For every VW Golf and every demand, KW automotive has developed the perfect suspension, or rather the perfect coilover, and we have it in our delivery range.
We develop vehicle-specific KW coilovers, which fascinate and convince automotive enthusiasts worldwide, no matter the suspension applications are for classic models such as the VW Golf I, VW Golf II, VW Golf III, or the current VW Golf VIII.
Several suspension options from KW automotive are already available for the current most powerful standard Golf: the four-door 320 hp Golf R with all-wheel drive. The reason for this can be explained quickly. The VW Golf has been one of the best-selling vehicles for decades, and the demand for suspension components is correspondingly high.
In addition, because of the Volkswagen group’s platforms, the suspensions of the Audi A3, Seat Leon, and VW Golf for example, do not differ that much. To a certain extent, this is very beneficial for developing coilovers and our “build-to-order production” in terms of manufacturing toolmaking, mounts, clamping diameters, and so forth.
For the current most powerful standard Golf, the VW Golf R, with 320 standard hp, 420 Newton meters of maximum torque, and all-wheel drive, we already have various KW coilovers in our delivery range.
KW Clubsport 2-way 
KW Clubsport 3-way
With our 2-way and 3-way adjustable KW Clubsport coilovers, we already offer the perfect performance upgrade to all track day enthusiasts for regular racetrack use with a production-based Golf R.
KW Variant 1 
KW Variant 3
In addition, we offer the KW Variant 1, Variant 2, Variant 3 coilovers, and the adaptive KW Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) plug & play coilover to all those who, in addition to maximum lowering, are also looking for an increased vehicle performance and, depending on the KW coilover, excellent residual ride comfort in everyday driving.
Within the scope of the technical parts certificate, the KW Variant 1, Variant 2, Variant 3 coilovers, the adaptive KW Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) plug & play coilover, and the two KW Clubsport coilovers allow a stepless lowering of 25 to 45 millimeters for the VW Golf VIII R (type CD, Golf 8 R), which corresponds to a lowering of 60 millimeters on the normal VW Golf VIII.
Adaptive KW damper technology for the most powerful standard Golf
Golf drivers who ordered their VW ex works with the VW DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) suspension, which can be electronically adjusted if desired, can continue to switch between the different driving modes as usual thanks to the adaptive KW DDC plug & play coilover. This is no longer possible with other sports suspensions after a suspension was exchanged.
The electronically controlled KW DDC coilover (Dynamic Damping Control) is compatible with the VW suspension control unit and is immediately recognized by the VW electronics. The so-called Nürburgring mode of the adaptive suspension control in the Golf R also remains preserved.
We also use our intelligent adaptive valve control in several OEM projects and due to our expertise, we also work together with the German Aerospace Center, among others.
KW coilover kits with manual damper setup adjustment for everyday use
Like the other KW suspension coilover kits with stainless steel struts available for the VW Golf R, the KW Variant 1 coilover is made to order in Germany on our site in Fichtenberg.
No multi-valve technology is used for the setup of KW dampers in Variant 1. We use this only from the KW Variant 2 coilover onwards because only on these variants the low-speed rebound can be adjusted in the damper.
Rebound valve 
Valve cross-section
The adjustable rebound valve of KW Variant 2 has a high-speed valve determined specifically to the vehicle and product from different and preloaded spring elements. The low-speed rebound is set with an adjustment rod, which opens or closes a bypass channel via 16 possible clicks and a bypass disc.
By adjusting the low-speed rebound valve, you can influence the suspension’s de-compression during load changes in the compressed state. In other words, you can adjust the setting yourself to a certain extent and decide how stiff the handling of your VW Golf R becomes.
The rebound adjustment wheel is plugged into the front axle struts. 
Rear axle damper rebound adjustment on KW Variant 3
The rebound can also be described as the way the body of your car is connected to the road. In modern vehicles, for instance the VW Golf VIII R, the rebound adjustment wheel on coilovers such as the KW Variant 3 is integrated directly into the piston rod on the rear axle damper. Therefore, some of our dealers and colleagues talk internally about a KW Variant 3+ coilover…
If adjusting the rebound on a suspension is already a plus, the possibility of adjusting the compression separately from the rebound is the ultimate for increased vehicle performance and ride comfort for everyday use.
Well, unfortunately, a “keyboard engineer” has relabeled an old KW Competition 2A racing suspension to the KW Variant 3 here for his MEME…
Some “keyboard engineers” or “forum suspension development engineers” might say that a KW Variant 3 is absolute overkill and only suitable for circuit racing. However, to be completely informed, you should definitely read on.
Anyone who drives his or her vehicle in everyday life simply attaches more importance to comfort-oriented sportiness – after all, tires should and must always have grip, not only to ensure driving safety.
Nowadays, for example, racing dampers and suspensions for touring car racing also allow driving over curbs without the wheel losing traction, as in the past.
