The perfect suspension for every demand is more than just a claim here at KW; it’s our daily reality in Fichtenberg. We not only inspire countless enthusiasts with our KW suspensions, but we have also become a trusted development partner for numerous automotive companies, small series manufacturers, and tuners.
Recently, we were involved in a very special project—a sports car so exclusive you won’t see one every day. It’s even rarer than a Porsche 918. We’re talking about the Laffite LM1.
Bruno Laffite, a Frenchman whose uncle, Jacques-Henri Laffite, enjoyed a decade-long career as a Formula 1 driver, is pursuing his vision of a road-legal racing car. Production of the Laffite LM1 will be limited to 24 units in Turin.
Laffite Automobili has abandoned its initial all-electric approach in favor of a mild hybrid concept featuring a bi-turbo V8. This eight-cylinder engine, derived from a thoroughbred Autotechnia Motori racing engine, is said to produce around 1000 hp and is compatible with e-fuel.
The entire body of the LM1 is crafted from carbon fiber, resulting in an estimated weight of around 1250 kilograms—remarkably light for a modern hypercar. Laffite Automobili aims for a top speed of 350 km/h, with the LM1 accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds.
Featuring actively extendable spoilers and wings adjustable at various angles, the LM1 effectively manages lift and generates substantial downforce without compromising aerodynamic efficiency. This is crucial, as the Laffite LM1 is a true supercar.
The LM1’s suspension development involved testing on our KW 7-Post Rig. The 4-post sweep, which places all four wheels on hydraulic actuators, allows us to simulate vertical acceleration and pinpoint the ideal damping characteristics. Too little damping causes excessive body movement, whereas too much damping makes the ride uncomfortable.
Are you curious how dampers, springs, the car body, and tires work together? Discover why we rely on a 7-post rig on our YouTube channel or check our blog.
The suspension we engineered for the LM1 is based on our KW Racing kits with solid piston shock absorbers. A comparable version of our five-way adjustable KW V6 Racing shock is a proven performer in numerous GT3 race cars.
The Laffite LM1 utilizes shocks with external piggyback reservoirs. Unlike conventional designs, the valves controlling high- and low-speed damping forces are not integrated into the working piston but reside in a separate housing. The fifth valve, distinguished by its red adjustment knob, serves as a blow-off valve.
However, there are other differences between our KW Solid dampers and the well-known types of shocks. The working piston no longer overflows; instead, the damper fluid is displaced from it into the valves.
This damper design expands the hydraulic damper’s functional range and effectiveness. The resulting smaller and lighter piston rods improve damping performance in compression and rebound.
KW Solid Piston dampers provide significantly enhanced responsiveness and a broader performance envelope, a critical advantage for contemporary race cars with substantial aerodynamic forces. Furthermore, these dampers ensure cavitation-free and precise high-frequency operation at low gas pressure.
KW Racing dampers maintain excellent damping control even with minimal suspension travel, enhancing chassis support, optimizing tire grip, and enabling more direct handling response.
In other words, a supercar or race car equipped with our KW Solid Piston dampers is much easier to drive. As a result, our suspension technology will also benefit the Laffite LM1, a race car designed for both the road and the track.
The Laffite LM1, with a price tag of around 2.5 million euros, will be limited to 24 units—eight destined for each of Europe, North America, and the Arab region. Media reports indicate that some vehicles have already been pre-ordered and sold.
Photos KW and Laffite Automobili
