Suspension manufacturer, KW automotive is expanding its range of KW V5 coilover suspensions.
Due to high demand, the focus is on high-performance sports cars and supercars. The suspension system, featuring solid piston dampers, is already available for the Ferrari F8 Tributo and Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. Now, it has also been released for the Ferrari 812 Superfast.
With this suspension, the already low centre of gravity of the Ferrari 812 Superfast can be lowered by up to 30 millimeters on both axles. The dampers of the coilover suspension are based on the solid piston principle, which responds sensitively even with short spring travel.
The solid piston dampers can be individually adjusted in the high-speed and low-speed compression stages as well as in the high-speed and low-speed rebound stages. In combination with maximum lowering, the KW V5 coilover suspension in the Ferrari 812 Superfast provides an optimal compromise between driving dynamics and ride comfort.
Made of a high-strength aluminum alloy, the KW V5 coilover suspension is exclusively available for models with standard lift.
“The KW V5 stands out from traditional monotube and twin-tube dampers,” explains KW brand manager Florian Johann. “For the 812, we use a unique three-tube solid piston design with an internal gas volume, where the piston, unlike other systems, is not overflown by the hydraulic fluid.”
In the V5 dampers, the hydraulic fluid is displaced by the piston through the inner cylinder tube into a valve body outside the working piston, with modular, flow-optimized valves.
At low gas pressures, this system generates significantly higher damping forces, enabling a broader characteristic curve compared to conventional dampers. This also benefits the spring rate design. The suspension responds more sensitively, further enhancing the exceptional road-holding capabilities of the Ferrari 812 Superfast, even with its rear-wheel steering.
The KW V5 extends the vehicle’s limit, providing more direct handling, and despite maximum lowering, ride comfort remains surprisingly high. On undulating roads, the Ferrari with the KW V5 suspension absorbs bumps more evenly, and the 812 is less sensitive to load changes.
The ergonomically designed adjustment dials offer 13-click increments for fine-tuning high-speed compression, high-speed rebound, low-speed compression, and low-speed rebound.
In suspension tuning, ‘high-speed’ and ‘low-speed’ refer to the rapid and slow piston rod movements within the damper. High-speed damping handles harsh impacts like uneven tarmac and expansion joints, while low-speed damping influences everyday driving maneuvers like acceleration, braking, and cornering.
“The V5 for the Ferrari 812 comes pre-tuned for street driving,” explains Johann. “A setup guide is included, allowing for easy adjustment to a sportier configuration without tools. Compression damping affects body control and initial suspension travel, while rebound damping influences handling and the suspension springs return to its original position.”
The KW V5 coilover suspension kit is compatible with all Ferrari 812 Superfast models featuring the factory-installed lift system. As per the parts certificate, a continuously variable ride height adjustment of 15 to 30 millimeters is permissible at the front axle, while the rear axle can be lowered between 10 and 30 millimeters.