Like the KW Variant 1 and Variant 2 coilovers available for the VW Golf VIII R, the KW Variant 3 coilover is also a suspension from our so-called “Street Performance” program. The KW coilover kit is entirely constructed for sporty driving in everyday life with summer and winter tires.
Thanks to the option to adjust the compression and rebound forces independently, Variant 3 also offers the perfect combination of driving dynamics and ride comfort for everyday use. Thus, the compression of the KW Variant 3 coilover as well as its rebound, are designed in two stages with an adjustable low-speed valve and a fixed preset high-speed valve.
This makes it even easier to counteract the seemingly eternal compromise of a standard suspension. The cause is that they are barely adjustable in many cases and are designed differently for constructional and financial reasons. Furthermore, the damping of standard suspensions is mainly determined according to the respective vehicle segment. Often, various parameters are supposed to find the greatest common denominator.
With our coilovers, such as KW Variant 3, there is basically no compromise left for everyday use due to the adjustable multi-valve technology, except that we developed the suspension for everyday use and not for the racetrack. But who really wants to commute with a race car in everyday life?
The adjustable compression valve can either reduce or increase the cross-section in the low-speed valve with twelve precise clicks in order to generate more or less compression damping.
Basically, you can influence the suspension tuning yourself in the VW Golf R with the adjustable low-speed compression of the KW Variant 3 coilover. Even by manual click setting, you can affect the Golf’s reaction when turning in, its pitch behavior when braking and its acceleration during the ride. To a certain extent, the low-speed compression can even be used to adjust the damping of long bumps.
Dismounted two-stage compression stage valve 
Compression stage valve with an adjustable low-speed compression stage
As with the rebound valve, the compression of KW Variant 3 is constructed with two valves: the low-speed compression valve, which is adjustable with twelve clicks, and a preconfigured high-speed valve.
You cannot influence the high-speed compression with KW Variant 3 coilover as we have already preset this on the VW Golf R during the construction of the valve.
The high-speed compression in Variant 3 only becomes active when the road surface can be felt because of transverse joints, edges, or bumps. The high-speed compression prevents the wheels from losing contact with the road when the street is slightly uneven.
Due to our elaborate valve technology in suspensions such as the KW Variant 3 coilover, a VW Golf R drives very harmoniously in everyday life.
Faster, more firm, more direct: KW Clubsport
For those of you who rather take their Golf R to racetracks, for example the Laguna Seca Raceway or the Green Hell, our KW Clubsport coilovers are simply perfect.
Some people believe there is not much difference between a KW Clubsport 2-way coilover and a KW Variant 3 coilover. Well, it’s a little more complicated.
Compression Valve with lowspeed bump adjustment 
KW Clubsport 2-way
The damper valves of a KW Variant 3 coilover are designed differently than a KW Clubsport 2-way coilover. While Variant 3 is a suspension for everyday use, a Clubsport coilover is developed for driving with semi-slicks on racetracks. It is scarcely of any importance that we do not use a reservoir for many KW Clubsport 2-way dampers.
The adjustable low-speed compression valves and the non-adjustable high-speed compression valves are designed differently. In simple terms: distinct bores, valve springs, distinct preloads, materials, material thicknesses, … Ultimately, a KW Variant 3 coilover drives differently than a KW Clubsport 2-way.
Variant 3 was developed in its entire setup – as firm as necessary, as comfortable as possible – for sporty everyday driving with street tires. KW Clubsport focuses on the use of semi-slicks as well as excursions over curbs.
With the KW Clubsport 3-way, you can also fine-tune how the shock absorber reacts – not only when driving over curbs – by adjusting the high-speed and low-speed compression separately.
Equally, the main springs of KW Clubsport suspensions are not identical with the springs of KW Variant 1, Variant 2, Variant 3 coilovers and others because during a ride on a racetrack, nothing is as crucial as fast lap times.
14 clicks can be used to adjust the high-speed compression forces on the KW Clubsport 3-way, and there are also six click stages for the low-speed compression, which can be adjusted independently of the high-speed compression.
The brass-colored spindle (bottom left) disposes of various boreholes. Depending on the setting, which you select via the purple adjustment wheel, the damper fluid flow is regulated. With the high-speed compression, you primarily control the damping on short bumps, transverse grooves, and curbs. In comparison, the low-speed compression also allows you to influence the vehicle’s braking, acceleration, and body support.
In the end, you have to decide on your own which KW coilover you choose for your VW Golf R. Anyone who drives mostly in everyday life should take the KW DDC plug & play or Variant 1, Variant 2 and Variant 3 into account. However, if the racetrack is your second home, you should go for a KW Clubsport coilover.
Since a blog post can only inform you about a few vehicle and suspension basics, we recommend contacting our dealers or colleagues from KW Sales directly.
