical—if not more so—when building a balanced performance setup. A rear wing without corresponding front downforce will push the nose of your WRX light at speed, creating understeer and reducing driver confidence. APR Performance offers carbon fiber front splitters and canards specifically designed to generate front-end grip and balance your overall aero package.

The Role of Front Aero

Front aerodynamic components serve two primary purposes: generating front downforce and managing airflow around and under the vehicle. When properly implemented, front aero keeps the nose planted during high-speed cornering and heavy braking, allowing you to carry more speed into corners and brake later with confidence. For the VA WRX, which has a tendency toward understeer in stock form, front aero can dramatically improve turn-in response and overall balance.

Carbon Fiber Front Splitters

A front splitter is a flat, horizontal extension that mounts beneath the front bumper. It works by creating a high-pressure zone above the splitter and a low-pressure zone beneath it, effectively sucking the front of the car toward the ground. APR Performance splitters are constructed from the same prepreg carbon fiber as their wings, ensuring strength, rigidity, and a premium finish.

Key Benefits of a Front Splitter

• Increased front-end grip — More confidence during corner entry and mid-corner
• Improved turn-in response — The nose reacts more quickly to steering input
• Better aero balance — Counteracts rear wing downforce for neutral handling
• Reduced front lift — Keeps the front tires loaded at high speeds

Splitter Sizing & Support Rods

Splitters come in various sizes, typically measured by how far they extend forward from the bumper. A larger splitter generates more downforce but also increases the risk of ground contact on steep driveways or speed bumps. For street/track cars, a moderate 2-3 inch extension offers a good balance of performance and practicality. APR splitters often include provisions for support rods—adjustable struts that connect the splitter to the bumper or chassis for added rigidity under aerodynamic load.

Carbon Fiber Canards

Canards (also called dive planes or bumper fins) are small winglets mounted to the front corners of the bumper. While they generate less downforce than a full splitter, canards offer unique aerodynamic benefits that make them a popular addition to WRX builds.

How Canards Work

Canards function similarly to a wing, creating downforce through their airfoil shape. More importantly, they help direct airflow around the front wheels and along the sides of the car, reducing turbulence and drag. On the VA WRX, canards can also add front downforce to complement a splitter or serve as a standalone upgrade for owners who want improved aero without a full splitter installation.

Benefits of Adding Canards

• Additional front downforce — Supplements splitter or adds grip on its own
• Improved airflow management — Reduces turbulence around front wheels
• Aggressive styling — Motorsport-inspired appearance
• Easy installation — Typically mounts with hardware or adhesive

Pairing Front Aero with Your Rear Wing

The goal of any aerodynamic package is balance. A well-balanced car has similar levels of downforce at the front and rear, resulting in neutral handling characteristics. If you've installed a GTC-200 or GTC-300 rear wing, you'll want to match it with appropriate front aero to avoid pushing the front end. A general guideline:

Building a Complete APR Aero Setup: Recommendations & Considerations

Now that we've covered the individual components, let's talk about putting it all together. Building a complete aerodynamic package for your VA WRX requires careful consideration of your goals, driving environment, and budget. Whether you're building a dedicated track weapon or a street car with weekend track duty, APR Performance offers the components to create a cohesive, functional aero setup.

Define Your Goals First

Before purchasing any aero components, ask yourself how you'll primarily use your WRX. Your answer will guide every decision from component selection to installation approach:

• Daily driver with occasional spirited driving — Prioritize aesthetics and practicality; canards or a modest splitter may be all you need
• Street/track dual-purpose — Balance is key; a GTC-200 wing paired with a front splitter and canards offers meaningful gains without compromising street usability
• Dedicated track car or time attack build — Go aggressive with a GTC-300 wing, large front splitter with support rods, and canards for maximum downforce

Street vs. Track Considerations

The line between street and track aero comes down to practicality and risk tolerance. Here's what to consider for each environment:

Street-Focused Builds

• Ground clearance — Large splitters are vulnerable to driveways, speed bumps, and parking lot entrances
• Visual impact — A rear wing makes a statement; make sure you're comfortable with the attention
• Daily usability — Consider how aero affects trunk access, car washes, and parking garages
• Speed limitations — Aero benefits are minimal at legal street speeds; most gains are aesthetic

Track-Focused Builds

• Downforce over everything — Larger wings and splitters generate more grip where it counts
• Support and reinforcement — Use support rods, trunk reinforcement plates, and proper mounting hardware
• Adjustability — APR wings allow angle adjustments; use data or feel to dial in your setup
• Aero balance — Front and rear downforce should be matched for neutral handling

Sample APR Aero Packages for the VA WRX

To help you visualize what a complete setup might look like, here are three sample configurations based on different goals and budgets:

Supporting Modifications to Consider

Aerodynamic upgrades work best when supported by complementary modifications. To get the most out of your APR aero package, consider these supporting upgrades:

• Coilovers or lowering springs — A lower ride height improves aero efficiency by reducing air flowing under the car and positioning components in cleaner airflow
• Sticky tires — Downforce is useless if your tires can't handle the additional grip; upgrade to a performance summer tire or track-focused compound
• Brake upgrades — More grip means higher corner entry speeds; make sure your brakes can handle the increased demands
• Alignment tuning — A performance-oriented alignment with added negative camber helps maximize tire contact patch during cornering

Installation & Professional Help

While many APR components can be installed at home with basic tools, there are situations where professional installation is recommended:

• Trunk-mounted wings — Drilling into your trunk requires precision; mistakes are costly and visible
• Splitter alignment — A crooked splitter affects both aesthetics and performance
• Support rod mounting — Proper chassis attachment points ensure the splitter stays secure under load

If you're not confident in your fabrication skills, seek out a reputable shop experienced with aero installations. The cost of professional installation is far less than the cost of repairing a botched DIY job.

Caring for Your Carbon Fiber

APR Performance carbon fiber components are finished with a UV-resistant clear coat, but proper care will extend their life and keep them looking sharp:

• Wash regularly — Road grime, brake dust, and debris can damage the clear coat over time
• Avoid harsh chemicals — Use pH-neutral car wash soap; avoid degreasers directly on carbon
• Wax or seal — Apply a quality carnauba wax or paint sealant every few months for added protection
• Inspect for damage — Check for chips, cracks, or delamination after track days or spirited drives

Final Thoughts

APR Performance has earned its reputation in the motorsports world by delivering aerodynamic components that actually work—not just look the part. For VA WRX owners seeking to improve high-speed stability, cornering grip, and overall driving confidence, APR's lineup of carbon fiber wings, splitters, and canards offers a proven path to real performance gains.

The key takeaways from this guide:

• Aerodynamics matter — At speed, properly designed aero components generate meaningful downforce that improves grip and stability
• Balance is critical — A rear wing without front aero creates understeer; always consider your setup as a complete package
• Quality counts — APR's prepreg carbon fiber construction, wind tunnel testing, and motorsport pedigree ensure you're getting components that perform as advertised
• Match components to your goals — A daily driver doesn't need a GTC-300; a dedicated track car shouldn't settle for canards alone
• Support your aero — Coilovers, sticky tires, and brake upgrades help you capitalize on the additional grip aero provides

Whether you're chasing lap times at your local track day, building a head-turning show car, or simply want your WRX to feel more planted during spirited canyon runs, APR Performance aerodynamic components deliver the perfect combination of form and function. Start with a clear understanding of your goals, build a balanced package, and enjoy the confidence that comes from a properly sorted aero setup.

Ready to transform your VA WRX's aerodynamic performance? Browse our selection of APR Performance components and start building your ultimate aero package today.