Company History | KW suspensions US

KW History 2015

Mini Cooper listed KW as suspension supplier for the : John Cooper Works Pro

John Cooper Works Pro Suspension kit for the current F56-series of the three-door MINI Cooper. This new kit is developed by KW and is manufactured directly at the KW headquarter in Fichtenberg, Germany. It is officially sold through the authorized dealer network of the BMW Mini AG.

AMG relies on KW: new Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4 ²

According to Mercedes-Benz, no other G-Class can get further in terrain and no other is as dynamic on the street, as the Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4² with its portal axles. The special feature of this SUV is the eight standard KW dampers (four per axle). (Source of the quote: Spiegel Online: http://www.spiegel.de/auto/fahrberichte/mercedes-g-500-4x4-hoch2-das-auto-das-kaum-grenzen-kennt-a-1019682.html

New "Unofficial" Nordschleife record: 6:42 Minutes!

According to different media reports, the SCG 003C of the motorsports team Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus founded by the New York Investment Banker and director James Glickenhaus, has reached a new record on the Nordschleife. In only 6:42 minutes, the SCG 003C equipped with a KW Competition 3A suspension kit, raced over the 20.832 km long Nordschleife! http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/glickenhaus-beansprucht-nordschleifenrekord-scg-003c-in-6-42-minuten-ueber-die-nordschleife-8065324.html

Audi relies on KW: Drivable TT-study from Ingolstadt

One of the most spectacular cars from Ingolstadt is the "Audi TT Clubsport Turbo Concept" that was presented for the first time on the traditional Wörthersee "GTI Meeting". The 600 hp sports cars feature a KW coilover kit made of stainless steel and a KW HLS lift system.

24h-race 2015: 10 class victories and podium places

At the ADAC Zurich 24h-race Nürburgring the teams are equipped with KW Competition products, and together reached ten class victories and one podium place in the overall classification. KW equips more than 80 vehicles with its KW Competition racing suspension technology at the world's toughest Endurance races.

10 years in the fast line: KW USA celebrates an anniversary

In 2005 KW took over the US-American suspension brands Belltech Sports Trucks and ST suspensions. Meanwhile, KW has been established as suspension manufacturer in the world´s most important vehicle accessory market and has opened up a new production location in Clovis, California for the Belltech Sports Trucks suspension components that are exclusively offered in North America. So the KW story of success in the US opened up a new chapter.

KW History 2014

The worldwide market launch of ST suspensions and in cooperation with Ken Block

KW internationalizes its previous exclusivity in the US and offered suspension brand "ST suspensions" and extends the delivery program by wheel spacers, anti-sway bars, and rim locks. In addition, the suspension manufacturer scores with its transparent ST pricing system and also was able to win the Rally driver and Gymkhana star Ken Block as ST suspensions brand ambassador.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Homologation

Within the Mercedes-Benz Challenge in Brazil, KW equips all CLA 45 AMG racing cars with KW Competition 2A suspension kits.

BMW M235i Racing Homologation

In addition to the BMW Z4 GT3, KW equips the BMW M235i Racing that is used within the BMW Sports Trophy customer program, with its KW Competition 2A racing dampers and adjustable top mounts.

Winning Formula D in the USA

Once again the suspension manufacturer KW from Germany was able to win the renowned Drift Championship in North America. The American racer Chris Forsberg, who participates at the Formula D since 2004, was able to win the championship against the strong competitors with his “NOS Energy Drink Hankook Tire 370Z”. The 1000 hp bolide is equipped with a KW Competition 3A coilover kit.

Winning the VLN Endurance Championship

More than two third of the race cars that participate in the VLN Endurance Championships are equipped with a KW Suspension Competition kit. With an outstanding lead time, the long-term KW customer “Team Derscheid Motorsport” with the drivers Rolf Derscheid and Michael Flehmer and their BMW 325i became Champions in 2014.

KW further extends Drift-commitment

Once again the suspension manufacturer KW was able to win the renowned Drift Championship in North America. The US American Chris Forsberg who participates at the Formula D since 2004, was able to win the championship against the strong competitors with his “NOS Energy Drink Hankook Tire 370Z”. The 1000 hp bolide is equipped with a KW Competition 3A coilover kit.

