We designed the ST XTA plus 3 coilover suspension for tuning and track day enthusiasts who demand more than just maximum lowering. With infinitely variable lowering, unibal bearings, three-way adjustable dampers, and racing springs, it’s perfectly suited for any enthusiast.

For nearly all VW Golf 8 models, including front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions, facelift models, the GTI, GTI Clubsport, and R, the ST XTA plus 3 coilover suspension is now available. It also fits eTSI models, with the exception of the Golf 8 Variant (estate).

The ST suspensions XTA plus 3 features top mounts pre-mounted on the front axle struts. Its unibal bearings enhance steering precision compared to conventional rubber-metal strut mounts and allow for camber adjustment. Additionally, we include shorter coupling rods with all VW Golf 8 kits.

According to the parts certificate, the VW Golf 8 can be lowered continuously between 45 and 60 millimeters. However, the factory-lowered VW Golf GTI, GTI Clubsport, and Golf 8 R models have an adjustment range of 30 to 45 millimeters on both axles. This results in a total lowering of 60 millimeters relative to the base model Golf 8.

The ST XTA plus 3 coilover suspension for the VW Golf 8 R and similar models utilizes our three-way adjustable performance dampers, consistent with our approach in KW Clubsport applications, KW Racing suspensions, and original equipment developments.

Coilover kits featuring dampers with independent adjustments for high-speed compression, low-speed compression, and low-speed rebound provide a much broader range of suspension design possibilities. Installing an ST XTA plus 3 coilover suspension on a VW Golf 8 will dramatically enhance the driving dynamics and cornering speed.

With the XTA plus 3, you can switch from a sports tire setup on the road to a trackday setup with semi-slicks, or back again, in just a few simple steps. This ease of adjustment is due to each click on our coilovers immediately changing the handling of your Golf 8 R. Like KW coilover kits, we always deliver our ST coilovers with a pre-adjusted basic setting. Each of the separately adjustable high-speed and low-speed compression damping valves features 24 click settings, with each click altering the spring preload and valve cross-sections.

Drivers can fine-tune the Golf 8 R’s rolling comfort, steering response, body control, and tire grip independently. The dual-stage adjustable compression valves are directly integrated into the rear axle damper housings or the front axle strut housings, at the base. This design eliminates the need for external reservoirs or piggyback systems.

High-speed compression damping manages rapid, short-duration impacts, like those encountered with potholes, expansion joints, or closely spaced bumps. This ensures consistent tire contact with the road, maintaining vehicle stability during these quick movements. Increasing high-speed compression damping enhances control and minimizes suspension bottoming.

Conversely, low-speed compression damping governs slower, more sustained vehicle movements, such as those encountered during gentle undulations or cornering. It also influences the Golf’s pitch during acceleration, braking, and launch. Increasing low-speed compression enhances responsiveness and reduces body roll, further improving handling and directional stability.

Increased damping settings result in the Golf 8 R exhibiting improved road holding and heightened steering precision. Conversely, decreasing damping forces by opening the valves enhances ride comfort. This enables the Volkswagen to better absorb road irregularities, providing a more compliant ride, especially advantageous on uneven surfaces or for long-distance travel.

Independent of the compression valves, the rebound valve, with its 16 adjustment clicks, provides another avenue for fine-tuning driving dynamics. An adjustment spindle inserted into the piston rod controls this. A higher rebound setting accelerates rebound, enhancing handling and agility. Conversely, a lower setting slows rebound, improving comfort and smoothing steering response.

As an option, the ST XTA plus 3 coilover suspension can be ordered with colored springs, individual lettering and additional springs with a different spring rate.

Simply select the desired color in our webshop, enter your preferred text, and place your order. This service is available not only at www.st-suspensions.net, but also through our local specialist retail partners.