Damper setup via iPhone at the Audi A4

With the KW DDC App, KW automotive demonstrates its ability for innovation in the suspension market. For the Audi A4 4WD sedan and station wagon models including S4 (Type B8), the adaptive KW DDC ECU coilover kit is now avalible. In combination with an optional available W-LAN module, the damping characteristics of the suspension kit can individually be adjusted. Besides that, drivers can choose between the KW DDC modes “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”, to adjust the car to the street conditions and driving requirements by the push of a button. Within the TÜV tested adjustment range, all Audi A4 and S4 models with four-wheel drive of the model generation B8 can be lowered continuously up to 55 mm.

The new KW DDC ECU coilover kit is a performance alternative to the optional available adaptive series suspension system “Audi drive select” for Audi A4 models. The damper characteristic of the coilover kit can individually be setup via KW DDC App in the three KW DDC modes “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”. Besides the free App, just a W-LAN module is necessary for a secured WiFi-communication between the kit and iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. “Right now we offer our KW DDC ECU coilover kit for the latest A4 models with four wheel drive”, says Johannes Wacker, Product Manager at KW automotive in Fichtenberg. “In the future we will also consider the other A4 models as well as the RS4.” Thru the intuitive menu navigation of the KW App, up to five individual damper setups can be configured within the KW tested range for the Audi A4 models with 4WD. The continuous damper adjustment allows for the maximum “Comfort”-setup with a very soft damping (displayed in the App as 0%) up to “Sport+” damper setup (displayed in the App as 100%) to individually adjust the KW DDC ECU damper independently from front and rear axle. With the KW DDC button which is part of the delivery content, the driver can adjust the damper characteristics to the street conditions with the modes “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”. For the communication between the KW DDC ECU suspension control unit and iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, the optional available W-LAN module is required. Up to five own setups can be stored with the KW DDC App and afterwards shared with friends by email. http://www.kwsuspension.de/de/kw_ddc.php

In the development of the adaptive KW DDC ECU coilover kit, the “Comfort” modes focus was to achieve the most comfortable ride possible. Additionally in this mode the KW DDC control unit is able to read the vehicle data while driving the car, and it automatically adjusts the damping characteristics to the driving speed. In the “Sport” mode, the dampers work to make the vehicle more agile while maintaining good street drivability, while in “Sport+” mode, the main focus was the performance handling of the vehicle.

In case of a technical defect, the KW DDC ECU coilover kit turns automatically into a mechanical failsafe-mode; a proportional valve immediately regulates into a neutral middle position and the dampers keep on working in the KW basic setup. This allows for safe continued driving even in the case of user error or damage to adjustment system.

When installing the KW DDC ECU coilover kit, the original strut will be replaced by a complete KW coilover strut in “inox line” stainless steel finish. It allows for lowering within the TÜV tested adjustment range of 25 – 55 mm at the front axle and 25 – 50 mm at the rear axle. The TÜV certificate is part of the delivery content, as well as the complete installation accessories.

In the next few months, KW automotive will develop and launch further innovative suspension solutions with Smartphone compatibility for the product family KW iSuspension.

About KW automotive:
KW automotive is market leader and innovator of individual suspension solutions for the street and racing applications. Drivers rely on KW coilover kits with its three street damping variants, as well as on the Nürburgring Nordschleife tested KW Clubsport coilover kits, which are street legal and have a TÜV certificate. Worldwide successful racing teams trust in the patented valve technology of KW Competition, the six-time overall winner of the 24-hour-race Nürburgring and winner of the ADAC GT Masters 2011. With its large portfolio of suspension kits, modern production technology, development- and test center, for more than 15 years KW has been succeeding in markets around the world. For more information visit www.kwsuspension.de