Red-Bull-Drifter Mike Whiddett relies on KW as suspension supplier

New Zealand's most successful Drift-Export and Red-Bull-brand ambassador, Mike Whiddett, from now on rely on KW Competition Technology for his worldwide Drift engagement.

KW History 2013

TV-host Sidney Hoffmann becomes a brand ambassador for KW coilovers

The sympathetic tuner and TV-host of a German TV Show is from now on KW-brand ambassador and KW-partner for his tuning company, Sidney Industries.

Overtaking of PowerTech wheel spacers

To the first quarter 2013, KW has taken over the company PowerTech and extends the wide range of suspensions by wheel spacers, rim locks, and bolt patterns.

Gran Turismo 6 –Polyphony Digital and Sony Entertainment, rely on the technical know-how of KW engineers

KW supports the developing studio of Gran Turismo 6 at their revision of the Physics Engine of the PlayStation game. Thanks to the cooperation of KW, natural body vibrations, wheel load variations, tire stiffness as well as influences of different wheel types and tire inflation pressures can be simulated in Gran Turismo.

Winning the VLN Endurance Championship

Most of the racing teams that participate in the VLN Endurance Championship successfully use the KW Competition suspension technology. The KW customer team Groneck Motorsport wins the Championship with its drivers Tim and Dirk Groneck.

KW History 2012

Introduction of KW dlc airsuspensions

Once again the suspension manufacturer meets its joy of innovation and introduces as the first aftermarket manufacturer a suspension control unit for vehicles with standard air suspension that enables a continuously lowering by smart phone App.

BMW Z4 GT3 Homologation

The BMW Z4 GT3 with KW Competition 3A racing dampers is homologated worldwide.

Alpina B3 GT3 from the factory equipped with KW

Based on the 335i (E92) Coupé, the automobile manufacturer Alpina produces the B3 GT3 that already from the factory is equipped with a KW Clubsport 2-way coilover kit with adjustable top mounts.

KW presents GT Asia racing series

As the series partner of the Asian GT Championship with its numerous international automobile brands, KW automotive sets a strong sign in the growing market in Asia.

KW History 2011

Sixth overall victory in ten years for KW automotive at the 24h race Nürburgring.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R from Manthey-Racing equipped with a Competition racing suspension 3A won the 39th ADAC Zurich 24h race Nürburgring. In the previous centuries, the team of Olaf Manthey reached five times the overall victory at the toughest long distance race in the world with the KW racing technology. In addition, seven other teams celebrated their class victories in the classes (SP 10 GT4, SP 3, SP4T, SP 5, SP 8T, V4, and V6). Way more than 70 race teams relied on the Nordschleife competence of KW Competition.

Championship title

KW automotive congratulates the race team Alpina in Buchloe for winning the driver championship in the ADAC GT-Masters 2011 with the drivers Alexandros Margaritis and Dino Lunardi. Also in 2012, the BMW Alpina B6 GT3 will start the championship again, equipped with KW Competition.

New records on the Nordschleife

At the VLN long-distance race Championship 2011, the Audi TT RS from Raeder Motorsport equipped with a KW Competition racing suspension 3A ensured a record lap of 8:23 minutes for cars with front-wheel drive. The fastest car with a rear-wheel drive at the long-distance race in 2011 was the Porsche 911 GT3 R from Manthey-Racing. The 911 that is also equipped with KW racing suspension technology set up a new record in the Championship with a time of 8:04 minutes.

German Touring Car Hill Champion

Reto Meisel becomes German Touring Car Hill Champion with his Mercedes Benz RM1 supported from KW Competition.

KW revolutionizes the aftermarket with the KW DDC App

Automobiles, which so far are still available without dynamic damper control, can now be upgraded with the KW DDC (Dynamic Damping Control) coilovers ECU (Electronic Control Unit). With this kit, the damper characteristics can be individually configured intuitively via the KW DDC App, independently at the front and rear axle. Up to five suspension setups that can be stored and sent via Email. The driver can also choose between the different modes Comfort, Sport and Sport+ via a retrofitted KW DDC button directly from the cockpit.

