Having a completely different driving experience at the push of a button and always benefiting from the ideal suspension setup in real time is no longer a vision of the future. Semi-active suspension systems that adjust damper forces through electronically controlled valves have been established in the market for years.
Back in 2011, KW suspensions introduced the adaptive KW DDC plug & play coilover kits, designed to work seamlessly with various factory electronic damper control systems. We have now developed the KW DDC coilover kit specifically for the Porsche 911 (991) equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).
These semi-active, or adaptive, DDC suspension systems work in conjunction with the original damper control system to deliver the ideal setup at all times, whether you prefer a sporty driving program or long-distance comfort.
Although the electronically controlled PASM suspension found in the Porsche Cayenne (955), Porsche 911 (997), Porsche Boxster (987), and Porsche Cayman (987) includes the word “active” in its name, it is not an active suspension system. The technology works differently.
How the KW DDC plug & play coilover kit works with PASM in the Porsche 911 (991)
Our KW DDC plug & play coilover kit is available for all Porsche 911 (991) models equipped with PASM and built between 2011 and 2019. When ordering the suspension system, owners simply need to determine whether their 911 is equipped with PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) or not, as the KW DDC struts differ for Porsche 991 models fitted with active roll stabilization.
During installation of the adaptive KW DDC plug & play coilover kit, the factory PASM connectors are simply plugged into the corresponding connections on the KW dampers. Once connected, the PASM control unit immediately recognizes the KW coilover kit and assumes full control.
PASM does not actively move the wheels through electric motors or similar actuators. Instead, the suspension electronics continuously analyze signals from body movement sensors, steering angle inputs, engine torque data, brake pressure, and throttle position in real time.
Within milliseconds, the valve inside each ddc damper opens or closes to increase damping force for more control or reduce it for greater comfort. Depending on the selected driving mode, the Porsche 911 remains sporty and balanced, comfort-oriented, or dynamically responsive, even when lowered by as much as 50 millimeters.
As expected from KW, the Porsche remains predictable and confidently controllable even during spirited driving. Even 991 models without active roll stabilization (PDCC) benefit from significantly reduced body roll after installation of the KW DDC plug & play coilover kit.
Vehicle handling is further enhanced as well. During suspension development, KW automotive draws on many years of experience through its close collaboration with Porsche customer racing and Manthey. Various race cars, including the Porsche 911 GT3 R, are factory-equipped with KW Racing suspension systems. Under current racing regulations, motorsport dampers are not permitted to feature electronic adjustment.
Continuously adjustable lowering and compatibility with the optional Porsche Lift System
If the Porsche 911 (991) is equipped with the Porsche front axle lift system, that is no issue. Our KW DDC plug & play coilover kit is also available for Porsche models equipped with this option.
For Porsche 991 models without the factory lift system, we developed our own KW HLS (Hydraulic Lift System) for the front axle. At the push of a button, it raises the front end by up to 45 millimeters, helping drivers clear speed bumps and steep parking garage ramps.
Ride height adjustment itself is achieved through the trapezoidal thread on the adaptive KW DDC plug & play strut assemblies. The adjustment is easiest during installation, but ride height can of course be fine-tuned at any time afterward.
For any subsequent adjustment, we recommend placing the vehicle on a lift and unloading the wheels. Before adjusting the ride height, clean the threaded section above the composite spring perch using a soft plastic brush. Then rotate the spring perch upward and clean the exposed threaded area underneath.
The parts type approval (Teiletypgenehmigung, TTG), which has replaced the former parts certificate in Germany, covers a continuously adjustable lowering range of 25 to 50 millimeters at both the front and rear axles for Porsche 911 models, including facelift variants and all-wheel-drive versions. Turbo and Turbo S models can be lowered between 30 and 45 millimeters at the front axle and between 25 and 40 millimeters at the rear axle.
Additional information about the KW DDC coilover kit is available on the KW suspensions website at: www.kwsuspensions.com
