[McNeo]

My Wix filter has one too. I believe it's just another layer of restriction to improve economy. I don't think it's really there to do any filtering since that's the filter's job. I took mine off, might get a little better airflow, haven't blown up yet.

 

[McNeo]

Would removing it yield better fuel economy? I do a lot of city driving so every MPG counts..

I think leaving it on would give better economy. Less air, less fuel.

I'd be willing to bet someones else's money on it.

 

[McNeo]

So it's more of a performance mod then? I'd love a little more get up since I don't have a turbo in my Cruze lol.

Yeah but probably not hardly noticeable. I'm no gearhead, and I can't honestly vouch for anything I've said lol. All I know is I took mine off and under the foam it looks like any other filter you'd put in any other car, so I figure it can't hurt.