The KW DDC Plug and Play coilover kit is the first retrofit suspension with adaptive damper adjustment for VAG cars, this can be controlled in driving dynamics via the original button in the cockpit. The series strut is replaced by the completely assembled KW coilover strut including dampers and it is connected to the original plug connection via Plug and Play. The board electronics recognize the adaptive damper system immediately and regulate the control valve, developed by KW, within milliseconds. With the KW DDC coilover kit, for the first time, series cars with dynamic damper control can be lowered, without that, the driver has to resist on the comfort of an adaptive damping system.

KW Clubsport 3-way: race sports technology with street legal

The KW Clubsport 3-way coilover kit convinces with its maintenance-free components, sophisticated dust protection system for coilover struts, various adjustment possibilities, and simple handling. The special racing dampers with separate water reservoirs, allow the independent adjustment of the compression damping in the high speed range in 14 steps and with six clicks in low-speed range via the precise adjustment wheel. The rebound valve in the working piston rod can be configured with 18 clicks, comfortably from the engine compartment.

KW Toolkit: a smart toolkit

Since 2011, the delivery of every KW coilover kit includes a KW Toolkit for free. It is a high-quality box which besides all technical documents and TÜV documents, also includes the necessary adjustment tools.

KW in the Formula Drift Championship Series

The KW DDC Plug and Play coilover kit is the first retrofit suspension with adaptive damper adjustment for VAG cars, that can be controlled in driving dynamics via the original button in the cockpit. The series strut is replaced by the completely assembled KW coilover strut including dampers and it is connected to the original plug connection via Plug and Play. The board electronics recognize the adaptive damper system immediately and regulate the control valve, developed by KW, within milliseconds. With the KW DDC coilover kit, for the first time, series cars with dynamic damper control can be lowered, without that, the driver has to resist on the comfort of an adaptive damping system.

KW supports the WTCC from conviction

Also in 2011, KW is again a strong partner of the FIA World Touring Car Championship WTCC 2011. Numerous teams use the KW racing technology for the Championship and by the official sponsor partnership, the logo of the market leader for individual suspension solutions was shown on every race car of the series.

KW History 2010

KW supports WTCC again

KW renews the partnership with the FIA World Touring Car Championship WTCC. During the racing season 2010, the logo of the official series partner KW will be visible on all front and rear license plates of all cars in all races.

Recuperation with Chrysler

In 2010 Dodge launches a race viper - the SRT10 ACR-X. This Bolide was designed only for race tracks and will be used in different US-American GT-race series like e.g. SCCA and the Nasa Viper Racing League. The suspension, which also comes from KW like the one for the Viper ACR, was optimized for the race track. It is a 2-way adjustable competition kit which was developed especially for ACR-X and whose setup and springs were adjusted for the race conditions.

KW equips BMW M3 GTS

BMW strengthens its M3 and broadens its portfolio with a BMW M3 GTS. The 450 horsepower strong BMW M3 GTS, made for the usage on the road and the race track, will be optimized for the usage on the race track regarding the drive system and suspension technology and will be produced individually only per orders. M-GmbH focused only on KW suspensions, that means, that all GTS-models will be delivered with a KW Clubsport suspension kit in series with separately adjustable compression and rebound damping.

KW History 2009

Establishment of the Chinese branch

KW opens up a sales office in Ningbo, China.

KW becomes a series partner for WTCC

The World Touring Car Championship, WTCC starts with KW as a series partner since 2009. KW supports the complete race series and represents itself with the KW-Logo on the license plates of all race cars.

KW - Made for winners - the success goes on

A sensation at the 24h race 2010: The 4th overall victory in a row for Manthey Racing which creates a sensational success on KW competition. Not only the victorious driving team but also the suspension technique from KW stand the test on the hardest long-distance race in the world. In total, more than 60 teams trust the KW suspension technique and four of them reached the Top Ten.

KW test center at the Nürburgring ring°werk

The "ring°werk", which is a 15.000 sqm leisure park and established in 2009, makes the world of the Nürburgring and motorsports a true experience. Within this diversified theme park, the "test°center" is the main focus of technical knowledge transfer. All important information about suspensions is presented by KW in an exciting way. Within an area of about 80 sqm, visitors can experience the secrets of suspensions technology by means of interactive displays, exciting animations, action films and a lot more.

