Audi R8 Coilovers: Where a Legend Meets Precision
The Audi R8 is no ordinary car. It embodies the conviction that a German manufacturer can build a supercar with Le Mans DNA that remains suitable for everyday use. Since its introduction as the Type 42 in 2006, the R8 has redefined Audi’s brand image. The Type 4S (since 2015) even shares the MSS platform with the Lamborghini Huracán. With up to 620 hp in the Performance variant, the R8 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 331 km/h. The mid-engine layout and double aluminum wishbones on all four wheels promise near-ideal weight distribution with neutral handling. Architecture straight from motorsports.
The factory suspension
Audi’s MSS platform and aluminum construction ensure body rigidity, which forms the foundation for any high-quality suspension tuning. The standard Audi R8 suspension is technically exemplary for a sports car in this class. The Audi Magnetic Ride System is included in many trim levels. This is a magnetorheological damper technology that adjusts damping in milliseconds via an electromagnetic field. In practice, however, the Magnetic Ride System can lead to signs of wear: The magnetic particles contained in the damper oil can cause leaks over time, which manifest themselves, among other things, as rattling noises on the front axle. A complete replacement of all four units with OEM parts incurs very high costs and should be carefully considered. This is where we come in.
Audi R8 KW V5 Suspension
With its 4-way adjustable damper technology - based on the proven Solid Piston Technology from GT3 motorsports - our KW V5 coilover suspension delivers an unparalleled level of responsiveness and precision for the road. Thanks to the solid piston design, the dampers and valves respond directly to minimal spring travel, subtle steering inputs, or the slightest road irregularities. With low-speed/high-speed compression and low-speed/high-speed rebound damping, fine-tuning of the setup is possible - a feature otherwise reserved for professional motorsports. The driver can configure their V5 so that the chassis remains perfectly supported during sporty rides on country roads, while oscillation is minimized and sufficient comfort is maintained.
All available products for the Audi R8 (4S)
The perfect match: Audi R8 with KW coilover kit & BBS wheels
This Audi R8 is equipped with BBS CI-R wheels in 9x20 (Offset: 36, Concavity 1) on the front axle and 11,5x20 (Offset: 38,5, Concavity 3) on the rear axle. Interested in these BBS wheels? Let's get going & have a look at our KW automotive online shop!
Coilover suspension kits for the Type 42 are also available
Our product range includes not only coilover kits and springs for the newer Audi R8 (Type 4S). The Audi R8 (Type 42) (2007–2015) can also be upgraded with our custom suspension solutions. We offer our KW V3, V4, and V3 with HLS 2 and HLS 4, as well as height-adjustable KW coilovers. You can also find all available products in our KW automotive online shop.
Customized lowering
This coilover suspension offers maximum possible lowering, customized to your vehicle model. You can also change this at any time after installation.
Adjustable rebound (low speed)
You'll notice the difference with every click! Here, you can adjust the low-speed rebound with 16 clicks. This adjusts the ride characteristics, making them either harder or more comfortable.
Adjustable rebound (high speed)
You'll feel the difference with every click! Here you can adjust the rebound (high speed) with a total of 13 clicks. This makes the riding characteristics either harder or more comfortable.
Adjustable compression damping (low speed)
You can fine-tune the low-speed compression damping even after installation. The vehicle's handling and stability will benefit from 12 clicks.
Adjustable compression damping (Highspeed)
You can fine-tune the high-speed compression damping even after installation. Up to 15 clicks allow you to adjust vehicle handling and stability.
Additional technologies
Can I replace the Magnetic Ride System on my Audi R8 with a KW coilover suspension?
Yes, we’ve developed a well-thought-out solution specifically for this scenario. When converting an Audi R8 with Magnetic Ride to a KW V4 or KW V5, a so-called cancellation kit is used. This kit deactivates the standard electronic damper control system and simulates the correct resistance values of the original dampers to the control unit. As a result, all driver assistance systems remain fully functional. The installation is fully reversible.
How much does a KW coilover suspension for the Audi R8 cost compared to repairing the Magnetic Ride system?
In addition to its outstanding driving dynamics, cost is one of the strongest arguments in favor of a KW coilover suspension for the Audi R8. While a complete replacement of the four Magnetic Ride dampers with OEM parts, including installation, can cost up to 9,600 euros, a KW V4 coilover suspension, for example, is available starting at just under 7,000 euros. You get a more durable and less wear-prone solution, as well as a suspension with significantly expanded adjustment options and demonstrably improved driving dynamics.
Will my Audi R8 remain street-legal after installing a KW coilover?
Yes. All KW coilover kits for the Audi R8 come with a parts certificate that documents the approved lowering ranges and all vehicle-specific requirements. Registration in the vehicle documents in accordance with §19.3 StVZO is therefore generally straightforward and typically costs between 100 and 150 euros when performed by a certified inspector. The prerequisite is that the minimum clearances specified in the certificate are maintained and that installation is performed properly by a qualified workshop. You can find certified installation partners in our dealer search.
Can I revert my Audi R8 to stock specifications after installing KW coilovers?
Yes. Since the KW cancellation kit can be installed without major modifications and the KW coilovers do not require any irreversible changes to the vehicle, the original parts can be reinstalled at any time. It is recommended that the removed Magnetic Ride dampers be cleaned and stored with a protective coating. This allows both versions to be offered when reselling the vehicle—a feature that is particularly appreciated by the collector’s market.