How to go low with KW Suspension – we know!
After hours of searching on Google, car forums and watching what the pros do, many people come to the conclusion that KW Suspension systems from Germany are the best way to go. Once that decision is made the next challenge is to figure out which version of KW coilovers to buy.
KW regularly introduces new variants and applications for freshly released vehicles but also for older ‘youngtimer’ vehicles that are becoming collectible and cool. Check out KW huge range of coilover offerings: VARIANT 1, VARIANT 2, VARIANT 3, VARIANT 4, STREET COMFORT, DDC (DYNAMIC DAMPING CONTROL) and CLUBSPORT 2-WAY or 3-WAY.
KW also offers some unique suspension lowering options such as their H.A.S. (Height Adjustable Spring kit), DLC lowering module for air suspension, HLS lift system and Competition coilovers but we will leave these aside to discuss on another day.
In stereotypical German fashion KW invests heavily in R&D and is one of the few street car suspension manufacturers that has an in-house 7-post driving dynamics test rig. This ex-Formula 1 chassis test rig is used to measure, develop and optimize a wide range of suspension parameters and kinematics to achieve a level of suspension control that is out of reach for most suspension companies. To give you an idea of how valuable the 7-post rig is for chassis development consider that KW has partnered with teams from LMP1, LMP2, F2, GT1, WTCC, WRC and ADAC, plus Alpina and Manthey Racing and you start to understand why you would want a KW system on your car!
So which Variant does Tunerworks recommend for your application and driving needs? The best way to get a custom tailored answer is to contact one of our staff to discuss your needs and expectations but this is our quick reference list to get you on the right zone.
VARIANT 1: Driver’s looking for a slightly firmer and sportier feel while increasing body control and offering a wide range of lowering adjustment. Perfect for most street driven cars.
VARIANT 2: Very similar to V1 but with the added ability to adjust the dampers rebound damping control to fine tune the ride and handling balance. Perfect for most street driven cars.
VARIANT 3: Very similar to V2 but with the added ability to adjust the dampers for compression and rebound damping control to fine tune the ride and handling balance to a much greater degree. Perfect for street driven cars and an excellent entry-level system for track days, Auto-X and other events against the clock.
VARIANT 4: This is where things start to get serious! The V4 dampers feature external reservoirs and allow independent adjustment of the rebound stage damping as well as low-speed and high-speed compression damping. These technical attributes combine to make the V4 kit the benchmark for road performance suspension. Perfect for specialty street driven cars and those who want to own the best. Also an excellent entry-level system for track days, Auto-X and other events against the clock.
STREET COMFORT: Very similar to V2 with ability to adjust the dampers rebound damping to fine tune the ride and handling balance but with spring rates and damper valving optimized and biased towards ride comfort. Perfect for lowering street driven cars where a smooth ride is more important than pulling more Gs on off ramps.
DDC (DYNAMIC DAMPING CONTROL): Very similar to V3 but with KW’s iSuspension intelligence that integrates with vehicle-specific adaptive damping systems or can be installed as a standalone system with KW’s DDC ECU package and controlled through the KW App for Android or iOS. Available for many applications but popular for BMW M4, Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio, Mercedes-AMG G63, Toyota GR Supra MK V, Golf R and more. Perfect for street driven cars and an excellent entry-level system for track days, Auto-X and other events against the clock.
CLUBSPORT 2-WAY AND 3-WAY: If your priority is ultimate chassis control and FTD winning lap times you need one of these kits! The Clubsport kits are the best way to get Motorsport technology and performance from your street car without spending Motorsport money. Think of the Clubsport as the track-ready version of the V3 kits with focus being performance over ride quality. Some of the Clubsport kits are supplied with camber adjustable billet aluminum top mounts to assist in dialling in the perfect wheel alignment settings. Perfect for street legal cars equipped with DOT R Compound tires for track days, Auto-X and other events against the clock. Ride comfort will be compromised compared to KWs V-series offerings but control and handling will be greatly enhanced. *If you want to go more hardcore than this contact us about KWs special made-to-order Competition suspension kits!