Nordschleife record with KW

GUMPERT apollo sets a new official round record on the legendary Nordschleife. KW contributes a great deal to the round record with its ideal suspension setup. For adjusting the suspension, KW tested and adjusted the Apollo on the 7-Post-Rig and so it was well prepared for the record drive.

KW History 2008

KW as a commercial partner

KW automotive GmbH co-operates with Chrysler USA and equips their latest racing car - the Viper SRT10 ACR - serially with a KW coilover suspension. This limited edition is an optimized Dodge Viper SRT10 model with road approval for all sporty drivers who wish to use their racing car in everyday use as well. After the SLK 55 and CLK 63, the SL 65 in the Black Series Edition is available from January 2009. Like the previous performance models, also the limited edition of the SL 65 AMG Black Series will be serially equipped with a KW coilover suspension.

KW HLS (Hydraulic Lift System)

At the fair-trade Tuning World Bodensee, KW introduces its latest innovation: KW HLS (Hydraulic Lift System). With KW HLS, the vehicle can be lifted up to 45 mm – according to its technical conditions. This is especially reasonable for lowered sports cars and/or sports cars with very low engine compartments. This allows the car to easily pass over underground parking entrances, on and off ferries, over car washing plants, speed blocks, construction sites or other obstacles without any damage.

KW – Made for winners – to be continued

After another double victory at the hardest classical long-distance race in the world, the 24h-race at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife and the 3rd overall victory in a row for Manthey Racing, KW is now regarded as the most successful suspension manufacturer at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife. During the race, the two winners as well as 70 furthest racing teams, relied on the racing technology by KW automotive GmbH. Apart from the 1st and 2nd winner also the 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th place were won by race teams equipped with KW technology. The result impressively confirms the Nordschleife competence by KW competition. Altogether, KW can celebrate six Top-10 results and seven class victories.

KW History 2007

KW – Made for winners

At the 24h-race at the Nurburgring, KW does not only equip the Porsche GT3 RS-R of the overall winner Manthey Racing, but also the runner-up Dodge Viper GT-S by Zakspeed Racing and KW competition racing suspensions. Altogether KW is responsible for six Top-10 results and six class at the hardest long-distance race at the Nurburgring Green Hell. More than 70 teams relied on KW suspension technology during the 24-hour race.

KW equips the Mercedes AMG Black Series

KW equips the CLK 63 AMG Black Series which is technically and visually based on the Formula 1 Safety Car, serially with a KW coilover suspension especially developed for AMG.

KW History 2006

“Yellow-Purple“

The KW colors “yellow-purple” are registered as trademark colors all over Europe! Therefore, KW is one of the few companies whose company colors are so popular that they were patented. So far, only large brands such as Nivea, Coca-Cola or Telecom achieved this.

10 years coilover suspensions

The KW automotive GmbH celebrates 10 years KW coilover suspensions.

A celebration under the motto “KW-Days“ invites motorsports fans and friends of KW to look behind the scenes and join an amazing framework programme.

7-post drive dynamics test rig

The 7-post drive dynamics test stand is taken into operation. So far, only 15 such test stands were produced and they are mainly used by nine of the 11 current Formula-1 teams.

New KW product lines

The KW automotive GmbH celebrates the market introduction of three new product lines at the Essen Motor Show:

KW street comfort - coilover suspensions for the maximum comfort KW Clubsport - coilover suspensions for road and race tracks KW quad suspensions – coilover suspensions and lowering springs for quad bikes and ATVs.

KW History 2005

KW automotive North America Inc.

KW automotive North America Inc. is registered in Fresno, California.

The new Californian company takes over the assets of the US-American companies Belltech Corp.and ST Racing. With this step, the product range is completed and structures which enable an optimal distribution of all KW automotive GmbH brands are established.

Extension of the company premises

Construction of hall 5 in Fichtenberg with approx. 6,000 square meters floor space on two levels.

The new floor space is opened up for operations on schedule at the turn of the year 2005/2006.

The company headquarters in Fichtenberg now has an overall operating space of approx. 23,000 square meters.

