More driving pleasure and driving dynamics for all Smart #1: KW V3 coilover suspension available for the compact electric crossover SUV

24 September 2024

The KW V3 coilover suspension is now available for all Smart #1 electric cars Drivers of even the Smart #1 Brabus can now experience enhanced driving dynamics with the KW V3 coilover suspension. This performance upgrade offers independent adjustment of compression and rebound for a customized driving experience. Two versions are available, catering to both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants of the Smart #1. Regardless of drivetrain configuration, the KW V3 allows a stepless lowering of 30 to 50 millimeters on the front axle and 35 to 55 millimeters on the rear. This enhances stability and body control during spirited driving, ultimately improving driving safety. Ride comfort is maintained at stock levels and even improves at lower speeds. The KW V3 coilover suspension features a durable stainless steel construction and is available for €2,499. Learn more at www.kwsuspensions.net

The Chinese automotive group Geely is also relying on the currently popular crossover SUV body design for the new Smart #1. It offers plenty of space in the compact five-door model. "During the development of our coilover suspension, we worked closely with the community of the Smart Emotion Forum and listened carefully to the wishes of the electric smart drivers," says KW Brand Manager Florian Johann. "For example, some in the community were bothered by the fact that the excellent longitudinal dynamics of the Smart #1 Brabus did not match the lateral dynamics of the standard suspension. In the standard chassis, the assistance and control systems have to engage comparatively earlier when cornering at high speed in order to stabilize the body structure at high speeds. Some also complained of a slight subliminal rumble." With the KW V3 coilover suspension, this issue is significantly reduced, and the suspension is available for all engines of the Smart #1. It gives the electric Smart, which weighs up to 1.9 tons, much more robust support for the body structure. As a result, the various Smart #1 models benefit from much more precise handling. The body also sways much less. At the same time, the chassis, with its multi-valve dampers, effectively absorbs bumps and transverse joints without compromising rolling comfort. Whether driving slowly at less than 60 km/h in the city or over 60 km/h on lousy side roads outside built-up areas, the KW V3 enables sporty and harmonious driving.

If you want an even sportier ride after switching to the KW V3 coilover suspension, or if you want to optimize the rolling comfort, you can adjust the dampers further. For example, the adjustable low-speed rebound damping can be used to refine the rebound during load changes when the suspension is compressed. This makes the handling characteristics firmer or more forgiving. With the adjustable low-speed compression damping, on the other hand, the turn-in response and pitching behavior when braking or accelerating the electric SUV, as well as improve rolling comfort to a certain extent. "Even with a setup that is a little too firm, our multi-valve technology absorbs the tough shocks caused by transverse joints, edges, or bumps," says Florian Johann.

When ordering the KW V3 coilover suspension for the Smart #1, specify whether your vehicle is rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The parts certificate covers a stepless lowering of 30 to 50 millimeters on the front axle and 35 to 55 millimeters on the rear axle for all Smart #1 models, including the Smart #1 Brabus. The stepless adjustable lowering is set at the spring perches on the MacPherson front axle struts, and the rear axle height adjustment is on the multi-link rear axle. The recommended retail price is €2,499. More at www.kwsuspensions.net

About KW automotive:

The KW Group includes the suspension manufacturer KW automotive with its brands KW suspensions, ST suspensions, ap Sportfahrwerke and the SimRacing brands TrackTime and Ascher Racing. With its immense chassis portfolio, state-of-the-art production technology, development and test center, KW has been operating successfully in all markets for over 25 years. As a development partner for sophisticated controlled chassis systems, KW automotive has the entire product portfolio of hydraulics, electronics, sensors, control units and damper controls as well as the necessary know-how for the application and coordination of complex driving dynamics control systems from a single source. In addition to its core business, the development and production of manually and adaptively adjustable coilovers and other suspension components for the aftermarket, as well as the range of accessories offered by various automobile manufacturers, the business segment in customer racing in the automotive industry is developing extremely positively. The group of companies has branches in the most important markets such as Belgium, Great Britain, China, Japan, Switzerland, Spain, Taiwan and the USA. Other business divisions include software and hardware solutions as well as events for virtual motorsport under the umbrella of the RaceRoom brand. Also brands of the KW Group are the chassis manufacturers KW Damping Technology, S.A. (formerly AL-KO Damping Technology, S.A.), Belltech and Reiger Suspension. www.kwautomotive.de

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Christian Schmidt * E-Mail: [email protected] * Tel. +49.79.71.9630-547
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