KW automotive makes far more than just coilovers and motorsport dampers for LMDh and GT3 racing cars; the suspension manufacturer is currently working on further expanding its suspension program for classic vehicles.
These KW classic suspensions are available for more and more vehicles, whereby the focus is mostly on model years of the seventies and eighties. Occasionally, however, the first KW Classic components are also available for models from the sixties. The feedback from buyers of KW classic suspensions is simply incredibly positive - not only from BMW and Porsche fans, but also from lovers of classic gems such as the Datsun 240Z.
Modern handling without changing the character of the classic
The automobile magazine "auto, motor und sport" compared sports suspensions in its thematic focus on driving dynamics. The test vehicles were not high-horsepower current sports cars, but old BMW 316i Compact (E36) from the nineties. The KW V3 suspension, which is separately adjustable in compression and rebound, was convincing in all respects - even on the comfort test track!
For the majority of KW classic suspensions, the suspension manufacturer relies on its so-called "V3 technology" in which the dampers can be adjusted independently in the compression and rebound stages. It does not matter whether the KW V3 classic suspension has been developed for a Porsche 911 from 1965, for a BMW Z3 Coupé or for a Datsun 240 Z.
In all vehicles, KW classic suspensions ensure modern handling without changing the character of the classic automobile.
Adaptation to the speed
This is made possible in detail by the damper valves used, which are basically always made up of so-called high-speed and low-speed valves for the compression and rebound damping. The terms "high-speed" and "low-speed" do not refer to the driving speed of the car, but the driving dynamics experts have the working speed of the damper piston rod in mind.
If, for example, a BMW Z 3 Coupé is driven around a bend on a flat road or over long bumps, the suspension operates in the low-speed range. If, on the other hand, you are driving on a side road with many bumps or where the asphalt has only been poorly repaired with tar, these unevennesses result in high vertical accelerations - i.e. much faster impulses and the damping works in the high-speed range. In order to ensure a smooth body structure and ride comfort, the high-speed valves, which are pre-tensioned during production, open to increase the oil flow rate and the wheel compresses harmoniously.
Connected to the road
In principle, the rebound damping is largely responsible for how the Z3 Coupé is connected to the road and how quickly the springs return to their initial position after compression. Closing the rebound stage makes the handling more direct, while opening the rebound stage valves leads to more good-natured handling and also improves ride comfort. 16 click stages are available for adjusting the low-speed rebound. The compression stage, on the other hand, influences the compression of the spring and therefore has a direct effect on body roll when steering and cornering. The compression damping also supports the steering behavior of the BMW. With twelve clicks, the low-speed compression can be adjusted with the KW V3 Classic dampers and the KW V3 Classic coilover suspension.
KW V3 Classic dampers
The KW V3 Classic dampers for the Porsche 911 F- and G-model have the same dimensions as the original parts. Especially for Porsche enthusiasts who attach great importance to the original ground clearance in their contemporary restoration, the KW V3 Classic damper set is recommended. The dampers are installed in conjunction with the original torsion bar springs.
When changing to KW V3 classic dampers, the suspension manufacturer generally recommends replacing all wearing parts, such as the original springs, strut mounts and rubber-metal elements with new spare parts.
If you are undecided about the right suspension for your veteran, classic or youngtimer, you are welcome to contact the Swiss branch of KW automotive in Rotkreuz.
Further information is available on the supplier's website or by calling 041 798 11-00.
