Time flies, and the first Porsche 911 models of the 997 generation are already well on their way to becoming modern classics. Introduced in July 2004, the sixth generation of the Porsche 911 was the first 911 series in which the Carrera S came standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

While PASM was standard equipment for the Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Turbo, Turbo S, GT3 and GT3 RS, it was available as an optional extra for the other 997 models.

Whoever wanted to lower their Porsche 911 (997) with a PASM suspension using a coilover suspension in the past had to reluctantly say goodbye to the adaptive suspension control. Many who did not want that then had the obvious idea of simply working with lowering springs.

The Result? At first glance, the 911 equipped with the lowering springs in combination with the original PASM dampers certainly looked better, but the driving behavior was no longer Porsche-like. Neither sporty nor dynamic, but somehow too stiff and inharmonious. Somehow the Porsche was no longer a Porsche.

In contrast, those who switched to a coilover suspension with adjustable damper characteristics already had more driving fun, much better driving behavior, and of course even more lowering than with lowering springs. The disadvantage here is that the functions of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the switching between the two damper curves in “Normal” mode and “Sport” mode, are no longer available.

The DDC plug & play is the first PASM-compatible semi-active KW coilover suspension for a Porsche 911 (997)

Now, for the first time at KW, there is also a coilover suspension compatible with PASM: the KW DDC plug & play coilover suspension. Anyone who follows the KW suspensions brand knows that we have had the first semi-active DDC plug & play coilover suspensions in our delivery program since 2011. Unfortunately, it took until 2026 for us to now also have our electronically adjustable coilover suspension available for the Porsche 911 (997).

Previously, we only had it available for the second generation of the Porsche Cayenne (92A) as well as other automobiles from Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Cupra, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Seat, Skoda, Toyota, and Volkswagen. The great advantage of all our KW DDC plug & play coilover suspensions is that they are compatible with the respective on-board electronics of the car manufacturer. So to speak, the KW DDC plug & play also “speaks” PASM.

For this reason, installing the DDC in the Porsche 997 is completely straightforward. Simply remove the original strut units. Then install the KW components. That’s basically it.

If the Porsche already has some mileage on the clock, make sure that the bearings of the control arms are all still in order. It is best to replace them with new parts when having the KW DDC plug & play coilover suspension installed.

The adaptive KW dampers of the plug & play coilover suspension are connected to the original PASM series connectors in the Porsche 911 (997), and the Porsche on-board electronics immediately recognizes the adaptive coilover suspension from KW. No interventions in the on-board electronics are necessary when installing the DDC suspension, which can be restored to original condition at any time.

On the KW DDC plug & play coilover suspension for the Porsche 911 (997), we use an electronic proportional valve directly on the piston rod. Internally, we therefore call the suspension DDC-i. On many other vehicle models, the proportional valve is mounted laterally on the strut or damper.

This is how the KW DDC plug & play coilover suspension is controlled in the Porsche 911 (997)

The PASM-compatible coilover suspension continuously adjusts the damping to the road and the respective driving style. To do this, the signals from the body sensors, steering angle, engine torque, brake pressure, and accelerator pedal position are read. Accordingly, the control unit adjusts the dampers of the KW DDC plug & play coilover suspension for each wheel in real time.

The two PASM driving modes “Normal” and “Sport” also remain available, but the design of the two damper curves is KW-typical. Compared to the standard suspension, the DDC suspension offers a more planted road holding, especially in sporty driving. Quick load changes and high lateral accelerations are processed more controllably. The steering response feels more direct and transparent.

Despite the clear gain in driving dynamics, the ride comfort remains at a high level. In the comfort-oriented Normal mode, the KW DDC plug & play coilover suspension damps bumps significantly more comfortably and is fully suitable for everyday use. But even in Sport mode, a Porsche 911 (997) equipped with it remains at a sporty-comfortable level on fast highway stretches.

In the PASM-compatible damper control of our KW DDC plug & play coilover suspension, the damper curves are dynamically adjusted in both driving modes. Put simply, this means: Even if you are driving in Sport mode on a country road and the asphalt becomes bumpy, you do not have to manually switch to Normal mode. PASM temporarily makes the DDC coilover suspension more comfortable so that the necessary tire grip is maintained.

The parts type approval covers a stepless lowering of 20 – 45 millimeters (Carrera, Carrera S), 20 – 40 millimeters (Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera 4 GTS, Turbo, Turbo S), and 10 – 30 millimeters (Cabriolet), depending on the 997 model.

As with all KW coilover suspensions, the lowering is adjusted manually via the trapezoidal thread on the stainless steel strut units. The KW DDC plug & play coilover suspension for the Porsche 911 (997) with PASM suspension control will be available in the third quarter. The semi-active coilover suspension for the GT3 and GT3 RS of the 997 model range is also in planning.

More on this soon on our KW suspensions website a www.kwsuspensions.com/de-en