KW History 2004

LSD-Doors world-wide

The entirely new application: LSD-Doors, is first distributed all over Germany and in a second step patented in Europe and all over the world. LSD-Doors was first introduced at the "Tuning World Friedrichshafen", followed by an unexpectedly large media interest in this new product.

The new shop floor and development department for LSD Doors is put into operation.

The Northern American subsidiary is established

KW Suspensions North America Inc. is established an registered in Vancouver, Canada.

LSD-Doors goes to the USA

At the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, LSD Doors are first introduced to the Northern American clientele. In cooperation with the US-magazine DUB, various Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum are equipped with LSD doors for superstars such as the rapper Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Chingy, the boxer Bernhard Hopkins and others.

KW History 2003

Restructuring of WEITEC

All articles of the product line Weitec are integrated into the new storage- and logistics hall. The entire logistics of all product lines is therefore controlled by a distribution center.

Inox-Line

The entire KW Coilover suspensions product line is exclusively produced in “inox-line“ corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

5 years KW in Fichtenberg

Five years KW in Fichtenberg is celebrated with a large party which also serves as an inauguration for the newly built offices.

More than 5,000 guests join in, among them also the minister of economic affairs, Walter Döring.

LSD-Doors are born

At the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the idea for a new product is born: LSD – Lambo Style Doors.

KW History 2002

Expansion of the company premises

The sales department moves into its new offices.

Construction works start for the second part of the storage- and logistics building.

Construction works start for hall 4 which accommodates the machinery and the “inox-line“ stainless steel spring struts production.

Production starts in the newly built hall 4.

The Swiss subsidiary changes its name

The Swiss subsidiary changes its name to KW Fahrwerktechnik AG and prepared for the distribution of all product lines.

KW History 2001

KW Variant 3 and “inox-line“

Start of the new product line “Variant 3“ damping system with the patented double adjustable technology and “inox-line“ with corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

First foreign subsidiary

The first foreign subsidiary is established in Switzerland and named Weitec Fahrwerktechnik AG.

KW storage- and logistics center

Planning of a new storage- and logistics building in Fichtenberg.

The 1,100 square meter large part of the new storage- and logistics building with a new high rack storage with 1,500 spaces is ready for operation in September.

The end of KW Wheels

After five years, the product line “KW wheels“ is terminated in order to fully focus on the development of suspensions.

KW History 2000

KW as a technical motor sports partner

KW competition starts a co-operation with various teams in national and international championships as a technical partner for racing suspensions.

The brand WEITEC

KW automotive GmbH takes over a two-third majority of another suspensions producer. After a re-structuring measure of the company, the products are distributed under the name WEITEC.

KW History 1999

KW successful in motorsports

KW starts with two own developed Honda Integra and a team with two drivers at the German DTC Championship. Ellen Lohr, the first and only female race driver who has ever won a DTM Championship, starts from the pole position twice and wins several races. KW Coilover suspensions became a serial sponsor of the “STW“ Super Touring Car Championship and Thomas Stingl starts in the KW Honda Accord.

KW goes to The United States

First presentation of KW automotive GmbH products on the Northern American market. In co-operation with the importer for the United Stated and Canada HPA, KW participates in the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

KW History 1998

The KW automotive GmbH is established

The private company is turned into the current capital company KW automotive GmbH. The 1,000 square meter large storage- and production hall is ready. Construction works for the 480 square meter large administration building are finished and the location is officially opened. Construction works start for another 600 square meter large storage hall for the fast-growing “KW wheels“ delivery programme.

KW History 1997

Relocation to Fichtenberg

The operational space is extended to altogether 500 square meters. Palling of a 1,000 square meter large production hall in Fichtenberg. Construction works start already in August.

KW History 1996

The company name is changed to KW Coilover Suspensions

The company name is changed to KW Coilover Suspensions. Relocation into a 150 square meter large storage hall. A team of three people is working on the development of coilover suspensions.

KW History 1995

The KW coilover suspension is born

The vision of a lowering solution which fulfills all customer requirements is born – the KW coilover suspension!

First approval by the Technical Control Board for an entire suspension.

Fist presentation of suspensions at the Essen Motor Show.

KW History 1992 - 1995

"KW Tuning"

KW Tuning successfully distributes car component parts in a 75 square meter large retail business in Murrhardt (Germany).