Mazda News
Koni and Eibach Develop Integrated Suspension Partnership
By Press Release: KONI North America
Aug 2, 2006, 10:35

HEBRON, KY – KONI Shocks and Eibach Springs, two of the strongest brands in the suspension business, have pooled their engineering talents, combining KONI’s new FSD damper technology with Eibach’s Pro-Kit springs, providing consumers with a single, complete solution to improving ride, handling and driver control.

KONI’s patented FSD system is the latest development in shock absorber technology, featuring a revolutionary design which unites the benefits of taut body motion control and a smooth ride into one shock absorber. FSD is at its best when the road surface is at its worst.

Eibach’s Pro-Kit lowering springs reduce ride height, minimizing body roll in corners, squat during acceleration and excessive nose dive under braking. Pro-Kit also reduces excessive tire-to-fender-well clearance, improving the aesthetic value of the car.

Together, this system provides drivers with a sporty look and feel without the traditional ride harshness penalty –- perfect for daily-driven vehicles.

“This is a strong statement from both manufacturers to offer the highest quality suspension system,” stated Jim Vance, KONI North America General Manager. “KONI’s FSD technology has been designed to work in unison with Eibach’s Pro-Kit to achieve the best engineered system for ride and handling quality.”

“Aftermarket performance shocks will increase the overall performance of a car’s suspension, and when Eibach partners with KONI’s FSD damper technology, we have the best combination of springs and shocks available,” said Wilfried Eibach,
Chairman and CEO of Eibach Springs. “We are delighted to be aligned with such a great company as KONI.”

Combining the strongest attributes
With the KONI and Eibach pairing, the driver is introduced to an engineered suspension system of shocks and springs that complement each other. The car is lowered 1.0 to 1.5-inches (depending on vehicle) which offers a functional, enhanced appearance, while significantly improving the ride and driving characteristics of the vehicle.



How does FSD work?
In standard shock absorbers, the main damping characteristic is defined by the oil flow passing through the piston assembly. In the patented FSD system, KONI has added a special, parallel valve which reacts to high-frequency disturbances, like tar strips, reducing the damping force momentarily. When low-frequency ride control is needed, such as going over road swells, the shocks automatically return back to the main damping mode.

Why use Eibach?
FSD shocks complement the unique characteristics of Eibach’s Pro-Kit springs, taking full advantage of the increased spring rate and lower center of gravity. The result is a precision-tuned package with increased performance throughout the entire working range of the suspension system, and an elimination of any excessive stiffness or ride harshness.

“We have integrated our components so that FSD works in harmony with the Pro-Kit characteristic,” Eibach added. “Our customers will recognize a significant difference.”

“Together, FSD and Pro-Kit provide a total smart suspension system which adjusts automatically to road conditions as well as driving style, while providing a better look and feel,” Vance noted. “It’s the perfect partnership.”

Current applications include various models of Audi, BMW, Mazda, Mercedes, Volvo and Volkswagen.

The new systems are available immediately from the KONI dealer network.

With 150 years of experience in the suspension business, KONI understands how best to improve a vehicle’s ride and handling. KONI North America is a leading supplier to automotive OEMs and the aftermarket. Part of ITT Corporation, KONI North America develops, manufactures and sells high quality, high performance shock absorbers for all kinds of personal and commercial vehicles, as well as public buses, private motorcoaches, trucks, trailers, railway cars and race cars. Visit www.koni-na.com.

Eibach uses the exact same technology in its street springs as it does in its legendary race springs. Using the world’s finest Hi-Ten spring steel, produced to exceedingly precise tolerances, Eibach utilizes world-renowned German CNC coilers, as well as many unique machines engineered and built specifically by the company in every step of its state-of-the-art manufacturing process. Working at production plants in both Germany and the U.S., Eibach’s expert craftsmen are committed to creating the finest race – and street-performance – springs in the world. Visit www.eibach.com.


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