The Technology From Today For The Legend Of The ’80s: KW V3 Classic Kit for Ferrari Testarossa

Ferrari Testarossa with KW V3 Classic  Suspension on a side road
A Ferrari Testarossa equipped with a KW V3 Classic coilover suspension drives noticeably more dynamically than with a suspension system that was considered cutting-edge decades ago.

The Ferrari Testarossa is the first classic Ferrari for which KW Automotive offers a KW Classic suspension with parts certification. The KW V3 Classic coilover suspension is also available for the Testarossa with an optional hydraulic lift system for the front axle.

KW V3 Classic Kit with hydraulic lift for Ferrari Testarossa

This hydraulic system raises the Ferrari’s nose by up to 45 millimeters at the press of a button, and it automatically lowers once the speed exceeds 65 km/h. This feature is ideal for overcoming speed bumps or parking garage ramps.

Revised KW HLS Kit
Compact Unit: Hydraulic Pump Including Hydraulic Tank of the redesigned KW Hydraulic Lift System

Our completely redesigned HLS (Hydraulic Lift System) is used in the Ferrari Testarossa. We now have a new pump unit that is significantly lighter and more compact than the previous system. This allows for better integration of the pump into the vehicle. In many cases, the pump can be installed using existing mounting points.

KW hydraulic lift system
Hydraulic cylinders, lines, and pump without coilovers

At the press of a button, the hydraulic system raises the nose of the Ferrari by up to 45 millimeters, and it automatically lowers once the speed exceeds 65 km/h. This feature is ideal for overcoming speed bumps or parking garage ramps.

KW V3 Classic Kit installation in Ferrari Testarossa

For those who want to retrofit the hydraulic lift system (two lift cylinders, control unit, hydraulic pump, lines) for the Ferrari Testarossa, it is best to order it together with our KW V3 Classic suspension. In that case, the lift cylinders are already pre-installed on the front axle dampers.

By the way, with or without HLS, the KW V3 Classic suspension for the Ferrari Testarossa is also available in the “KW Classic Line” version. Technically, the suspensions do not differ, but various components, such as the suspension springs and spring plates, are kept in black. However, this is not possible with every KW Classic suspension, and you can always see whether the KW Classic version is available directly in the KW online store.

Ferrari F40 with KW Custom-Built kit
SEMA 2023: Ferrari F40 with Custom-Built KW Suspension

But now let’s get to the Ferrari Testarossa. This is the first time we are offering a KW Classic coilover suspension with a parts certification for a classic Ferrari. Previously, we only offered KW coilover suspensions for current models from Maranello, which are available directly from our network of specialist dealers and via our online store.

In the past, Ferrari enthusiasts looking for a modern suspension for their older Ferraris had custom suspensions made by our colleagues from the custom build department. Most often, these were for Ferrari F40s and Ferrari 365 GT 2+2s.

KW V3 Classic Kit for Ferrari Testarossa
KW V3 Classic coilover suspension for Ferrari Testarossa. In this picture, the hydraulic lift cylinders are already mounted on the front axle dampers.

Six dampers are used in the Testarossa, as was common in various Ferrari models at the time.

Better handling thanks to KW in the Ferrari Testarossa

By switching to the KW V3 Classic suspension, the Ferrari does not lose its character. Thanks to modern KW multi-valve technology, the Testarossa, in particular, benefits from handling, straight-line stability, and ride comfort.

image of the KW V3 shocks on the rear axle
No modifications are required during the installation of the KW V3 Classic Suspension.

When the Ferrari was developed and released in 1984, around 40 years ago, suspension technology was not as advanced as it is today. The KW V3 Classic suspension continually surprises classic car drivers with how safely a vintage car drives with the stainless steel suspension, enabling much higher cornering speeds than before.

Old Ferrari Testarossa with KW V3 Classic suspension on road
The center of gravity of the Ferrari Testarossa can be lowered by 10 to 30 millimeters using the adjustable spring perches.

The overall handling remains sporty and direct, but the occupants will appreciate the more contemporary ride comfort, even on secondary roads. This is mainly due to our focus on multi-valve technology in our suspensions. The dampers are made up of several valves, known as high-speed and low-speed valves. In fact, the KW V2 coilover suspension already features this technology in its rebound valve.

The high-speed valves ensure that when driving over bumps, all channels open within a fraction of a second, absorbing road irregularities. The pre-configured damper setup in the Ferrari Testarossa can be fine-tuned further for different wheel/tire combinations.

30 mm drop with the coilovers from KW

The adjustable rebound damping mainly influences the handling. In addition, the rebound stage influences how the Ferrari tubular steel chassis is connected to the road and how quickly the suspension spring rebounds back to its original state after compression. On the other hand, if you close the rebound damping, the handling becomes more direct; if you open the rebound damping valves, the steering is less direct.

The compression damping, on the other hand, influences the compression of the spring. It, therefore, has a direct effect on the body roll movements when steering and cornering. In addition, compression damping influences steering behavior.

Online Shop of KW suspensions

The KW V3 Classic coilover suspension is now available for the Ferrari Testarossa. All information regarding delivery times, parts certificates, installation, and adjustment instructions for both the KW V3 Classic and the optional HLS version can be found directly on our KW brand homepage, www.kwsuspensions.net. While the KW V3 Classic suspension fits the Ferrari Testarossa, it is currently not available for the Ferrari 512 TR and F512M, which share the same platform.

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